The Down Syndrome Research Program of the Schonell Special Education Research Centre at the University of Queensland will celebrate its 20th anniversary this weekend.
The program has involved more than 200 families in the world's longest continuous study of Down syndrome, following many children from birth to adulthood.
Many of the children have been involved in the study since birth, providing unique insights into the health and development of children with Down syndrome as well as information about family function. Other children were recruited at various times to take part in specific individual projects.
In recognition of its work, the research program has been designated the National Centre of Excellence in Down Syndrome Research by the Australian Down Syndrome Association.
To celebrate the longitudinal study's anniversary, the Centre will hold a conference from September 20-22, with speakers from Australia, China, England and Scotland.
The conference will include a family picnic day in the University grounds, and a panel discussion in which children and parents will take part.
Invited addresses, lectures and panel discussions for professionals and parents will celebrate the contributions of researchers and families to the project over the past 20 years, as well as discuss current research and directions for the future.
Invited speakers will include Professor Sue Buckley, of the University of Portsmouth and the Sarah Duffen Centre, England; Professor Roy Brown, School of Special Education and Disability Studies, Flinders University, South Australia; and Professor Brian Stratford of Guandgong, China.
A highlight of the program will be the 17th Schonell Memorial Lecture, presented by
Professor Jennifer Wishart, of Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University, who will speak on Development in Children with Down Syndrome: Facts, Findings and the Future.
The conference will be held at the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, University of Queensland, on Saturday, September 20 and Monday, September 22.
The panel discussion and picnic will be held at the Marquee, Oval 4, University of Queensland, on Sunday, September 21. Children's games will be run by students from the University's Department of Human Movement Studies.
Researchers involved in the project over the past 20 years include Dr Robert Andrews, Professor John Elkins, Dr Pat Gunn, Dr Paul Berry, Ms Coralie Price, Dr Anne Jobling, Dr Mary Crombie, Dr Monica Cuskelly, Professor Alan Hayes, and Dr Yvonne Burns.
For more information, contact Dr Anne Jobling, Schonell Special Education Research Centre, on (07) 3365 6405.
