What is "Down Syndrome"?
Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in 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. (WDSD, 2021)
The estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder. The quality of life of people with Down syndrome can be improved by meeting their health care needs, including regular check-ups with health professionals to monitor mental and physical condition and to provide timely intervention be it physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counselling or special education. Individuals with Down syndrome can achieve optimal quality of life through parental care and support, medical guidance, and community based support systems such as inclusive education at all levels. This facilitates their participation in mainstream society and the fulfillment of their personal potential. (UN, 2020)
What is "World Down Syndrome Day"?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day that 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. (DSI, 2021)
On this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organise and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
Celebrate WDSD 2021!
Let’s get people talking about WDSD on 21 March 2021! How? By wearing #LotsOfSocks! …wear their official #LotsOfSocks socks, other brightly coloured socks, long socks, printed socks, 1 sock even 3 socks (for 3 chromosomes). Socks were chosen because they resemble the chromosomes. So, put your socks on and let's conquer the world! (Awareness day, 2021)
As the designated colours of the cause, blue and/or yellow should be utilized on World Syndrome Day. You can show your support by wearing something blue or yellow, eat a delicious blue and yellow cake, make a wonderful bouquet with these colours or even put up some balloons! —it doesn’t matter how you rock these colours, just be sure you do. (NT, 2021)
Conclusion
Today let's accept our differences! Let's wear our socks and let's conquer the world. Equality is the key to peace and in such difficult times like now, with the pandemic, we ought it to ourselves to be a little more kind...A little more caring. So, today we stand together and we all do our part in creating a new, brighter, world!
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Reference list Anon, (n.d.). What is Down syndrome? - World Down Syndrome Day. [online] Available at: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/what-is-down-syndrome [Accessed 19 Mar. 2021]. Down Syndrome International. (n.d.). World Down Syndrome Day. [online] Available at: https://www.ds-int.org/world-down-syndrome-day [Accessed 19 Mar. 2021]. National Awareness Days Calendar 2021. (n.d.). World Down Syndrome Day 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-down-syndrome-day-2021/ [Accessed 19 Mar. 2021]. National Today. (2020). WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY - March 21, 2021. [online] Available at: https://nationaltoday.com/world-down-syndrome-day/ [Accessed 19 Mar. 2021]. Nations, U. (2020). World Down Syndrome Day. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/down-syndrome-day.
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