Approximately one in 800 children born in Ontario and one in 1000 children born worldwide have Trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome. Several years ago, actors with Down Syndrome from the Up Club in the U.K. created “Chromosomes R Us”, a short film to explain how Trisomy 21 occurs.
In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared that World Down Syndrome Day would be observed annually on March 21st, to advocate for the well-being, inclusion, and rights of people with Down Syndrome. The date 3/21 signifies triplication that results in an extra partial or whole copy of the 21st chromosome.
One of the more creative World Down Syndrome Day celebrations took place in 2021. Almost 600 people with Down Syndrome, from 27 countries, held a dance party and won the Guinness World Records title “Most People Doing the ‘Raise the Roof’ Dance Move Simultaneously”!
Many organizations commemorate World Down Syndrome Day by lighting their buildings in blue and yellow, or promoting a “Lots of Socks” activity: wearing colourful, mismatched socks to symbolize the appearance of Trisomy 21 chromosomes. People are encouraged to raise awareness by sharing posts on social media with hashtags such as #WorldDownSyndromeDay, #LotsOfSocks and #SeeTheAbility. More information can be found through resources such as the Canadian Down Syndrome Society website
Kick off the first Monday in spring this year by rocking your socks for World Down Syndrome Day!
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Leigh Wood Landry
Special Needs Inclusion and Parenting Support Specialist