World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day

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#WorldDownSyndromeDay, UnitedNations, WhatIBringToMyCommunity, #SeetheAbility” #DownSyndromeInternational,  #CanadianDownSyndromeSociety, 


Ottawa, Mar 21 (Canadian-Media): World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations (UN) since 2012.

Down syndrome (DS) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition that results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health.
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The growth and development of the individual depends to large extent on adequate access to health care, appropriate research, early intervention programmes and inclusive education.

The UN General Assembly "invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome".

This year marks the 13th anniversary of WDSD and the global theme is What I Bring To My Community.

All people with DS are encouraged with opportunities to contribute to the community and live valued lives.

Down Syndrome International (DSi) encourages people all over the world to choose their own activities and events on WDSD to help raise awareness of DS, and how people with DS play a vital role in our lives and communities.

For this purpose DSi created this dedicated website as a single meeting place where the global community can share their experiences and advertise their activities (see WDSD World Events) and participate in DSi’s WDSD initiatives, including our WDSD Call To Action, the WDSD Global Video Event, the WDSD Conference at UN Headquarters, New York, the WDSD event at UN Geneva, the LOTS OF SOCKS campaign and the WDSD Awards.

Canadian Down Syndrome Week (CDSW) is our week to show the world that Canada values all people as fully participating citizens. It is our week to celebrate people with Down syndrome and teach others to “See the Ability.”

Created by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS), CDSW will be celebrated in place of National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, every November 1 to 7.

CDSS’s annual “See the Ability” billboard is also unveiled to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Week.

The name change to ‘Canadian Down Syndrome Week’ is aimed at celebrating the great efforts of Canadians in our incredible community.

CDSW provides a unity to our message and furthers our mission, “To empower Canadians with Down syndrome and their families.” It also allows us to differentiate ourselves from other awareness initiatives, and celebrate the uniquely Canadian experience of people with Down syndrome.


​(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

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