The National Executive Director of Down Syndrome South Africa, Elaine Passmoor, joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Family Focus to talk about Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which is highlighted annually during October. 

Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) endeavours to empower families through the dissemination of information and encourages research in the fields of early intervention, education, medical aspects and employment. Its ongoing mission is to bring South Africa in line with world trends in the field of Down syndrome and to see to it that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNRPD) is recognised and honoured in all spheres.

Each year on World Down Syndrome Day (21 March annually and 20 October – National Down Syndrome Awareness Day), DSSA raises awareness on key issues affecting persons with Down syndrome and DSSA is able to convey new information on Down syndrome to the South African public. It is hoped that this will create new opportunities for the thousands of children in our country who have up to now been greatly underestimated and stigmatised.