World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2023: Date, Theme, History, Significance, Key Facts, & More

World Down Syndrome Day 2023: The General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day in December 2011. The day raised awareness and support for those living with Down Syndrome disease. It is an initiative taken all over the world. Down Syndrome International has linked up with a number of national charities around the world to deliver activities and events to raise awareness and support for patients living with Down syndrome. It also helps people understand the reason for the disease, its symptoms and its treatment.

Today we celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of people with Down syndrome. Let’s promote their inclusion, defend their rights and create a world that values ​​diversity. Happy World Down Syndrome Day!#SyndromeDay #WDSD2023 #InclusionMatters 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 vital role in their community. . pic.twitter.com/fnSAN1Phvj

— Government of Punjab (@PunjabGovtIndia)
March 21, 2023

Powerful speech from Claire at the World Down Syndrome Day event this morning. I heard from her and other attendees about the importance of inclusion in employment, education and more, and how diversity makes us all stronger. pic.twitter.com/h1cpppEQLq

– Antonio 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 same rights to equal treatment and opportunities as everyone else. According to UN agencies, the Down Syndrome International network is campaigning for the right to legal capacity, supported decision-making and easy-to-understand communication.

And to achieve this, it invites self-advocates, supporters, government and UN officials, and NGO representatives to share knowledge, experiences and good practices from countries around the world at the 12th WDSD Conference.

The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2022 is ‘#InclusionMeans’.

The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2020 was “We Decide.” Down Syndrome International (DSi) announces the theme of WDSD each year. It represents a “call to action” for World Down Syndrome Day each year that is integrated with all WDSD-related activities and events. It also encourages people around the world to do the same. The theme “We Decide” is inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which supports effective and meaningful participation as a fundamental human right.

“All people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision-making about matters related to or affecting their lives.” – International Down Syndrome

World Down Syndrome Day: History

In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day through resolution A/RES/66/149. The first World Down Syndrome Day was celebrated on March 21, 2012. They considered it necessary to raise awareness about the disease Down syndrome. To observe the 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 non-governmental organizations and the private sector, in an appropriate manner.

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According to the UN, the estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. Approximately between 3,000 and 5,000 children are born with this disease each year. Without a doubt, the quality of life of people suffering from Down syndrome can be improved by meeting their health care needs, such as regular check-ups with health professionals to monitor their physical and mental condition and provide them with timely intervention, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy. therapy, counseling, special education, etc.

Why is WDSD observed on March 21?

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st day of the third month because it was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome.

Why are various events organized at WDSD?

The various events are organized around the world to advocate for the full inclusion in society of people with Down syndrome and everyone else.

  • Show the effective and meaningful overall participation of people with Down syndrome that can be achieved through accessible information, communication and consultation.
  • Empower people with Down syndrome.
  • Reach out to key stakeholders such as education, health, social professionals, media, etc. to spread this message and bring about change.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21. It is a genetic disorder caused by abnormal cell division that results in a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. Extra genetic material causes several changes in the person, including developmental changes , physical characteristics, etc.

The severity of Down syndrome varies by individual and causes lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder that causes learning problems in children. It also causes some other medical abnormalities like cardiac 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 of the common features are detailed below:

  • flattened face
  • Small head
  • Short neck
  • protruding tongue
  • Eyelids that tilt upwards (palpebral fissures)
  • Small or unusual shaped ears
  • Poor muscle tone
  • Wide, short hands with a single fold in the palm.
  • Compared with other short fingers and small hands and feet.
  • Excess flexibility
  • Small white spots on the colored part (iris) of the eye called Brushfield spots
  • Short stature

As a result, World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated every year on March 21 to raise awareness about Down syndrome through a variety of means, including education, healthcare, medical professionals, etc. The need is to create awareness and it is possible when we unite and make an effort to do so.

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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn

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