#WorldDownSyndromeDay
#DownSyndromeAwareness
#LotsOfSocks
Every 21st of March is celebrated as Down syndrome Day.
Why this date?
The date (21/3) symbolises the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
This day aims to raise awareness about Down syndrome and promote inclusion and equal rights for individuals with this condition.
🧦 This day has the symbol of wearing mismatched, colourful socks.
This is because chromosomes look like socks under a microscope, so it is a way to symbolise Down syndrome, show awareness and be supportive.
Each year, this awareness campaign has a different topic. This year is “Together Against Loneliness”, highlighting this aspect that many individuals with Down syndrome or any other learning disability may experience in their lives.
This loneliness can come from not experiencing real inclusion.
Real inclusion is still very much a “pending subject.”
Society has made progress, but in reality, real change often moves more slowly.
In many places, people often mean well, but there is still too much overprotection and fake inclusion, which leads to a lack of independence and not real participation, which limits the development and growth of people with Down syndrome.
“Their wings are clipped too early”, so they may not have the chance to grow and develop the skills they could be capable of. They may often miss out on responsibility and the chance to make decisions because things are simplified or assumed for them too early.
Today and every day, it is time to raise awareness of inclusion to avoid loneliness and enrich our lives in society.
If you are a therapist and work with learning disability individuals, we welcome you to join ASI-Wise Learning Disabilities Community of Practice, to raise awareness together.
This event is held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 12h00 BST/GMT.
Join us!
