World Down Syndrome Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Feb 11, 2022
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala
Down Syndrome Day is usually observed in the month of March.

Where is World Down Syndrome Day observed?

World Down Syndrome Day is observed worldwide. 

Who is World Down Syndrome Day observed by?

World Down Syndrome Day is observed by the UN in Geneva and New York. It is also observed by anyone whose life has been touched by Down Syndrome, both the people living with it and their friends and family.

When did World Down Syndrome Day first start?

World Down Syndrome Day was started on March 21, 2006.

Who started World Down Syndrome Day?

This global awareness day was started by the UN.

History And Timeline

The UN instituted WDSD on March 21, 2006. Most countries worldwide have a syndrome association that functions as a point of contact to include people with Down Syndrome in the local community. This date was chosen to commemorate the uniqueness of the syndrome, namely the triplication of the 21st chromosome causing it.

Down Syndrome Is Identified

Jean-Etienne Dominique Esquirol, a French psychiatrist, identified the symptoms.

1838

Naming Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome was named after the British doctor, Dr. John Langdon Down, who fully described the condition.

1862

Scientists Discovered Its Cause

Jerome Lejeune discovered the genetic reason to be due to an extra chromosome on the 21st pair while working in Raymond Turpin's lab.

1959

World Down Syndrome Day

Down Syndrome Day was observed for the first time.

2006

Officially Declared

The United Nations officially earmarked World Down Syndrome Day as Down Syndrome Day.

2011.

Traditions And Customs

Chromosomes are usually roughly shaped like socks. So, wearing an odd pair of socks or two pairs of mismatched socks is a tradition followed on this day.

There is a virtual racing event set up by the National Down Syndrome Society, allowing participants to run, bike, swim, hike, and walk for 3.21 mi (5.16 km).

To create awareness, people wear blue and yellow-colored dresses as part of the observance. Blue and yellow are colors associated with Down Syndrome.

Ways To Observe World Down Syndrome Day

The global Down Syndrome community is a single, global voice, advocating for the rights of people with this syndrome. They host various activities to raise awareness and create support for this community. There are many events to spread awareness.

Some business establishments donate a portion of their sales to events on this day.

Facts And Stats

  • The 2019 theme emphasized giving equal opportunities to people living with Down Syndrome.
  • In 2020, the theme was 'We Decide' to signify that people with Down Syndrome should have full participation in making decisions regarding the matters that affect their lives.
  • In 2021, the theme of the day was 'Connect' to emphasize the importance of staying connected to those with Down Syndrome during the Covid pandemic.

Why is March 21 Down Syndrome Day?

To remind us of the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome.

What day is Down Syndrome Awareness Day?

It is officially observed on March 21.

Who started Down Syndrome Day?

The United Nations General Assembly started Down Syndrome Day to bring awareness to this human condition.

How do people observe Down Syndrome Day?

Down Syndrome Day is observed by wearing mismatched socks and by wearing blue and yellow dresses.

Why do people observe Down Syndrome Day?

Many people observe Down Syndrome Day to raise public awareness.

What is the significance of Down Syndrome Day?

The goal is to both raise awareness and encourage advocacy for the inclusion of those affected by Down Syndrome in all areas of society. It encourages the creation of healthy contact between people with Down Syndrome, encouraging their participation in all community activities. It is also observed to remind communities about inclusion.

What is the history and origin of Down Syndrome Day?

It was first observed in March 2006 by the Down Syndrome International organization. This organization, together with the Down Syndrome Association of Singapore, launched and hosted the World Down Syndrome Day website in 2010.

Soon, a call for a single global voice led to an international campaign where the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution to officially launch March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day beginning in 2012.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, March 21, 2020
  • Sunday, March 21, 2021
  • Monday, March 21, 2022
  • Tuesday, March 21, 2023
  • Thursday, March 21, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah Gulbargawala picture

Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.

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