World Down Syndrome Day 2012 (March 21st)

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, and several activities were planned to raise awareness. While my life hasn’t been touched with Down syndrome, a number of friends of mine have children with Down syndrome, and they have fought really hard to empower their children and remind them that they have the same rights, and can achieve great things in society. I strongly agree, and thus I’m happy to promote World Down Syndrome Day. Below some information from the UN site.

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health. Adequate access to health care, to early intervention programmes and to inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of the individual.

In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, and 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.

I strongly believe in inclusiveness and thus I encourage you to learn more about Down Syndrome today.