Dr Rekha Ramachandran is the Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Down's Syndrome Federation of India (Tamilnadu Chapter). Rekha holds an MA (Hons) from Delhi University and a PhD from the University of Madras, where the subject of her research project was cognitive deficits and depression in people with Down syndrome.
Rekha has a daughter with Down syndrome and in her role with the Down's Syndrome Federation of India she has done pioneering work in the field of rehabilitation of children with Down syndrome. She is the promoter of Mathru Mandir, Chennai, a day care centre devoted to the cause of rehabilitation of children with Down syndrome, established 25 years ago. She is also a Board Member of Down Syndrome International (DSi).
Rekha was the recipient of a "Woman of the Year" Award in 1998 for her outstanding work in the area of creating awareness of Down syndrome and the special training and therapy required. In 2008, she received the ”For the sake of honour” award from the Rotary for her selfless devotion to the rehabilitation of people with Down syndrome in India, and in 2009 she received an award from the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID) for her contribution to the Down syndrome community.
Rekha is the author of 2 books:
“With love from Babli - A child with Down's Syndrome” - (A Referral Guide)
“Life starts at Sixteen - Down's Syndrome”
and has presented various papers on Down syndrome including “Sense of Taste & Sense of Smell”, “Positive approach to Down Syndrome – Guide for Down Syndrome children” as well as 4 papers in Dubai in February 2009 on Speech, Behaviour, Integration into Schools and Job Prospects for people with Down syndrome.
Rekha has also been very active in the Down syndrome community throughout Asia. She has been supporting the cause of Down syndrome in Nepal with Shila Thapa since 2000, and in Malaysia she has set up a Vocational Centre and assisted with Sports Development.
