It’s Time For Everyone to Be Included
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a worldwide day of awareness of Down syndrome (known as Down’s syndrome in the UK). It is on 21 March.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome occurs in 1 in every 792 live births. It has nothing to do with the country you live in, your nationality, religion or how much money you have. Most babies are born with 46 chromosomes, but babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. Down syndrome is also called Trisomy 21. If you’d like to find out more, a great place to start is this video. Or you could read this article to hear from people with Down syndrome and find out about some of the things they have achieved.
Why is World Down Syndrome Day Held Every Year?
World Down Syndrome Day is organised by Down Syndrome International, a charity committed to improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome. WDSD is a chance for people to: ‘Share ideas, experiences and knowledge, empower each other to advocate for equal rights for people with Down syndrome, and reach out to key stakeholders to bring about positive change.’
How Can You Help?
There are lots of things you can do to get involved with World Down Syndrome Day and show your support. You could raise funds for Down Syndrome International; learn how your workplace could be more inclusive; join a sponsored swim or yogathon; hold a coffee morning to raise funds; or get involved in the #LotsOfSocks campaign.
Help and Advice
If you have a child with Down syndrome, or know someone who does, and you have a question or would like some help or advice, why not head over to the UK-based Down’s Syndrome Association?
Inclusion Matters
The theme of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day is inclusion. There’s a lot about inclusion on the news now – and quite rightly. So, what does inclusion mean? It means being able to live a full life and be an active member of society. It means taking part in the hobbies, clubs and activities you’d like to take part in, and it means being able to work and contribute.
This year, WDSD would like people from around the world to tell them what inclusion means to them. Why not click on the ‘share your message’ button on the WDSD website to do this? Or you could post on your favourite social media sites using the hashtags #InclusionMeans and #WorldDownSyndromeDay.
One example of inclusion is the increasing number of actors we see on TV and in films who have Down syndrome, such as Line of Duty actor Tommy Jessop. Tommy is supporting the Down Syndrome Bill that is being brought before the UK House of Commons. This Bill calls for the passing of a Down Syndrome Act, which would be the first of its kind in the world. The Act is designed to meet the needs of people with Down syndrome, focusing on things like education, maternity care, health and social care, and jobs. Tommy is also working with the UK’s National Down Syndrome Policy Group to raise awareness of Down syndrome, and he has given talks to other organisations, universities and conferences to do this.
The last word should go to Tommy. In a recent interview with the Guardian, he said: ‘It really is time for people living with Down’s syndrome to have the same chances in life that anyone else has, to live their lives to the full.’
We couldn’t agree more.