A warm welcome to the Georgian Down Syndrome Association, the newest member of EDSA. At the annual meeting in Madrid we could welcome two representatives of this organisation, who gave us a detailed report on their work and the situation of people with DS in Georgia. Here you will find a description of the organisation and its activities.
Foundation GDSA in 2017
The Georgian Down Syndrome Association, a public organization, was founded on January 16, 2017, by parents and an adult with Down syndrome.
Over the years, parents, together or individually, have helped raise public awareness about Down Syndrome by lobbying for various legislative initiatives in government agencies. Voluntarily supported parents in Tbilisi and the regions formed self-help groups with their participation, disseminated information, and more.
Digital Database
Over the years, a fairly large database has been created across the country about individuals with Down Syndrome and their families and other supporters. Using this database, our association is able to send reminders to individuals with Down syndrome via email and text message regarding the immunisations and exams that are mandated by the medical protocol. The association has its representative office in the Adjara region.
The association covers more than 800 families throughout Georgia.
Our Association has 24-hour psycho-emotional and informational support for parents of children with Down syndrome.
2325 parents are members of the parents‘ club of the association.
In 2019-2023, over 4,000 parents benefited from free counseling.
It should be noted that the association advocates not only for people with Down Syndrome, but also works in this area on the issues of people with disabilities in general.
The association has 5 program directions:
- Independent living support program for individuals with down syndrome
- Support program for families of individuals with down syndrome
- Health and Social Protection program
- Training and development program
- Public relations program
Some interesting projects:
Babale is among the leading locations in Georgia where individuals with intellectual disabilities gain income, develop an income-generating experience, and become accustomed to living independently. First of all, existence of this enterprise encourages other businesses to create inclusive environment and decrease the level of unemployment. https://downsyndrome.ge/en/babale
Gigo’s fund Gigo Shiukashvili, a young guy with Down syndrome, and the founders of the Georgian Down Syndrome Association established “Gigo’s Fund” in 2018.
The main goal of the fund is: To protecting and care for people with Down syndrome across all of their life phases through access to quality healthcare and timely developmental support. https://downsyndrome.ge/en/gigos-fund
Program Seven Plus
The Georgian Down Syndrome Association, with the support of the European Foundation, has created a new program called “Seven Plus” with the objective of transforming adolescents with Down syndrome (ages 7 to 18) into dignified and equal members of society. https://downsyndrome.ge/en/7-plus