Commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day 2021: Families are the Key to Success

  • Commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day 2021: Families are the Key to Success
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Writer :
Humas Dit. Penyandang Disabilitas
Editor :
Aryokta Ismawan
Translator :
Intan Qonita N

JAKARTA (March 20, 2021) - Director of Social Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Affairs, RI, Eva Rahmi Kasim, attended the commemoration of the World Down Syndrome Day event organized by the Down Syndrome Care Community (KPDS) and Oxone Indonesia.

World Down Syndrome Day which is commemorated every March 21 is an annual opportunity for global Down Syndrome to connect with various ideas, experiences, knowledge, empower one another, advocate and reach positive change, equal rights for Down Syndrome.

Eva Rahmi Kasim said that Down Syndrome is included in a variety of intellectual disabilities. Down Syndrome is a condition of impaired physical and intellectual function of children caused by chromosomal abnormalities. The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) Program for Persons with Disabilities provides support for families who have children with Down Syndrome.

"Down syndrome children are entrusted by God to special parents whom He has chosen, because God has the best plan for them. In the hands of great parents who continuously pay attention to their child's growth and development, provide the best care and upbringing for children, providing the same opportunities as children who For other activities, children's best talents continue to be explored, so that children can grow and develop and be active like other children," Eva explained.

Furthermore, Eva gave the example of Stephanie Handoyo (Fani) who was born with Down Syndrome but can grow and develop like any other child. Fani even has a myriad of achievements at the international level that can't be achieved even by non-Down Syndrome children.

Eva named Fani as a gold medal holder in the Special Olympics in swimming, as well as a torchbearer at the London Olympics several years ago and as a World Youth Ambassador. In addition, Fani also has a reliable ability as a piano player who has been invited to various world music concerts and is also good at cooking and a myriad of other achievements.

This cannot be separated from the care of a mother, namely Maria, who patiently seeks and tries to do the best for Fani. Not only that, Mama Fani also formed a Down Syndrome Care Community (KPDS) to share information and strengthen and advocate for the interests of Down Syndrome children.

"The Ministry of Social Affairs expresses its gratitude to those who have tried to always increase their concern for Down Syndrome. They come from the business world, parents, families, and communities such as KPDS," said Eva.

The presence of a community like KPDS is very much needed as a forum for sharing information about what, why and how to deal with Down Syndrome children so that they can strengthen each other. In addition, the existence of KPDS is also an effort to create a network in an effort to grow the special talents of Down Syndrome children in all fields.

On this occasion, Eva also said that the Covid-19 vaccine specifically for Persons with Disabilities for the DKI Jakarta area had been prepared by the Ministry of SOEs. "Please send complete data on Persons with Disabilities and the types of disabilities collectively to the Ministry of Social Affairs," explained Eva.

Also attending today's event, Assistant Deputy for Child Protection for Special Conditions of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Elvi Hendrani, who revealed that the commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic must be carried out virtually.

"Through this warning, it is hoped that it will give meaning that the world cares about Down Syndrome. And also convince the public about the special talents you have that need assistance so that no more children with special needs are neglected," said Elvi.

Maria Yustina, representing KPDS appealed to all levels of society to continue to foster the spirit of children with special needs. "Children with Down Syndrome need full guidance and support from their families and the environment around them. Many of their parents are trying hard and never give up in order to achieve progress," said Maria.

The celebration of Down Syndrome Day with the theme "Donut Never Give Up" was enlivened by a virtual Hands On Baking Loukoumades (making donuts without kneading) which was attended by children and their families.

The live event for making donuts hosted by Chef Diana Cahya, Jesslyn Lim and Stephanie Handoyo was chosen because although cooking requires precision and perseverance, Down Syndrome children can do it with enthusiasm. The donuts are the menu of choice because they are considered easy and are liked by many children.

It is hoped that by being directly involved in making these donuts, Down Syndrome children feel confident that we can and are able to carry out activities and achieve as other children.
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