October - Down Syndrome Awareness Month
This October we will get to know more about our Self-advocates through people close to them. Let’s hear small stories that will warm our hearts and show us how smart and caring our Self-advocates can be.
Friendship, Belonging and Joy For years, I wondered if my daughter would find the close friendships she longed for. Today, seeing her with Swati, Prakriti and Adyasha fills my heart with joy. Together with Sai Sharanya, lovingly known as Titli, they have found their own special bond. They are the same age, sit together in class, and share their days in their own unique ways. From games and dance classes to morning assembly, the dining hall and classroom activities, they do so much together. Most beautiful of all, they show empathy and care for one another. Watching these friendships grow is a reminder that belonging makes all the difference.
A Surprise Filled with Love ❤️ Nila has been my dear friend and co-worker for 20 years, and our bond feels more like family. During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, she surprised me with a beautiful birthday celebration that filled my heart with happiness. Her thoughtful gesture, the love behind it, and the joy of being celebrated made the moment truly unforgettable. I felt so special and loved! Our friendship reminds me that the most beautiful bonds are built on love, care, and little moments that create lifelong memories. ❤️
— Nishi, Nila’s dear friend and co-worker
It’s Varda’s little sister, and I have learnt that love goes beyond words. She is not just my elder sister, but also my friend and companion.
We swim together, dance together, practise yoga, and enjoy so many activities side by side. My favourite moments are the little ones—when we care for each other, encourage one another, or simply sit together, happy in each other’s company.
Varda has taught me that love is not always spoken; it is felt in every smile, every touch, and simply being there for each other.
Varda’s Little Sister
For Meera, Aru Kaki and PK are more than aunty and uncle – they’re siblings, partners in mischief, and her favourite playmates! Their visits fill our home with extra energy, laughter and joy. ❤️
At seven, Meera confidently travelled to Jaipur without Mom and Dad with Kaki, PK and the extended family, while we enjoyed some sweet romantic time of our own! 😉 Now, she eagerly awaits weekend sleepovers, raids their fridge, keeps them laughing and becomes their best stress buster.
An extra chromosome truly brings something extra – extra love, extra laughter and extra JOY!
– Meera’s Family
When I first met Ritik, I didn’t know that change could be difficult for him. I was simply someone new entering his family, and I wondered how he would accept me.
But he welcomed me in his own beautiful way, with little gestures, hugs, and a quiet trust that grew with time.
Today, we are best friends, and I feel lucky to have found such a special bond with him. He may not say it in words, but he has shown me in a hundred little ways that I belong.
Ayesha, Ritik’s sister-in-law
I have known Nathan since we were tiny dots in our lives. He’s taught me that fun is fun — diagnosis or not, every kid just wants the best, loudest, silliest childhood ever.
My favourite time with him is when we sing together. I teach him songs, and he remembers all the lyrics so well.
And the best part? His face absolutely lights up the second someone says my name — like an instant VIP alert! He’s not just my cousin, he’s my favourite duet partner and the coolest brother I could ask for.
Sharona Trinidad, Cousin of Nathan Ferrao
Diva — Our Little Sunshine
I have known Diva since Day 1, and watching her grow has been an absolute joy. She came into our lives when my daughter left abroad and beautifully filled that vacuum.
Every morning, she wants to come to our house. We enjoy Bollywood music, dance together, do puja rituals, and share so much laughter. Her warm hugs, naughty ways, and seeing me off with my lunch box make every day special.
And thanks to her, I have the sweetest name—Bubba! 😊
I feel truly blessed to have Diva in our lives and look forward to every little moment with her. ❤️
— Mr. Dange, Diva’s Neighbour
Latest News
Over 200 Walk in Pollachi for Down Syndrome Awareness and Inclusion
Self-advocates, parents, doctors, athletes, bikers and members of the public took to the main road for a 2-kilometre walkathon, with a cultural evening the night before. Pollachi, Tamil Nadu · 18 October 2026 · By the Down Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu The Down Syndrome…
Making India proud
Sanju Harold is a talented athlete with Down syndrome from Ernakulam, Kerala, India. He has represented India at international sporting events and has achieved remarkable success across powerlifting, yogasana, roller skating, and bowling. International Achievements IPF Special Olympics World Open Equipped Powerlifting Championship held at…
DSFI Self-Advocate Sharan Delhivala to Showcase His Art in a Solo Exhibition
The Down Syndrome Federation of India (DSFI) is proud to share that one of our self-advocates, Sharan Delhivala, is holding a solo exhibition of his artwork in Ahmedabad.The Five-Core x The Infinite Macrocosm, at Jodhpur Art Gallery from September 28 to October 2, with an…
Zoom Live Sessions
Atmanirbhar Health Policy
Atmanirbhar Health Policy is specially designed for Persons with Disability, Mental Illness and Persons with HIV/AIDS to cover Hospitalisation expenses. This insurance is available to persons between the age of 18 years and 65 years and Children from new born to 17 years….
Government Schemes for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
(Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and Multiple Disabilities)
The Government of India, through the National Trust and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), offers several welfare schemes that directly support individuals and families of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
These schemes cover health care, lifelong residential support, day care, vocational training, and caregiver training.
Health Guideline Booklet
Down Syndrome Parents Guide
The Down's Syndrome handbook
Down but not out - Babli's Story
Nutrition Booklet for Down Syndrome Children
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About Us
Down syndrome federation of India bears the unique distinction of being the only centre of its kind in South India. And not just this, a lot of research programs, specialized outpatient services, and early intervention programs are also conducted and coordinated here.
Our vision is to facilitate a nurturing and supporting environment both within the family and in the society for individuals with Down syndrome and the mission to provide a long term rehabilitative, supportive and therapeutic service for individuals with Down syndrome.