March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, which has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012.
On this day, people all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome. March 21st provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome around the world.
This year, the theme is “End the Stereotypes.” It’s all about highlighting how stereotypes can hold people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability back. These stereotypes can lead to being left out, not taken seriously, not getting help and sometimes even being mistreated.
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2024 with these social media assets – share with the hashtag #celebrateWDSD
How to get involved
Join in with us to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and advocate for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome on 21 March.
You can get involved in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day by organising an awareness event. Many people around the world hold a Lots of Socks event or organise a morning tea. Ask your workplace or school to join in by holding a ‘Lots of Socks’ day.
WDSD is a unique annual opportunity for the global Down syndrome community to connect.
We connect so that we can:
• Share ideas, experiences and knowledge,
• Empower each other to advocate for equal rights for people with Down syndrome, and
• Reach out to key stakeholders to bring about positive change.
Ideas for getting involved
We want to get people talking about World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st March. We can do this by wearing bright and colourful socks! You can wear official lots of socks, branded socks, or any other pair of socks to make a statement: bright socks, long socks, printed socks, or maybe even three socks for three chromosomes. Wear your own crazy socks or order Lots of Socks at our online shop.
Ask your workplace or school to join in by holding a ‘Lots of Socks’ day.
We have an awareness and inclusion package for schools and for workplaces.
- Visit our Lots of Socks Fundraising Page here.
- Download our Lots of Socks Inclusion Guide for Schools here.
- Download our Lots of Socks Inclusion Guide for Businesses here.
- Order socks on our Online Shop
- Learn more at the international Lots Of Socks page via Down Syndrome International.
Many people hold morning teas or a ‘Tea for Trisomy 21’ throughout March to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome. Supporters hold local fundraising and awareness events across the country, to celebrate the occasion and to raise funds for the Australian state and territory Down syndrome associations.
Here are some resources and ideas to help with organising a tea or a fundraising event.
• Beautiful postcard to print or send electronically
• What is Down Syndrome? Information sheet
• A themed invite to send to guests
• Quick & easy sweet recipe suggestions
• Quick & easy savoury recipe suggestions
• A Media release template for you to send to your community paper with a ‘human interest’ story to highlight World Down Syndrome Day
• Fundraising ideas for hosting a morning or afternoon tea
• A letter seeking donations and a thank you certificate is also available. Contact your local association to ask about donation letters.
Download our Lots of Socks awareness package
Lots of Socks Day helps children respectfully understand the diversity in their world. The package aims to help learn about, accept and celebrate each person’s uniqueness.
Download our Awareness Package for schools here.
Download our Awareness Package for businesses and workplaces here.
Stories from World Down Syndrome Day
See all our stories
You can read stories of people with Down syndrome and their families here.