African Down Syndrome Network

29/05/2026

COSP19
Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) and the Africa Down Syndrome Network (ADSN), in partnership with the South African Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), are proud to present our COSP19 side event:

Nothing About Us Without Us: Self-Advocates Moving from Participation to Representation

📅 Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026
🕚 Time: 11:30am – 12:45pm (EST)
💻 Format: Online Webinar

As the world reflects on 20 years of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), this self-advocate-led side event will explore how persons with intellectual disabilities are moving from participation to meaningful representation in leadership, advocacy, and decision-making spaces.

The event will feature self-advocates with Down syndrome from across Africa sharing their experiences, perspectives, and recommendations for change.

We are also honoured to welcome Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, as our special guest speaker, who will reflect on the journey of the CRPD and the progress made in advancing disability rights globally.

This is an important opportunity to hear directly from self-advocates and to strengthen the call for greater inclusion, leadership, and representation of persons with intellectual disabilities.

📲 Scan the QR code on the poster or register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kUJQ9G5XSbuyr2PU_niboA

28/05/2026

The Africa Down Syndrome Network (ADSN), in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and funded by the Disability Rights Fund, successfully concluded Day Two and the final day of our Capacity Building Workshop on the key principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the African Disability Protocol (ADP).

Today’s session focused specifically on the African Disability Protocol (ADP), highlighting the importance of strengthening disability rights and inclusion within the African context and ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in all areas of society.

A huge thank you to the African Disability Alliance for their insightful and engaging presentation, which contributed greatly to the learning and discussions throughout the day. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Justice Jody Kollapen for his valuable presentation on Human Rights Mechanisms and the important role they play in advancing and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

Over the two days, participants engaged in meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and strengthened their understanding of dignity, equality, participation, and the rights of persons with disabilities — including persons with intellectual disabilities.

We thank all participants, facilitators, partners, and supporters for their commitment to building a more inclusive Africa where no one is left behind.

27/05/2026

The Africa Down Syndrome Network (ADSN), in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and funded by the Disability Rights Fund, successfully hosted Day One of our Capacity Building Workshop on the key principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the African Disability Protocol (ADP).

The workshop focused on strengthening understanding of disability rights, inclusion, participation, dignity, equality, and the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities — including persons with intellectual disabilities — are meaningfully included in decision-making and society.

We look forward to the continued learning, engagement, and collaboration over the next session as we work together towards a more inclusive Africa where no one is left behind.

25/05/2026

21/05/2026

At the Emirates Sports Centre.

21/05/2026

Our Secretariat, Mrs Ancella Ramjas, visited our Chairperson, Mr Ali Jookhun from Down Syndrome Mauritius. They met at the Emirates Sports Centre, the first centre in Mauritius to open its doors free of charge to adults with Down syndrome — creating opportunities for inclusion, health, confidence, and belonging.

Adults are supported by dedicated coaches in gym training, swimming, and Zumba classes — a wonderful example of inclusion in action.

We are also incredibly proud to share that Mrs Ancella Ramjas was awarded a certificate in recognition of her hard work, dedication, and commitment. Her passion and continuous efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of persons with Down syndrome and their families.

Congratulations, Ancella, and sincere thanks to everyone helping to build more inclusive communities where everyone belongs.

18/05/2026

Neo Nkele Roberta nd her family are embarking on a walk to raise awareness nd funds for Down Syndrome Association of Botswana..Your support in this course is most welcome nd appreciated..

You are also welcome to partake in the walk or sponsor someone to walk if you cannot do it..We appreciate the love nd support..Together we can..

04/05/2026

30/04/2026

29/04/2026

Wishing Dean Daries a very happy birthday!

Today we celebrate the wonderful Dean Daries, who was born on 28 April 1955 in Heidelberg, Cape, where she spent most of her life. She now lives in Plumstead, Cape Town with her eldest sister.

Dean is the second eldest of seven siblings and is truly the heart of her family — the centre point that keeps everyone connected.

She enjoys knitting, doing puzzles, and collecting beautiful covered books for her writing — she lovingly calls these special books her “Bibles.”

Dean has a deep love for people and truly enjoys being surrounded by others, sharing laughter, conversation, and companionship.

At 71 years old, Dean is also one of the oldest known persons with Down syndrome in South Africa — a beautiful reminder of resilience, love, and the importance of celebrating every life and every milestone.

Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and celebration, Dean. May this new year bring you happiness and many beautiful memories.