World Down Syndrome Day 2023: The General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day in December 2011. This day raises awareness and support for people with Down Syndrome. It is an initiative taken worldwide. Down Syndrome International has linked up with a number of national charities around the world to organize activities and events to raise awareness and support patients with Down syndrome. It also helps people understand the causes behind the disease, its symptoms and treatment.
Today, we celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of people with Down Syndrome. Let’s promote their inclusion, advocate for their rights, and create a world that values diversity. Happy World Down Syndrome Day!#SyndromeDay #WDSD2023 #InclusionIssues pic.twitter.com/o30Go8BZBz
– NYKS India (@Nyksindia)
March 21, 2023
World Down Syndrome Day helps educate the public about what Down syndrome is and how to encourage people with Down syndrome to participate in everyday activities so they can live a full life and play a role. important in your community. pic.twitter.com/fnSAN1Phvj
— Punjab Government (@PunjabGovtIndia)
March 21, 2023
Claire’s powerful speech at this morning’s World Down Syndrome Day event. I heard her and other attendees talk about the importance of inclusion in employment, education and beyond – and how diversity makes us all stronger. pic.twitter.com/h1cpppEQLq
– Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP)
March 21, 2023
World Down Syndrome Day 2023: Theme
The theme of the 12th World Down Syndrome Day is ‘With us, not for us’. And the message is that people with disabilities have the right to be treated and have equal opportunities like everyone else. According to the United Nations Organizations, the Down Syndrome International Network is advocating for the right to legal capacity, decision support and understandable communication.
And to that end, it invites self-advocates, advocates, government and UN officials as well as NGO representatives to share knowledge, experiences and practices. Good wishes from countries around the world at the 12th WDSD Conference.
The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2022 is ‘#Inclusive Vehicles’.
The theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2020 is “We Decide”. Every year Down Syndrome International (DSi) announces a theme for WDSD. It represents a “call to action” for the annual World Down Syndrome Day integrated with all WDSD-related activities and events. It also encourages people around the world to do the same. The “We Decide” theme is inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which supports effective and meaningful participation as a core human right.
“All people with Down syndrome should be able to participate fully in decision-making about issues that concern or affect their lives.” – Down Syndrome International
World Down Syndrome Day: History
The United Nations General Assembly in December 2011 declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day by adopting resolution A/RES/66/149. The first World Down Syndrome Day was celebrated on March 21, 2012. They felt the need to raise awareness about Down syndrome. To commemorate this day, the General Assembly invited all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including NGOs and the private sector, as appropriate.
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According to the United Nations, the estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. Each year, about 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this disease. There is no doubt that the quality of life of people with Down syndrome can be improved by meeting their health care needs, such as regular checkups with medical professionals to monitor their physical and mental condition and provide timely interventions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, special education, etc.
Why is WDSD observed on March 21?
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st day of the 3rd month because it was chosen to represent the uniqueness of the 21st chromosome trisomy that causes Down syndrome.
Why are some events held on WDSD?
Various events are organized around the world to advocate for the full integration into society of people with Down syndrome and others.
- To demonstrate the meaningful and effective overall participation of people with Down syndrome can be achieved through accessible information, communication and advice.
- Empowering people with Down syndrome.
- Reach out to key stakeholders like education, health, social experts, media etc to disseminate this message and bring about change.
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21. This is a genetic disorder caused by abnormal cell division that results in an extra partial or full copy of chromosome 21. A genetic material Excess causes a number of changes in humans including changes in development, physical characteristics, and so on.
The severity of Down syndrome varies among individuals causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder that causes learning disabilities in children. It also causes several other medical abnormalities such as heart and gastrointestinal disorders.
A person with Down syndrome may have mild, moderate, or severe problems. Children and adults with Down syndrome have different facial features. Some common features are given below:
- Plane
- Small head
- Short neck
- Loll
- Eyelids slanted upward (palm crack)
- Small or irregularly shaped ears
- Poor muscle tone
- Hands are wide, short, with a wrinkle in the palm
- Compared to others, people have short fingers and small hands and feet
- Too flexible
- Small white spots on the colored part (iris) of the eye are called Brushfield spots
- Short height
Therefore, World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated annually on March 21 to raise awareness about Down syndrome through various means, including education, healthcare, medical experts etc. The need is to spread awareness, and that can be done when we work together.
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn