World Down Syndrome Day

 Each year on the 21st of March we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome (they have 3 copies of chromosome 21 - hence 21/3, 21st March!) and to support World Down Syndrome day the "Lots of Socks" fundraising campaign is a worldwide campaign run by Down Syndrome International.

Why Lots of Socks?

This is a picture of chromosomes which some say look a little bit like pairs of socks.  Sometimes people have an extra ‘sock’ or chromosome and a person with Down syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21 as you can see in the picture. That’s ok – it just means that some things a little harder for them.  They are a little different but different is ok. People with Down syndrome learn, laugh, love, live and, just like the rest of us, sometimes also get cross, sad, dislike things, get uncomfortable being stared at and just want to join in with everyone else.  Where children with Down syndrome and other disabilities are given opportunities to join in, all children benefit from this and environments of friendship, acceptance, respect for everyone and high expectations are created.

Inclusive environments also help to prepare all today’s children for life as tomorrow’s adults, enabling adults with Down syndrome to live, work and join-in, with confidence and independence, fully included in society alongside their friends and peers.

 

This Year's Theme - #LeaveNoOneBehind

 

So, what does #LeaveNoOneBehind mean?

➢ All people with Down syndrome must have opportunities to contribute to the community and live valued lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society.

➢ The reality today is that prevailing negative attitudes, low expectations, discrimination and exclusion, ensure that people with Down syndrome are left behind

➢ People with Down syndrome and those who support and work with them must be empowered to advocate for these opportunities.

➢ They can then reach out to key stakeholders to ensure they understand how to provide these opportunities and in turn disseminate this message to bring about real change.

 

For WDSD 2019 we call upon every person with Down syndrome to tell the world ‘Leave no one behind’

On World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March, join us to encourage children and adults with Down syndrome to share “What i bring to my community” and get the world talking about the benefits for everyone of inclusive environments.  

if you are a school, nursery or workplace, download our information sheet.

If you are want to host a fundraising event to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day download our LotsOfSocks poster.

Alternatively find out about all the activities we have planned by viewing our awareness week events