New Group for Down's Research

Support groups will of people with Down’s syndrome will meet 2-3 times yearly to advance research of the condition.  The group was created in late September.  They will be collaborating with the National Institute of Health.  (NIH)

The group will also analyze the status of Down’s syndrome.  The primary focus they will have will be to execute the Institute’s research agenda for the condition as well as create goals to continue their research.  These principals brought together will help minimize the repeating of Down’s syndrome research and will allow support systems to share knowledge and ideas regarding the condition.

“The consortium will allow NIH to inform the Down syndrome community of advances in the field, ongoing studies and potential avenues for future research,” said Yvonne Maddox, deputy director of the NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which is heading up the new cooperative. “In turn, those who work in Down syndrome research and patient care can share their experiences and ideas for potential research opportunities with NIH.” 

People with Down’s syndrome will participate in the group.  It will also include members of Down’s syndrome pediatric groups and representatives of NIH’s Down’s syndrome Working Group.  The organization is similar to Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, but won’t have as much influence as the autism committee in Congress.

Activism for Down’s:   http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/10/03/down-syndrome-research-hub/14156/