March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, when people all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome, creating a global voice, advocating for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.
The theme for World Down Syndrome Day this year is “We Decide” because all people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives, inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Down Syndrome Queensland celebrate people with Down syndrome everyday with their purpose being to raise community awareness and to support, advocate for and empower people with Down syndrome in order for them to take their rightful place as valuable and contributing members of their local and global communities.
DSQ CEO Darryl Steff said, “We have the privilege of supporting individuals with Down syndrome at every stage of life.
The 21 March is a great day to highlight individual success but also promote awareness of the challenges and issues we advocate for.
Within our DSQ community alone we have so many amazing individuals who are fully participating in life – whether it be competing at international sports events, working in the local café, living independently or marrying their high school sweetheart!”
To get the world talking about World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, DSQ have been selling Lots of Socks to raise awareness and funds. You can support Down Syndrome Queensland by wearing crazy socks on March 21 and donating a gold coin! Visit the website here: https://www.downsyndromeqld.org.au/
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Notes to Editor:
The date of World Down Syndrome Day is significant because Down syndrome, or Trisomy21, is caused by three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two!
Down Syndrome Queensland is a not-for-profit organisation serving all of Queensland, with regional representatives located across the state, providing practical and emotional support to people with Down syndrome and their families.