World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March, is a global awareness day which 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.

About Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.

Chromosomes are “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows. Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs naturally – there is no known cause.

Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

Theme for 2023 - With Us Not For Us

The message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability.

DSi is committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support.

A human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working With others to improve their lives.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for everyone to have the freedom to make their own choices. But people with Down syndrome often have poor or controlling support. Often their supporters do things For them, not With them. 

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for full and effective participation of persons with disabilities. But many organisations exclude people with Down syndrome from taking part in their work. They take decisions For them not With them.

Source : WDSD website