Down’s Syndrome Scotland is hosting World Down’s Syndrome Congress in Glasgow in 2018. This is still a long way off but we are starting to tell people about it now.

Congress So, what is a Congress? Does anybody know what Congress means?

A large Meeting run over 4 days World Down’s Syndrome Congress is a conference or a large meeting run over 4 days. A large Meeting run over 4 days

People come from all over the World. People come from all over the world to go to the Congress. The Congress is for workers, parents, carers, families, friends. Anybody who has an interest in Down’s syndrome. Like most conferences, you have to pay to go.

workshops activities speakers What’s there for you? workshops activities speakers There is lots going on at the Congress. Some of it will be more for parents and carers, some for workers. For you, there will be workshops (things like sharing your stories, speaking up, photography, taking part in meetings and much more). You can listen to speakers – people who are there to talk about their lives and experiences. You can take part in different activitities. There may be a ceilidh, a trip to the Science Centre or a dance session. We are still planning everything but we hope you will learn something new and have fun.

Gala Dinner Meet people From all over the World Make new friends You will also meet people from all over the world. You might make some new friends. At the end of the Congress there is a gala dinner. A lovely meal and some dancing to celebrate.

Photo’s from the last Congress, India 2015. The last Congress was in India last year. Here is the opening ceremony.

Stuart and Sam taking in the flags for Scotland and Britain. Stuart being shown how to make an Indian garland.

Sam and Stuart in traditional Indian dress. A dance workshop.

Sam learning to do Indian drawing and painting. Partying at the Gala Dinner.

The Congo line at the Gala Dinner.

Commissioners Here’s something that you might want to get involved in. We are looking for 9 people to be Commissioners for the Congress. This is volunteer work starting next year and will finish just after the Congress.

Will help DS Scotland run the Congress. Making it the best it can be. Working alongside DS Scotland Staff and other Congress workers. Different tasks – welcoming people, introducing speakers, running workshops. Lots of things to get involved in and help with. Commissioners will…….. (go over slide) We already have 3 Lead Commissioners. Stuart, Sam and Andrew. Stuart and Sam went to India last year. Andrew interviewed Nicola Sturgeon. Nearer the time of the Congress we will also be looking for 12 Hosts. This role is not as much work and is more about helping people at the Congress on the day.

More Soon Commissioners If you are interested in being a Commissioner you need to fill in an application form. Keep an eye out for more information and a video next year.