Member State Sponsor
Permanent Mission of Djibouti to the United Nations
Organizer and Co-Sponsor
Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam)
Additional Co-Sponsor
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Event Description
This year’s theme for International Down Syndrome Awareness Day is “Improve Our Support Systems.” This event will bring together persons with Down Syndrome and their families, experts, and advocates to discuss the kinds of support systems needed to ensure that persons with Down Syndrome and their families are welcomed and supported in society.
Speakers
Deborah Fidler, Ph.D., Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University. Dr. Fidler focuses her work on describing the effects of specific neurogenetic conditions on development and translating this knowledge into new interventions and educational opportunities that support learning, independence and wellbeing.
Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, Simone’s Oasis Foundation, Founder and CEO. Tonye is an advocate for all children with special needs. Through her “Special Mums Africa” podcast Tonye raises awareness about special needs children refuting superstition and stigma around these special children. Tonye is the author of the Ugo and Sim Sim book series that helps educate children on Down syndrome.
Gigi Gianni (Self-Advocate) and Nancy Gianni, Founder and Chief Belief Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse. Author of #GenerationG, GiGi’s Playhouse Mission and Purpose, to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.
Misty Coy Snyder, Founder, Happiness is Down Syndrome and Creative Director for Global Outreach & Advancement for Down syndrome at RODS Heroes
Moderator: Stefano Gennarini, J.D., VP for Legal Studies, C-Fam
Yours sincerely,
