Recognizing the Importance of World Down Syndrome Day!

21 March is a very important day…World Down Syndrome Day! World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed each year to spread awareness and show support to individuals with Down syndrome.  

 

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects approximately one in 800 babies within the United States. Down syndrome occurs when a person is born with an extra chromosome on their 21 pair of chromosomes, which usually causes some level of intellectual disability and disruptions in health and development, although the severity of the condition varies from person to person. Down syndrome also does not have a known cause or cure. However, those who live with the syndrome can live very normal lives and contribute to their communities just as much as anyone else! In fact, individuals with Down syndrome are often known for their joy, humor, and kindness.  

 

Sadly, individuals with Down syndrome still face plenty of discrimination and are treated poorly, even today. They are often denied educational opportunities, good health care, the chance to work and make money, or even make their own decisions. Therefore, each year, World Down Syndrome Day recognizes struggles those with Down syndrome face, as well as advocating for changes to be made to create further opportunities and better lives for them. Each year, the WDSD organization creates an annual theme circled around the special occasion. Some of the past themes include the likes of Inclusion Means, Right to Work, What I Bring To My Community, Leave No One Behind, Connect and End The Stereotypes. For 2025, World Down Syndrome Day’s theme is Improve Our Support Systems. This year’s theme focuses on improving the support systems for those with Down syndrome, both at the government and local level.   

 

One tradition that is regularly associated with this day is wearing brightly colored, mismatched and fun-patterned socks, also known as the Lots of Socks Campaign. Not only does the wearing of fun socks promote a conversation starter about World Down Syndrome Day, but it also helps raise awareness, promote acceptance and support individuals who have Down syndrome. Some other ways that you can get involved with this special day and support those who deserve a shot at better opportunities and future are purchasing a pair of WDSD official socks, taking part in an event, speaking up about the need for better support systems, taking part in the World Down Syndrome Day Conference, fundraising, sharing your message on social media and getting informed! For more information and resources, please check out the World Down Syndrome Day official webpage at https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/. You can also check out the “Chromosomes R Us” short film about Down Syndrome they offer on their site.  

 

Fun Facts:  

World Down Syndrome Day was selected to be held on the third month of the year on the 21 day to represent the third extra chromosome on the 21 pair!  

Down Syndrome was named after British doctor John Langdon Down, who first described the condition back in 1866! 

Blue and yellow are the official colors of Down Syndrome Awareness!