World Down Syndrome Day 2013

Many of you may not know, but Thursday, March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).  It is a day of celebration, recognition, and awareness.  Why March 21 you might ask?  Well, 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.

WDSD was first observed in 2006, but was not officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly until December 19, 2011 and declared it be observed every year starting in 2012.  The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, said on March 21, 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."

Many areas including where we live do a "Dress down for Down Syndrome" campaign.  So, if you have the ability to dress down on Thursday March 21, then by all means do it. Support people with Down Syndrome and those who live and work with them to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.

Although Grayson is still young, in talking to other people it sounds like there is still quite a lot of frustration in how DS children are accepted in society and how they are treated in the medical and education fields.  It is great that there are people trying to raise awareness, but I think people in the DS community think it is more campaign and awareness, rather than action and reality. Awareness is good, but action is needed to create the change that is needed. I only hope I can help and that there are proper methods and systems in place for Grayson and others to get the education they need to meet their full potential.  Again, thanks for all your support.