Bringing technology closer to people with Down syndrome

On March 21st, people worldwide celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, a day when we come together to celebrate and raise awareness for individuals with Down syndrome. This year's theme is "With Us Not For Us," a powerful message that emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and partnership when it comes to supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

This year respectively, to the theme, IPKO Foundation and Down Syndrome Kosova, together with BONEVET Prishtina, organized a workshop where dozens of people with Down Syndrome had the chance to participate and learn closely about trending digital tools in the technology industry.

This workshop provided the space where people with Down Syndrome became familiar with the technology that is being developed day by day.

Medina, Genc, and their peers, members of Down Syndrome Kosova, had the opportunity to learn closely about educational robots along with other electronic equipment.

The workshop took place at the creational and friendly spaces of BONEVET Prishtina, where the group of youngsters with Down Syndrome got acquainted with various technological devices such as the robots mTiny & mBot, and electronic devices "littleBits".

They also had the chance to be introduced to 3D Printers and how to use them, as well as through the program TINKERCAD to create their own personal keychains with their name tags as a souvenir from the amazing afternoon they had collaborating together.

Besides the amazing afternoon spent learning about the digital world surrounding us, one of the participants won a free 2-month training from BONEVET Prishtina as a continuation of the campaign WITH Us Not For Us.

By promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to participate fully in their communities, we can help to break down barriers and build a more diverse and vibrant society for everyone.

Inclusion and equal opportunities in society are among the values that IPKO Foundation continuously cultivates and promotes by implementing various programs and projects.

Overall, the World Down Syndrome Day Workshop serves as a reminder of the importance of creating welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or differences.