The conference targets people working with children with Down Syndrome, doctors and healthcare providers, academics and researchers interested in this disorder
Jordan - Issues and needs of children with Down Syndrome will be discussed in the first regional conference on the congenital condition beginning March 13 in the capital.
The four-day conference, organised by the Jordan Society for Children with Down Syndrome, will host experts from Sweden and the Middle East to shed light on how to improve the quality of life of children with Down Syndrome and their families.
"Since we have little experience in providing services for these children, we have to learn from successful examples around us, such as the Swedish experience, and see how far we can apply it here taking into consideration cultural differences," said Annie Mezagopian, head of the society.
People often link the disorder with other mental and physical retardation, and therefore children with Down Syndrome are not given the right services and programmes. "We want to change the society's misconceptions and attitudes regarding this disorder, and identify together what their needs are," Mezagopian explained.
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an additional third chromosome 21, or "trisomy 21. It is the most frequent genetic cause of mild to moderate mental retardation and associated medical problems and occurs in one out of 800 live births, according to US National Down Syndrome Society
The conference targets people working with children with Down Syndrome, doctors and healthcare providers, academics and researchers interested in this disorder, according to Mezagopian. Since its establishment in 1998, the society has been working to identify the needs of people with Down Syndrome and the possible programmes and approaches that can be adopted in the country. "The society was established by parents of children with the disorder, based on the belief that their children deserve better opportunities and education," Mezagopian told The Jordan Times.
The regional event is being held in cooperation with the ministries of health, education, and social development. It brings together professionals and experts from Sweden, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria, Palestine and Jordan. During the event, participants will visit the University of Jordan, the Jordan University of Science and Technology and Muta University.
For Further Information contact:
Annie Mezagopian (President)
Tel: 079 6600087
Madeleine Mezagopian (Vice President)
Tel: 079 5721350
e-mail address: jordandownsyndrome@yahoo.com
By Reem Halasa
© Jordan Times 2005
