AWARENESS
KDSP’s primary mission is to raise awareness about Down syndrome amongst the masses to transform their mindsets. The larger aim is to create an inclusive society where people with Down syndrome are included, recognized for their abilities, and are provided access to equal opportunities. Awareness raising activities at KDSP are conducted through various means, including:
KDSP’s Annual Awareness Campaign
October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM) globally. KDSP conducts its annual awareness campaign every year in October. In 2022, the annual awareness campaign was titled “Pyaar Baanto”. The campaign aimed to spread the message of love, inclusion, and diversity. It not only focused on celebrating the lives of individuals with Down syndrome but also aimed to raise awareness for their right to inclusion in mainstream society.
As part of the campaign, KDSP released its anthem, “Pyaar Baanto”. The anthem is a catchy tune about spreading love; it is produced by Ali Hamza Production House, directed by Zeeshan Parvez and sung by acclaimed singers: Ali Hamza, Haroon Shahid, Natasha Noorani, Nafisa Khalid, and Bilal Ali
Click here to view the video.
KDSP Carnival
Every year KDSP organises a carnival for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. The Carnival is an all-inclusive event which features exciting games and activities for all children. These include puppet shows, dance competitions, magic shows, and a variety of food and craft stalls.
Click here to view the video.
Goodwill and Inclusion Ambassadors
With KDSP’s ever-expanding initiatives, we hope to engage with a wider audience and create awareness about Down syndrome on a larger scale through the guidance and support of our goodwill and inclusion ambassadors. Our goodwill ambassadors (link to ambassadors page) (https://www.kdsp.org.pk/about/ambassadors.php) include Ali Hamza, Shafaat Ali, Sidra Iqbal, and Hassan Rizvi. We have a number of staunch supporters in our inclusion ambassador program as well.
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Visit our ambassador’s page to find out more about our Goodwill and inclusion ambassadors.
Awareness and Outreach
KDSP regularly conducts awareness sessions at schools, organisations, and hospitals. These sessions focus on raising awareness about Down syndrome in specific and the need for an inclusive society in general. Through the use of an interactive activity and a preferred language guide, the sessions aim to sensitise the audience about Down syndrome. These awareness sessions also shed light over KDSP’s work and how others can contribute in our journey of creating an inclusive society for individuals with Down syndrome.
Visit to KDSP / Guided Tours
Visits to the KDSP Learning Center KDSP and KDSP Development Center are arranged for university students and employees from various organisations. These visits include an awareness session followed by a facility tour and an engaging arts and crafts session with individuals with Down syndrome. KDSP also conducts guided tours for the public; the main aim of opening our doors to the public is to educate people regarding Down syndrome and to clarify the various misconceptions associated with the condition. Our visitors love coming over, interacting with our young stars, and shopping at the Lehr Shop!
Media Presence
The KDSP Team makes multiple television, radio, and social media appearances to spread the message of inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in mainstream society. We also join hands with a number of social media influencers and artists from the Pakistani media industry who help us further our message of sharing love irrespective of individual differences. This also helps us connect with families of individuals with Down syndrome who are currently not a part of KDSP’s family network.
Conferences
KDSP participates in local and international research conferences based on topics that align with what the organisation works for. This is not only a means to create awareness but it also helps ensure that the implementation of our work is more effective and context-based.
Awareness Sessions
KDSP regularly conducts awareness sessions at schools and organizations, such as; Beaconhouse, Institute of Business Administration, Proctor & Gamble and Sehat Kahani. The session sensitizes the students and employees on what Down syndrome is, the preferred language guide, the value of treating them with kindness and respect and the importance of including them as part of our society.
Guided Tours
KDSP opened its doors to the public in an effort to educate people regarding Down syndrome and to clarify the myths associated with the genetic condition. Participants who were part of the tour also get a chance to tour the facility, learn about the services offered by KDSP and how they can make a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
KDSP has recently introduced employee engagement as part of its guided tour, whereby companies can choose to visit KDSP to conduct workshops or activities with individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Family Network Outreach Campaign
According to estimates there are approximately 20,000 to 30,000 individuals with Down syndrome living in Karachi. Out of this, only 840 individuals are currently connected with KDSP. The campaign was launched in February 2019 with the goal to connect with individuals with Down syndrome and their families who are currently not part of KDSP’s Family Network and to help them benefit from the required timely interventions and other services offered by KDSP. The goal is being achieved by reaching out to various hospitals, special schools, organizations working for persons with disabilities, whilst also making television and radio show appearances.rvices offered by KDSP and how they can make a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Campaign
October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM) and KDSP set out to incite change for an "inclusive tomorrow” Organizations and schools were encouraged to create "A Ripple of Change Today, A Wave of Inclusion Tomorrow" - creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome by stepping forward to make a difference to transform lives and mindsets."
TA few highlights as part of the campaign included KDSP’s collaboration with Espresso to help pave the way for an inclusive and equitable society. Awareness Sessions were conducted throughout the month with organizations such as: Ismail Industries Limited, Soorty Enterprises, 10 Pearls, AAA Hospitality, Orange Tree Foundation, Legal Aid Society and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zaid School."
KDSP's Goodwill Ambassadors, Ali Hamza and Hasan Rizvi also visited KDSP for Music &. Movement and Paper Craft classes and the day was full of joy, sweet laughter and warm hearts!
