APDSF organizes its annual AGM in various countries so as to reach out to the local population and provide them support through the expertise held by the members. Last year the AGM was at Nepal where training was provided by experts from APDSF – Speech Therapists, Adult rehab professionals, Special Educators, counsellors and pediatrician- to the local therapists. The event was a success with follow-up online sessions being planned for these local therapists to hone their skills. There was a lot of learning and sharing of information that happened at the AGM.

APDSF would like to connect with the local bodies in order to provide guidance through the expertise of member countries to benefit the local population. At Malaysia too APDSF is holding hands with local support groups to further the cause and provide as much information and support as we can. The local bodies also showcase the talent of their self-advocates with Down syndrome to the representatives from the various countries so they can also learn and take back some experiences.

We have a Medical Committee Meeting chaired by Dr. Bhavani Sriram from Singapore, where we discuss the various medical issues in member countries and the solutions thereof. We have each country presenting their reports and the APDSF AGM.

The meetings are for 2 days . One day where we have the Medical Committee Meeting and the country reports and the next day, we have the AGM. We usually also organize a tour of the city for the guests where they can go for local sight-seeing/shopping etc.

This year APDSF plans to make the AGM more encompassing.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO FOR APDSF AGM 2024

  • Last year at our AGM in Kathmandu, we had done a camp for therapists from Nepal who had come from all parts of the country and experts from the APDSF had conducted sessions for them. Based on the requirement of the local bodies, we would like to organize something that would benefit the Malaysian team.
  • There are also plans for self-advocacy sessions by persons with Down syndrome they can interact and discuss various things relevant amongst them with a moderator. We are also looking at having a meet and greet with the local parents and self-advocates where interaction among the various delegates and local population will help understand the various developments that we can take back to our respective countries.
  • We also intend organize an art exhibition by our self-advocates with Down syndrome from across the Asia Pacific region. Curated by noted curator Ms. Esther Joosa, this is one program that would be an experience to remember for all the parents and self-advocates attending the event.

We intend the AGM at Kualalampur to be a learning experience for all countries that attend the event. A Zoom meeting was convened to understand what delegates wanted to discuss at the meeting and a lot of positive points emerged. To know more CLICK HERE

APDSF AGM 2024

  • The venue for the AGM is Hotel Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade, a Four star property, which is about 45 minutes from the  International Airport.
  • The check in would be on the 5th of December and check out on the 8th of December 2024.
  • Only two (2) members from each country would be hosted by the APDSF
    • Please share the names of the participants of the AGM LATEST BY 30th JUNE 2024 to enable us make the necessary arrangements. Fill in the details in the form link provided – https://forms.gle/11NRQcvFkr4WcWh39
    • If there are other members who would like to come for the event, they need to make their own arrangements
  • We would be requesting for flight details closer to the event for providing airport pick-up and drop for the two registered members.
  • The rooms will be provided on a twin sharing basis to all participants.
  • The Medical Committee Meeting will be organized on the 6th of December 2024 and the AGM would be on the 7th of December 2024. Detailed agenda would be shared closer to the date of the event
  • This time, we are planning an art session for self-advocates with Down syndrome. We would like to know how many self-advocates from your country would like to participate?
    • Please note, the arrangements for their stay and travel will have to be made by them
    • They would be given an opportunity to learn and also showcase their art work at the venue