World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is marked each year on March 21, beginning in 2006. The 21st day of March (the 3rd month of the year) was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Every year on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about Down syndrome. It is a condition in which a child is born with an extra 21st chromosome.
A common activity is wearing colourful or mismatched socks, to show support for people with Down syndrome. Socks are shaped somewhat like chromosomes.
Everyone who has Down syndrome will have some level of intellectual disability. There will be some delay in development and some level of learning difficulty. Every person with Down syndrome is different and has different skills and needs for support.
Most young people growing up with Down syndrome today go to school, get a job – just like everyone else.
People with Down syndrome can live full, happy lives as valued members of their communities.
