10 Ways to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
For many people, March 21st is just another day on the calendar. It’s funny how the birth of my son (and becoming part of the #luckyfew) has taken a regular, run of the mill day, and turned it in to something I mark on my calendar as a day to participate in. And what better way to celebrate than with the launch of this website!
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) began in 2006, and in 2011 the United Nations General Assembly chose March 21st as the global observation day. It is a day in which those with Down syndrome, and those who know and love them, participate in various activities, events, and campaigns to raise awareness, as well as advocate for inclusion and equal rights. The date of March 21st (3.21) is significant and was specifically chosen because it represents the unique third copy of chromosome 21, which is what results in Down syndrome.
Every year Down Syndrome International picks a theme for that year’s WDSD and issues a Call to Action, and this year’s theme is “We Decide”. The World Down Syndrome Day website says:
All people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives.
Effective and meaningful participation is a core human rights principle supported by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Across areas of life such as lifelong personal development, personal relationships, education, healthcare, work and livelihood, recreation and leisure and participation in public life, ALL people with Down syndrome must participate in decision making, included on a full and equal basis with others.
So, how can you participate in WDSD and what can you do to raise awareness?
Here are 10 ways to get involved and become an advocate for individuals with Down syndrome:
Take time to educate yourself about Down syndrome, and then share the message about World Down Syndrome Day on your social media and why the day is important.
Wear blue and yellow, or a blue and yellow ribbon. These are the designated colors for WDSD and DS awareness.
Participate in WDSD’s #LotsOfSocks campaign — wear extra, bright, crazy, fun, long, short socks. Wearing unique socks represents how people with Down syndrome are more alike than different, the extra chromosome may make them different, but it is also part of what makes them great.
Support small business by making a purchase from a business owned by an individual with Down syndrome! Click HERE and HERE to find some businesses to support.
Attend a WDSD event near you! Or, attend the United Nations 2020 Virtual Event.
Signup to participate this year in a Buddy Walk at a city near you.
Donate to an organization that works to support, and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome.
Take the 3/21 pledge. A project started by Ruby’s Rainbow, participating in the 3/21 pledge will help Ruby’s Rainbow provide scholarships to adults with Down syndrome as they pursue higher education. How does it work? Click HERE to find out.
Participate in the International Down Syndrome Community’s “Random Acts of Kindness” campaign by performing random acts of kindness in and around your community.
Make a commitment to volunteer more of your time — find an organization near you that supports individuals with Down syndrome, and contact them to get involved as a volunteer.
However you choose to participate, just remember to always #ShoutTheirWorth
Click HERE to learn more about WDSD.