In observance of its 10th anniversary, the DS Foundation for the Differently-Abled , Inc. will host a concert dubbed “A Star Shines Brightly” on January 29, 2011 at the CAP Auditorium, Anda St., Davao City.
The Foundation was established on January 29, 2001 by the couple, Diana and Alberto Sipaco and their daughter, Deanna, a person with Down syndrome who died in 2005 after her 33 fruitful years of inspiring people all over the world with her paintings.
It is a non-profit, humanitarian organization that provides services to children with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy among other disabilities. Its services include visual arts and music lessons; therapeutic and early intervention services; adaptive sports development; parenting and guidance services; and research and development program.
DS Foundation for the Differently-Abled, Inc. coordinates with the The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Davao Chapter, Maharlika Foundation, and other government and non-government organizations involved in development programs for differently-abled persons.
On its anniversary, the concert will feature Sujeet Desai, a world renowned musician and ambassador of goodwill of Down Syndrome International, and a role model and inspiration for “special” children around the world, especially those born with Down syndrome.
While the Philippines was chosen by Desai to visit, Dabawenyos are proud to have his concert in the city. On the same day, there will be a workshop entitled, “Global Connection for Asian Parents of Children with Down Syndrome,” to be conducted by the Desai Team with Dr. Sindoor and Dr. Sharad Desai.
Desai states in his literature, “I would like to be a musician, but my mission is more than that… I like to make my presentations, especially at conference-like events more than just an entertainment but educational as well as inspirational. So it can be an upbeat on disability issues and continue to bring hope to individuals with disabilities, their parents, families, educators and services that work with them…”
An online discussion group for Asian families of children with Down syndrome, Global Connection provides its members a safe and friendly environment for families to bond and share their experiences. It has an exceptional advisory board panel of doctors, dentists, physical and speech therapists, social workers, psychologists, and ministers from throughout the world. Asian parents of children with Down syndrome may visit the website at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/asianparentsgroup. [Lorie Ann A. Cascaro]
