World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
On this day, people with Down Syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organize and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down Syndrome.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet known why this syndrome occurs, but Down Syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics, and health.
Adequate access to health care, early intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of the individual.
The estimated incidence of Down Syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder.
The quality of life of people with Down Syndrome can be improved by meeting their health care needs, including regular check-ups with health professionals to monitor the mental and physical condition and to provide timely intervention be it physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, or special education. Individuals with Down syndrome can achieve optimal quality of life through parental care and support, medical guidance, and community-based support systems such as inclusive education at all levels. This facilitates their participation in mainstream society and the fulfillment of their personal potential.
Down Syndrome affects approximately 400,000 families in the United States alone. World Down Syndrome Day helps educate the public on what Down Syndrome is and how to encourage those with Down Syndrome to participate in daily activities so they can live a full life and play a vital role in their community.
The accomplishments and contributions of people with Down Syndrome are often overlooked. However, this event highlights the positive difference they make in their community and gives them the recognition they deserve.
Each year, one in 700 babies in the United States is born with Down Syndrome. However, the cause is still unknown. By donating to Down Syndrome charities, you’re having an impact on those currently living with Down Syndrome and helping get one step closer to finding the cause.
This year’s theme, “Inclusion means…”, aims to call for introspection on how to improve our system into a more inclusive and synergistic one. Think about your daily life; when you take part in activities like school, work, recreation or public life, alongside other people.
The United Nations, in the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), calls for “full and effective participation and inclusion in society”. Everyone should have the same opportunities, take part in the same activities, be able to go to the same places, and enjoy the same experiences in life.
But around the world people with Down Syndrome and disabilities do not benefit from full and effective participation and inclusion in society. There are many reasons for this. One reason is a lack of agreed understanding about what inclusion is and what inclusive systems look like in practice.
Not everyone understands:
From now, up to 21 March 2022, we have an opportunity to share our collective understanding of #Inclusion.
In doing this, we can get a global conversation going, which will empower people around the world to advocate for full #Inclusion in society for people with Down syndrome and disabilities, and indeed for everyone.
Sources:
https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/
https://www.ds-int.org/listing/category/world-down-syndrome-day