March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day

Happy World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)! On March 21, this day gives people with Down Syndrome and their advocates a voice and an opportunity to be heard. 

  

Down Syndrome (DS or DNS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. 

It is usually associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial features. 

  

Down Syndrome causes a distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability, developmental delays, and may be associated with thyroid or heart disease. 

  

Medical specialists will conduct additional screenings. Early intervention programs with a team of therapists and special educators who can treat each child's specific situation are helpful in managing Down Syndrome. 

  

This day is 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 are required to integrate 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 

Check to see if your local school is offering any volunteer opportunities in their Integrated Learning Center. Join local events or share yours. Other ways you can participate include: 

• 
  
  • 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 by visiting the website below and use #WorldDownSyndromeDay to share on social media. 

  

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org 

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: 

2017 – My Voice My Community 

2018 – What I Bring To My Community 

2019 – Leave No One Behind 

2020 – We Decide 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6L7SgvFPgQ 

How can you recognize someone with Down Syndrome today? 

#WorldDownSyndromeDay 

#WeDecide 

#LotsOfSocks 

@WorldDSDay 

@DSiupdate

@unitednations 

@nichecinema