In this episode we sit down with Ali Allawala and Farzeen Ali to discuss their innovative and inspiring work to support families and individuals with Down Syndrome. Ali and Farzeen are Co-founders and current directors of The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP). KDSP is a non-profit organization in Karachi Pakistan, launched in March 2014 by a group of concerned parents and passionate individuals who realized a need for a platform for those with Down syndrome due to limited support and resources available locally. KDSP’s mission is to advocate the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome living in Karachi and aims to provide them with the opportunity to lead independent and fulfilling lives. KDSP embarks on a journey with families and those with Down Syndrome to ensure they feel empowered, included and equal members of society.  

Ali and Farzeen discuss their personal journey with the diagnosis of their daughter, what led them to found The Karachi Down Syndrome Program, and ways KDSP is serving the community in Karachi Pakistan. Their story of navigating an unexpected diagnosis and figuring out step by step what life can look like for their daughter is one many families will be able to relate to.  
 

Links: 

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program  

The Parish School 

The Carruth Center 

This episode is generously sponsored by The Carruth Center in Houston, Texas. The Carruth Center provides children therapeutic services to advance their communication skills, independence and emotional well-being. They offer individual speech, occupational, physical, music and play therapy sessions. They also offer group classes for young children with language delays as well as groups for school-aged children who would benefit from Social Thinking methodologies. If you would like to find out more visit  www.carruthcenter.org. The Carruth Center is proud of their relationship with the Karachi Down Syndrome Program. We hope you enjoy listening to Ali and Farzeen Allawala. 

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