Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome

Dear Supporters,

Our family network has expanded to encompass 1904 families! With your generous support will be providing even more services to the Down syndrome community! We are delighted to share exciting news of our students, from education programs as they start their new journey into the real world, followed by programmatic highlights from each service area at KDSP.

• Danish, Zahra and Rahim from our Education for Life Program landed internships at Habib University and Engro Fertilizers this summer!
• 21 children graduated from the Early Preschool Experience Program (EPEP) Batch of 2023. 

Healthcare

KDSP’s healthcare program provides access to medical care for individuals with Down Syndrome, through multiple in-house clinics, camps and also assists in referrals and supports families financially.

• 91 children benefited from in-house Developmental Pediatric Clinics and General Pediatric Clinics at KDSP.
• 6 life-saving treatments and medical procedures sponsored by KDSP
• 37 children benefited from healthcare consultations at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and Indus Hospital.
• KDSP partnered with Ziauddin Hospital and Dr. Hina Hearing Institute, ensuring holistic care for individuals with Down syndrome.
• NRQ Dental held a dental hygiene camp for children with Down syndrome and parents, addressing oral health risks and offering engaging activities, consultations, and hygiene tips

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)

KDSP offers Early Childhood Intervention (Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy) to individuals with Down syndrome aged 0-7 years.

• 157 Occupational Therapy sessions were scheduled.
• 153 Physical Therapy sessions were scheduled.
• 173 Speech Therapy sessions were scheduled.
• 19 new children enrolled in ECI therapies.
• Parent Orientation Sessions-  A series of 5 sessions were conducted for parents of children enrolled in Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) therapies. 
• Sensory Integration Workshop led by Senior Occupational Therapist Ms. Nighat Tahir focused on "Sensory Integration" for ECI therapists.
• Liaquat National Hospital's students visited KDSP and shared therapy activities to be used with children in therapy sessions.

Awareness

Multiple awareness sessions were conducted with schools and organizations, reaching over 200 individuals.The aim was to raise awareness about Down syndrome and foster greater sensitivity among the audiences towards the cause supported by KDSP.

• Zhalay Sarhadi (Pakistani actor), officials from the U.S. Consulate, and the British High Commission visited KDSP facilities and got to learn more about our mission.
• Engagement activities were held for organization employees’ from Tapal and Engro and they had fun interacting with our wonderful individuals with Down syndrome.

Family Support

KDSP provides support and a safe space for the parents of individuals with Down syndrome where they can come together, share and collectively process and address their challenges and concerns.

• 135 new families have registered via Family First Contact meetings.
• 54 parents received support through the 'Humrahi' program ( Parent Peer Counselors)
• 75 participants benefited from informational and emotional family support group sessions.
• 154 households were supported with one-time ration packs during Ramadan (The ninth month of the Islamic calendar) by KDSP.
• KDSP hosted an Eid Milan (Get Together) Party for families to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid.
• Mum Tum aur Hum provided an interactive bonding games session for mothers and children with Down syndrome. Sibling Serenity offered a therapeutic yoga and meditation session, for siblings of individuals with Down syndrome.
• 50 families were facilitated to get Special Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and Disability Certificates for their children. The camp was a collaboration with Network of Organizations Working For People With Disabilities Pakistan (NOWPDP).

Education:

45 children benefited from the Early Preschool Experience Program (EPEP), Program for Inclusion Education (PIE) and Tailored Assistance Program (TAP) at KDSP.

• 21 children graduated from Early Preschool Experience Program (EPEP) Batch of 2023.
• Annual Resource Teacher Training - A 10-day training was conducted for the recently hired resource teachers who are part of PIE.
• The TAP team planned a Watermelon Day for the students, in a fun-filled and informative way. The students learned numeracy, literacy skills and life skills through engaging in creative watermelon-themed activities.
• Program Orientation was held as TAP's policies have been revised, so parents were invited to an orientation where they were briefed about every policy and answered any queries they had about the new system.

Skills Development:

139 children and adults with Down syndrome benefited from 27 running Skills Development Programs at KDSP. Danish, Zahra and Rahim from the Education for Life batch started their internships this summer. Danish is interning in the Teaching and Learning department at Habib University. Rahim is interning in the administration department and Zahra works on commercial projects at Engro Fertilizers.

• KDSP in collaboration with Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) started two Taekwondo batches taught by Mr. Muhammad Siddiq. Furthermore, KDSP collaborated with Ribat for basketball training, empowering 15 students aged 8 and above.
• KDSP crafters' stall 'Lehr by KDSP' at The Locate Karachi showcased products made by individuals with Down syndrome.
• KDSP in collaboration with Ms. Sharmila Farooqui presented a fun playdate at Peek-a-bear Ocean Mall.
• Summer Camp was organized by KDSP’s Skills Development and Education department for individuals aged 7 to 14 years old with Down syndrome. Activities in summer camp included nature exploration, cooking, sports, creativity, and field trips.
• The Education for Life batch attended a 3-day workshop with Haya Emaan, a sous chef from Eleven Madison Park. During summer, students also visited the KFC Nursery branch. It was a great learning experience as they got a detailed tour of their kitchen. Moreover, students visited Alishba's Art & Cafe along with co-founders of KDSP, Ali Allawala and Farzeen Allawala, inaugurating the cafe and enjoying delightful goodies.
• Skills Development Department hosted an Eid Milan Party for Education for Life batch I and II students. Students enjoyed a lot and took pictures with each other and their favorite instructors.

Some stories from the field:

Murtaza 

Age 4 

“My 4 year old son, Murtaza, is receiving all three Early Childhood Intervention Therapies at KDSP. Initially, we were disturbed and disheartened when he was diagnosed with Down syndrome; we went on a spiritual journey seeking guidance. Two years later, we found hope and support with the KDSP team, feeling like we were finally in safe hands.

Since then, Murtaza has made tremendous progress. He transformed from a boy who couldn't walk to one who can walk, climb, kick, run, and balance better. His Speech therapy sessions have led to remarkable improvements in his expression and responses. Furthermore, his Occupational therapy significantly improved his pincer grip and recognition of primary colors. We are grateful for the care provided by the KDSP team, and we have hope for Murtaza's bright future.” - Parent of Murtaza

Muhammad 

Age: 4

Muhammad started his journey with KDSP with therapies and EPEP. Initially, his parents were hesitant about enrolling him in EPEP, unsure about whether it was a good decision or not. However, when they started observing significant progress in Hashir, both academically and socially, they knew they had taken the right step. They saw Hashir grow more confident, and he absolutely loved his time at EPEP.

It was because of Hashir’s progress in EPEP that his parents knew that he would thrive in a mainstream school. After his graduation, Hashir was enrolled in Pingu’s English School Eureka System.

Hashir has recently been promoted to Early Year 2 (Nursery), and his parents are satisfied with his progress. KDSP has also been closely working with his parents and the school. When Hashir was enrolled in school, we conducted an awareness session to equip the teachers with the basic knowledge they needed to cater to Hashir. The Education team at KDSP also developed an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for Hashir, enabling the teachers to modify the curriculum according to Hashir’s learning style.

After seeing Hashir’s progress, his parents strongly recommend parents of children with Down syndrome to enroll their children in mainstream schools. Hashir’s parents have seen holistic progress in Hashir, and they believe being in a mainstream school alongside typically developing children has greatly contributed to it.

We want to express our gratitude for your generous support! We take pride in the accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome. These achievements stand as a testament to your kindness. Your support is not only helping individuals with Down syndrome succeed but also fostering a more inclusive society.

Love, 

Team KDSP

Links:

• A day in Danish's life as an intern at Habib University