World Down Syndrome Day | Kidadl

FOR AGES 1 YEARS TO 99 YEARS

World Down Syndrome Day

Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
Read these Tokyo facts to learn all about the Japanese capital.

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.

Children with Down Syndrome can lead a happy life with the support of the community.

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.

1838

Down Syndrome Is Identified

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

1862

Naming Down Syndrome

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

1959

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.

2006

World Down Syndrome Day

Down Syndrome Day was observed for the first time.

2011.

Officially Declared

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

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.

FAQs About World Down Syndrome Day

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.

Hashtags To Use On Social Media

#WorldDownSyndromeDay
#InclusionMeans
#LotsOfSocks
#connect

When Is This Day Celebrated

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

Read The Disclaimer

Was this article helpful?