Every year, World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21. I have somehow lost track of the days this week, and wasn’t able to write about it on the day it happened. However, it is still very important to know about. Here are some facts about World Down Syndrome Day.
March 21, 2012, was the seventh annual World Down Syndrome Day. The reason why this particular day was chosen is significant. March 21 can also be written as 3/21. People who have Down Syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21. Typically, one would expect to have two copies of the chromosome. The extra copy is something that is unique to people who have Down Syndrome.
The seventh annual World Down Syndrome Day is the first one that was officially recognized by the United Nations. This means that from this year forward, the UN will officially observe World Down Syndrome Day. That’s pretty exciting!
On the official United Nations website that talks about World Down Syndrome Day, there is a quote from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
“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.”
The UN website about Down Syndrome Day also says:
“The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, and invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome”.
According to the official World Down Syndrome Day website, the purpose of the day is to help raise awareness of what Down Syndrome is, what it means to have Down Syndrome, and how people with Down Syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
Every year, people are encouraged to celebrate World Down Syndrome day through their own websites, blogs, and social networking sites. The official website notes that the internet can be used as a powerful tool to increase awareness. You have plenty of time to plan what you want to do to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day next year. You can register with the official website, and share details about your activities and events with the global community.
Image by clive darr on Flickr