Short information about the Norwegian application to E.D.S.A.

I have to apologize for writing in English but it was easier this way this time.

It is not a bad idea either if we consider the fact we experience the globalisation of our society. Thus the translation of our web pages in English could be a very important goal in a wider perspective.

To the issue. After the biennal meeting in Stavanger in Februar 2008 , after the lecture of Cora Halder from the German network and talking with different people, the board decided to apply for membership. Some from the board have worked with the practicalities among other things the translation of our bylaws .

Now the Norwegian application waits for ratification on the Mallorca meeting in November this year. So this has really been a shared effort (a really dugnad work).

Edsa is the European Confederation of legal entities representing persons with Down Syndrom and their families in countries of the European Union. " The mission of EDSA is to promote the development of a network of associations for Down Syndrom in all European nations, respecting the diversity of culture and peoples, the common denominator being the improvement of the quality of life for persons with Down Syndrom and their families".

Why did we decide to apply ?

The first reason is that Norway was one of few countries not represented. The words of Cora during her lecture held in Stavanger still resounding in my ears ( Norway and the Vatican.....)

The second reason is to bring the Norwegian way of seeing and doing things closer to Europe. The Norwegian contribution is important. We are sometimes not so conscious about how much we have achieved here in Norway and how important it is to pursue the path towards dignity and inclusion.

The third reason is for us to feel closer to European families with their children/youth and colleagues. We often look to US and tend to forget that Europe is closer and that it is much to learn from our fellow European.

The fourth and last but nonetheless important reason is the document: "Identity Document of the European Down syndrome Association (E.D.S.A.)".

This document has been worked out by a wide working team. It could be interesting to notice that Sue Buckley from the UK, Anna Contardi and Alberto Rasore from Italy, Cora Halder from Germany, Pat Clark from Ireland, and many others from west to east included Russia has worked out a good base- document. That can be used in political issues and contents : values, principles, objective and priorities and not at least good practices.

So far so good, this was some information, and if you have some question, please do not  be in doubt to get in contact with me. We look forward to see the decision of the other members

For the Norwegian board, Ena Caterina Heimdahl

PS: perhaps the first change to do is to change "countries of the european union" with  just "european countries"......................