Autism & Down Syndrome awareness campaign
The National Trust, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment organized a Mass awareness programme on Down syndrome and Autism today at 100 traffic signals across the Capital and NCR region from 8 A.M. to 11 A.M. this morning. A large number of NGOs working in the field of Disability participated in the effort.
The Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Lov Verma also participated in the Campaign and joined the efforts of Volunteers at busy traffic junction near I.I.T. Fly-over in South Delhi.
2nd April is celebrated as World Autism day and 21st March as World Down Syndrome day. National Trust, with the help of families and NGOs, makes use of this occasion to spread awareness and understanding of these human conditions and dispel ignorance about them including gross underestimation of their capacities.
It may be mentioned here that Down syndrome people have one extra chromosome (47 instead of 46 chromosomes) in their body which affects the development of their brain. However, the people with the above conditions can learn many needed skills that are required to live a fuller life. They can learn simple vocational skills and become productive members of the society. A small percentage of people with autism can also cope with more complex demands of academic learning.
