World Down Syndrome Day 2015

21  March

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‘My Opportunities, My Choices’ – Enjoying Full and Equal Rights and the Role of Families

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed on 21 March, with 21 March 2015 marking the 10th anniversary of the day. 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 for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.

People with Down syndrome, on an equal basis with other people, must be able to enjoy full and equal rights, both as children and adults with ‘opportunities’ and ‘choices’.

People with Down syndrome face many challenges as children and adults which may prevent them enjoying their basic human rights. Many people often fail to understand that people with Down syndrome are people first, who may require additional support, but should be recognised by society on an equal basis with others, without discrimination on the basis of disability.

For 2015 Down Syndrome International invites everyone across the world to wear LOTS OF SOCKS on 21 March  to raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition. It is universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines. Down syndrome is estimated to occur in one in every 1000 live births in developed countries and one in every 650 live births in developing countries. In South Africa it is roughly one in every 500. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

Source: World Down Syndrome Day

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