First European Congress on Down Syndrome in
Bosnia and Herzegovina

April 06, 2009

„New knowledge and practical achievements in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Down syndrome; progress in research, medical and psychosocial health-care and education“

 

Congress' Conclusions

Introduction

- First European Congress on Down Syndrome in BiH reached its goal completely. Parents and professionals were encouraged throughout presentations and discussions to initiate new programmes in field of health and education.
- Each session provided essential information on given topics.
- 180 registered participants and 32 lecturers attended the Congress supported by team of 15 persons involved in organisation and simultaneous translation.
- Participation of experts from Europe was essential: Director of Down Syndrome Research Centre in England, Mr. Frank Buckley, Director of International Down Syndrome Organisation, Mr. Pat Clark and President of European association of Down Syndrome, Mrs. Cora Halder.

Conclusions refer to different aspects of observing people with D.s.

Genetic Aspects:

1. Statistically, same number of children with D.s. are still being born in spite of modern prenatal diagnosis all over the world. Our aim is to assist in improving health of people with D.s. and their regular check ups done by high standards.
2. More and more experts in genetic worldwide conduct researches in Trisomy 21. We can hope that one day the results of these researches will contribute physical and mental development of people with D.s.
3. Establishment of database on the number of people with D.s. at all levels (cantonal, ethnical and state) is a foundation for better creation / organisation of different services for support of children with D.s.

Medical aspects:

1. Enabling continous and systematic follow-up of health wellbeing of person with D.s. by introduction of European and world standards. Providing children with access to all specific laboratory tests.
2. Parents need to be educated on proper nutrition of their children and importance of constant sport training and the association should develop programmes in that regard

Educational aspect:

1. The establishment of the Program of Early Intervention is of crucial importance as a requirement for successful development of a child and a basis for good inclusive education. It is necessary to initiate the implementation of current legal regulations.
2. Educational and psychological strengthening of parents and families of children with D.s. in order to obtain better social inclusion in general.
3. In spite of legal regulations which enable inclusion of children with D.s. in regular schools, there is still just a small number of them included. Therefore, it is important to put additional effort to make the regular educational system become more inclusive. It is necessary to adopt new legal regulations which will enable greater support for schools and families and at the same time insist on good education.
4. In process of establishment of inclusive education, it is essential to link relevant ministries (health, education, social politics) and local community.

Independence and social inclusion

1. Exercising the right on professional rehabilitation, education and employment of people with D.s. should be treated as a primary human right. Professional orientation programmes within different school subjects in primary school should be developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.
2. Coordinate and support programmes that will considerably contribute to the improvement of the status of people with D.s. through a multidisciplinary approach in professional rehabilitation and employment.

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