World Down Syndrome Day
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
Each year, Down Syndrome International (DSi) develops a theme for WDSD which forms the basis of a global campaign in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The theme of this year’s international event is “End the Stereotypes”, and Down Syndrome Ireland is celebrating the achievements of its members in the fields of employment, education, self-advocacy and beyond.
Down Syndrome Ireland is calling for an end to harmful and restrictive stereotypes towards people with Down syndrome.
Each year, Down Syndrome International (DSi) develops a theme for WDSD which forms the basis of a global campaign in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
This WDSD, the message that we are asking supporters around the world to share on and around 21 March is “End the Stereotypes”.
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated annually on the 21st of March and is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date for WDSD is set on the 21st day of the 3rd month as a representation of the extra copy of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that people with Down syndrome are born with.
How can you help celebrate WDSD and raise funds?
Registrations for this event are now closed. Please keep an eye on our socials for our upcoming campaigns. Otherwise, see you again next year for Lots of Socks 2025!
Down Syndrome Ireland Branches
There will be lots of other events happening around the country across our 25 branches, creating their own unique events to celebrate and raise awareness about World Down Syndrome Day. You can follow our branches across social media to keep updated and show your support for the wonderful work being done by our members, families and volunteers.
Get talking!
We want to get people talking and encourage schools and groups to celebrate in the days leading up to WDSD. Download our Primary School Pupils guide and Post-Primary School Pupil guide for your classroom or community group and let’s get everyone talking to raise awareness and much-needed funds.
Down Syndrome Ireland continues to serve our members and our Member Support Team – who offer advice, support and information for all ages – are on hand to help families with children and adults who have Down syndrome throughout Ireland.
Resources:
Here are links to resources which will provide insights and opportunities for discussion. To download, simply right-click on the resource you want to access and select Save As.
LOTS OF STEPS
Download our 21-Day Lots of Steps tracker
Download our Lots of Steps recruitment poster (A4)
Download our Lots of Steps recruitment poster (A3)
Download our Lots of Steps logo
LOTS OF SOCKS
Download our Lots of Socks logo
Download our Lots of Socks DONATE poster
FUNDRAISING
Download our guide to fundraising for World Down Syndrome Day 2024
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND PUPILS
Download our guide to World Down Syndrome Day for primary pupils
Download our guide to World Down Syndrome Day for post-primary pupils
On March 21st, we invite you to get all your friends, family and colleagues involved, let’s get people talking on World Down Syndrome Day.
#WorldDownSyndromeDay #WDSD2024 #EndTheStereotypes
