World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st gives people with Down Syndrome and their advocates a voice and an opportunity to be heard. It’s a day where we assemble and organize activities to promote public awareness for the genetic disorder. The goal is to educate others on the importance of supporting our friends and family who have directly and indirectly experienced life with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions globally and commonly affects learning styles, physical characteristics, and overall health. In order to ensure proper growth and development, social learning programs support and integrate with anyone who has Down syndrome.
Every year, their voices grow louder, and they influence government policy, becoming more empowered. Through events around the world, people with Down syndrome can ensure their own advocacy and be included in their communities.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
- Check if your local school offers any volunteer opportunities in their Integrated Learning Center.
- Join local events or share yours.
- Join their #LotsOfSocks fundraising campaign.
- Create your own fundraising campaign. Visit the link below to learn more.
- Create a video based on this year’s theme.
- Volunteer to speak at your school about Down syndrome and share your experiences.
- Create opportunities in your community that will encourage advocacy and empowerment.
- Find out more at worlddownsyndromeday.org and use #WorldDownSyndromeDay to share on social media.
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY HISTORY
Since 2006, Down Syndrome International has promoted World Down Syndrome Day to encourage people with Down Syndrome to help raise awareness about the condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day in December 2011. Each year, the organization creates a theme. Past themes have included:
2020 – We Decide
2019 – Leave No One Behind
2018 – What I Bring To My Community
2017 – My Voice My Community
Down Syndrome FAQ
Q. How many U.S. babies are born with Down Syndrome?
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome in the United States each year.
Q. Are there different types of Down syndrome?
A. Yes. Most people with Down syndrome are born with Trisomy 21. The other two types of Down syndrome are Translocation Down syndrome and Mosaic Down syndrome.