What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), celebrated on March 21, 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.
With Us Not For Us
Each year, the organization Down Syndrome International (DSi) develops a theme for WDSD. The theme forms the basis of a global campaign. The Down syndrome community raise their voices together to take steps towards full inclusion for people with Down syndrome everywhere.
The message for 2023 is With Us Not For Us, and it is a 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 DSi is committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support.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 organizations exclude people with Down syndrome from taking part in their work. They take decisions For them not With them.
Down Syndrome International and its members are Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). This means we represent and work With people with Down syndrome, not just For them.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities says that organizations of persons with disabilities should be involved in all policy and decision-making. But organizations that represent people with Down syndrome are often excluded.
So, what can you do?
Speak up and take action with us!
Join the ‘Lots Of Socks’ campaign. Get people talking about Down syndrome by wearing your most eye-catching socks. Believe it or not, socks get people talking! Action – join the ‘Lots Of Socks’ campaign. You can also buy the official 2023 socks to support the work of DSi.
Use resources to advocate for change. Check out our resources which will help you to advocate for inclusion – whether its at school, your work place, in media or in public life. Action – use resources.
Fundraise. Challenge yourself and raise funds on World Down Syndrome Day to support us to create a more inclusive society for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. Action – fundraise.
Share your message. Do you have a message to share with the world?
Join the conversation on social media by using #WorldDownSyndromeDay in your posts. Action – share your message.
Light up a landmark. Landmarks around the world light up for WDSD – take a look and share your lit-up landmark with us. Action – light up landmark.
Get informed. Learn about Down syndrome from people with Down syndrome. Share your new knowledge with your friends, family and colleagues. Action – get informed.
Take part in an event. Find events happening in your area and online that you can join, or host your own event. Action – find events.
Make a video. DownTV is an interactive platform that covers a wide selection of videos related to Down syndrome. Why not make a video of your own to add? Action – visit DownTV.
Join the Down Syndrome International network campaign. For WDSD 2023, the Down Syndrome International network is campaigning for the right to legal capacity and supported decision making. Action – learn about campaign.
12th World Down Syndrome Day Conference. Join Down Syndrome International in-person or online at the United Nations headquarters in New York talking about legal capacity and supported decision making. Action – join the Conference.
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
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