It doesn’t matter whether you are a senior, whether you have dark skin, whether you practise a certain religion, whether you went to college, whether you are from a different country, or whether you have a disability.
Everyone deserves the right to make decisions for themselves and have control over their own lives.
This year on World Down Syndrome Day, you can unite with the millions of people all over the world living with Down syndrome who are fighting for their voices to finally be valued and heard.
Read on to learn more about World Down Syndrome Day 2023’s theme of “With Us Not For Us” and how you can become a part of it.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. It occurs naturally, with no known cause.
Chromosomes are strands of DNA that determine how a baby’s body will form and function as it grows.
This extra chromosome that defines Down syndrome will usually cause “varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.”
In fact, it is estimated that about 1 in 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome.
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The purpose of its observation is to educate the public and raise awareness of Down syndrome, as well as work diligently to improve the quality of life of those living with Down syndrome.
When is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is on 21 March every year.
As a matter of fact, the selection of this day and month has a strong significance.
WDSD being observed on the third month of the year (March) on the 21st day represents the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome.
What is the 2023 Theme for World Down Syndrome Day?
The 2023 theme for World Down Syndrome Day is “With Us Not For Us.”
This theme encourages a shift in how society views and treats people with disabilities away from the outdated charity model— “where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support.”
Oftentimes, people with Down syndrome have low-quality or controlling support in which their advocates do things for them, not with them.
Furthermore, many organisations that claim to support people with disabilities exclude people with Down syndrome from participating in their work, meaning that, again, these organisations are making decisions for them, not with them.
This is the problem that needs to be addressed. People with Down syndrome should be allowed to be an advocate for themselves, playing an active part in the work, actions, and decisions that affect them.
Instead, “With Us Not For Us” promotes a human rights-based approach to disability— “those with disabilities having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else while working with others to improve their lives.”
How Can You Raise Awareness and Educate Yourself and Others About Down Syndrome?
There are several ways that you can get involved in World Down Syndrome Day, whether it’s learning more about Down syndrome, raising awareness, or participating in events that revolve around Down syndrome.
Here are just a few of the ways that you can get involved:
- Use these resources to advocate for change
- Share your stories on social media and tag it with #WorldDownSyndromeDay
- Look into lighting up a landmark for World Down Syndrome Day in blue and yellow
- Learn more about Down syndrome from people with Down syndrome
- Look for local events to participate in
- Join the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign in support of Down syndrome
To see more ways that you can get involved in World Down Syndrome Day 2023, click here.
