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Happy World Down Syndrome Day! |
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Today is a global celebration, highlighting the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome and advocating for their rights and inclusion.
This year's theme, "End the Stereotypes," is all about breaking down barriers that limit people with Down syndrome from living the lives they want.
The World Down Syndrome Congress aligns with this mission, working with families, advocates, researchers and health professionals to end the stigma and stereotypes surrounding Down Syndrome.
Interested in being a part of this transformative change? Join us at the World Down Syndrome Congress, hosted in Brisbane, Australia from 9-12 July 2024. |
| Register Now |
| Celebrating our Organising Committee Members! |
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Ruth, 26 years old, has completed a Certificate 3 in early childhood education and care. Her passion lies in working with children and her ultimate goal is to become the centre manager of her own childcare business. Ruth has travelled the world, delivering presentations about Down syndrome and advocating for increased understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities. |
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Claire Mitchell is a dedicated self-advocate, driven by her passion for representing people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Clare is the first Independent Director with Down syndrome on the Down Syndrome Australia Board. She also actively participates in the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) and currently serves on an NDIA Participant Reference Group (PRG). |
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Claire wants more people to recognise the important ways people with intellectual disabilities enrich their communities. She advocates for inclusive support systems that help them join in fully. Claire also believes in staying positive and working together as a team to give everyone the best support outcomes possible. |
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Charlotte Woodward joins the Program |
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Charlotte Woodward is a young woman with Down syndrome who has undergone four open-heart surgeries and a life-saving heart transplant. She works at the National Down Syndrome Society as an Education Program Associate. As the third registered lobbyist with Down syndrome, she pushes for important laws at both state and federal levels
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that affect people with disability. There is currently a bill in both the House and the Senate of the U.S. Congress named after her: the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act.
Charlotte recently graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, focusing on Inequality and Social Change. Her studies and her work complement each other perfectly - as a sociologist, she looks at the inequalities in society affecting people with disabilities, and as an advocate, she uses this knowledge to bring about positive changes. Charlotte is passionate about standing up for the human and civil rights of all people with Down syndrome. She often writes and speaks on issues important to the disability community. |
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Get to know Charlotte a little bit more! |  |
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Our Preliminary Program is available |  |
Get ready for a fantastic Congress program – full of great speakers, learning and lots of fun! Stay tuned for more exciting updates soon. |
| Preliminary Program |
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Extend your trip to Brisbane! |
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If you’re travelling to WDSC 2024 why not make the most of your visit and explore more of Queensland. Moreton Island is a 75 minute catamaran cruise from Brisbane and home to crystal clear waters, quad bike adventures, sand tobogganing and nature walks. For more inspiration visit Tourism and Events Queensland. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland. |
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Diamond Sponsor |
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Gold Sponsor |
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Technology Sponsor |
 | Bronze Sponsor |
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Exhibitors |
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