Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day Every March 21
On March 21 every year the world comes together to raise public awareness of Down syndrome. We call this day World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).
Why does Down syndrome need a day? Because many people still don’t really understand it or what people with it are really like.
They are not “retarded” or “stupid” or anything like that. They are simply people with unique challenges some of us may have trouble relating to.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
The day began as the Day of Trisomy 21, organized by the French Association for Research on Trisomy 21 (AFRT), on March 21, 2005. They chose this date to symbolize the name Trisomy (3) 21. So 3/21 or March 21.
(Yes, European dates are written with the day first, so it would be 21/3. There’s no 21st month though…)
Other organizations adopted the idea for the following year. So the first official World Down Syndrome Day was March 21, 2006. The same year Down Syndrome Association Singapore launched the WDSD website.
The United Nations General Assembly recognized the day in 2011.
What is Down Syndrome?
If you don’t already know, Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when a person has an extra copy of chromosome #21. So there’s 3 copies instead of 2. That’s why the condition is also called Trisomy 21.
The extra copy of this chromosome causes the baby’s body and brain to develop differently than babies with the usual 2 copies.
So a person with Down syndrome may have physical and mental challenges, but not everyone has the same issues. There’s a range of abilities, just like with any other person.
Their IQ is usually below average, but even so people with Down syndrome can and do live productive, satisfying lives. Many can live independently. Others may need more help.
This condition affects people all over the world and of all ethnicities. In the U.S. About 6,000 babies are born with it every year.
Scroll down for some ideas on observing this unofficial holiday.
Observing World Down Syndrome Day
How can you be a part of this day?
The World Down Syndrome Day website has lots of suggestions.
For example, wear LOTS OF SOCKS. No, not “lots of socks,” as in more than one pair. It’s LOTS OF SOCKS logo socks and other clothes with with the WDSD logo.
For WDSD in 2015 The National Down Syndrome Congress and other Down syndrome organizations asked people in the US to spread Random Acts of Kindness to honor the day. Although 2015 is over, this still seems like a worthwhile idea.
Want to do more? Consider making a donation to Reece’s Rainbow. This organization helps children with Down syndrome get adopted. (Of course, check out any organization before donating).
There are also local events happening around the world. To see if there’s one near you, visit the WDSD website’s World Events page.
Follow the National Down Syndrome Congress on Facebook. Learn more about plans for the day. And share to help spread awareness.
Learn more about Down syndrome. Check out the website A Day in the Life with Down Syndrome. It’s a blog to help people understand what life’s like for people with Down syndrome.
Whether or not you know someone with the condition, it’s worth a read. Real people with Down syndrome and their loved ones contribute their stories. (If that describes you, consider contributing!).
There are also some good books about Down syndrome:
- My Friend Has Down Syndrome (Let’s Talk About It): For young children.
- Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents’ Guide : Understanding the first few years.
- Down Syndrome Parenting 101: Must-Have Advice for Making Your Life Easier
What will you do to help promote better understanding of Down Syndrome this year?
[…] World Down Syndrome Day: Learn more about Down Syndrome & the people living with it. And help others understand it too. […]