Blog #89~ World Down Syndrome Day
The United Nations official recognition of World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st. “Each year the voice of people with Down’s syndrome and those who live and work with them join together to focus attention on what it means to have Down syndrome and how those with the condition play a vital role in communities across the world.” Click on the site below to view events to raise public awareness to create a single global voice @www.worlddownsyndromeday.org.
According to Wikipedia, “Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines, and affecting approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues. 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.”
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon said on 21 March 2012, “On this day, let us reaffirm that persons with Down syndrome are entitled to the full and effective enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Let us each do our part to enable children and persons with Down syndrome to participate fully in the development and life of their societies on an equal basis with others. Let us build an inclusive society for all.”
World Down syndrome Day.org gives this message on it’s website, “People with Down syndrome face many challenges as children and adults which may prevent them enjoying their basic human rights. Many people often fail to understand that people with Down syndrome are people first, who may require additional support, but should be recognised by society on an equal basis with others, without discrimination on the basis of disability.”
Big Guy, Nick 🙂
My son Nick, is a young adult who has Down syndrome. He has so much to offer and has brought so much joy to the world. He’s made me a better person in the process. If you would like more specific information on Down syndrome click here @https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/blog-26-down-s…wareness-month/
Please help me spread the word about World Down Syndrome this week on social media. That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂
~Teresa
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 