WAM DUBAI, 22nd March, 2014 (WAM)–H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Protection of the Rights of People with Disabilities, has attended here on Friday, the celebration held by UAE Down Syndrome Association at The Dubai Mall, coinciding with World Down Syndrome Day, 21st March.
Themed, ï؟ ½I want health care’ the walkathon was opened in the presence of Sheikh Mansour at The Dubai Mall with participation of Dubai Police band, 200 people with Down Syndrome in addition to their families took.
Sheikh Mansour called on the Association and volunteers to increase awareness on integrating those with the down syndrome into the community through highlighting their innovations and skills. He congratulated the Association on being accredited by Down Syndrome International in recognition to its efforts.
Sonia Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the UAE Down Syndrome Association said, "Marking World Down Syndrome Day is the best way to build awareness in the community. The event highlights the talents of people with Down Syndrome and teaches them about their rights." Down syndrome (DS) also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is typically associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features and mild to moderate intellectual disability. The average IQ of a young adult with Down syndrome is 50, equivalent to the mental age of an 8 or 9 year old child, but this varies widely.
WAM/Majok
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