Congress Highlights – Easy Read

Down Syndrome Australia was excited to host the World Down Syndrome Congress 2024.

The Congress was in Brisbane from July 9-12.

Nearly 1,000 people came from over 45 countries.

We had a week of presentations, social activities and performances.

Over 120 people with Down syndrome also went to the Self-Advocates Day.

Congress began with an opening ceremony.

There was a Welcome to Country, a flag ceremony, and speeches.

The co-chairs of the ceremony were Claire Mitchell and Ruth Faragher.

They did a great job!

At Congress over 200 speakers spoke about

• health
• education
• family life
• learning new skills
• speaking up for yourself.

It was great to hear the personal stories of people with Down syndrome.

There were also:

• dance and music performances
• film screenings
• art and poster displays.

On the last day, there was a closing ceremony.

We heard that the next World Down Syndrome Congress will be in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2027.

The best part of Congress was meeting friends from around the world.