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| Photo by the Author |
Celebrating its 18th anniversary, today, March 21st, 2023, marks the festivities of World Down Syndrome Day. It is the twelfth year in 2023, since December of 2011, to be officially observed by the United Nations. This year, the theme circles on the global network's call for commitment—With Us Not For Us. Its background delivers the message as key to a human rights-based approach to disability. The Down Syndrome International Network will host the 12th World Down Syndrome Day Conference (WDSDC) in New York at the United Nations headquarters
Taking a trip down memory lane, the first World Down Syndrome Day was observed in 2006. The Down Syndrome International, together with the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome, launched an extensive campaign to offer its support.
But what exactly is celebrated on this day?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies are born with 46 chromosomes; Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. In medical terms, this phenomenon is called trisomy, which makes Down syndrome also known as Trisomy 21. An extra copy alters the development of the baby’s body and brain, posing both physical and mental challenges for the child.
The United Nations estimated that the incidence of Down syndrome is 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. This equates to approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children with this chromosomal disorder each year.
With the costs of minorities, they are almost invisible in society. Thus, the movement commits to shifting from the outdated charity model of disability—where they are treated as objects of charity that deserve pity and are dependent on support. Ultimately, the celebration aims to change how persons with disabilities are perceived in society so that they are seen as having the same chances as everyone else and the opportunity to work alongside others to better their life.
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| Photo from Vogue and Diario Sur |
Madeline Stuart, widely known as the first professional model with Down syndrome, paved the way for herself. She has made her way through numerous prestigious fashion events such as Paris Fashion Week, Runway Dubai, and New York Fashion Week. She was featured in fashion publications like Vogue, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.
Another is Pablo Pineda, who is an actor and educator. He is known as the first European with Down syndrome to obtain a major degree—BA in Education Psychology—from a university in Spain and got a Diploma in Teaching.
The voices of people with Down syndrome, and their loved ones, are amplified, but we are yet to do more. Join us as we form a unified voice to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome. Let us hold each other’s hands and spread awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play an essential role in our lives and communities; visit their official website.
If you wish to know more, get a copy of their explanation pack for free.
To take action, share experiences, advocate, and raise funds for the minority, join them in their activities to get involved in the movement.
