World Down Syndrome Day 2023 - With Us Not For Us
March 20 2023, 03:20pm
Today is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated annually on the 21st of March and is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date is set on the 21st day of the 3rd month as a representation of the extra copy of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that people with Down syndrome are born with.
Each year, Down Syndrome International (DSi) develops a theme for WDSD which forms the basis of a global campaign in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Down syndrome communities from across the globe come together to raise awareness and take steps towards full and effective participation and inclusion for people with Down syndrome across the globe.
The theme this year is “With Us Not For Us” and is focused on a human rights-based approach to disability – the right to be treated fairly, have the same opportunities as everyone else, and the freedom for people to make their own choices.
DFI Member organisation Down Syndrome Ireland has prepared this excellent explainer video on the day.
Click on their website www.downsyndrome.ie to find out more about how you can get involved and support tyhe work to improve the lives of everyone with Down Syndrome
Follow this year's social media hashtag #WithUsNotForUs to follow events on the day.
ENDS