World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is held on March 21 (3/21) of each year to signify the third copy of the 21st chromosome.
This is a day to create awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities. Many utilize awareness days like these to promote the point that people with Down Syndrome are more alike than different. And while that’s largely true, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that sometimes differences make all the difference.
The world is big and we are all, hopefully, adding value to it in our own different ways. World Down Syndrome Day is an opportunity for us to remind the world that people with Down syndrome should have all the same opportunities to grow and learn alongside one another. It’s important not to lose sight of how important differences can be and what they can mean to the world while advocating the best for our loved ones.
Here’s to World Down Syndrome Day - may it be a day where we are reminded to be inclusive and kind to those who we see to be the same or different than ourselves.
Ways to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
Rock Your Socks
This idea was created because chromosomes are shaped “like socks” and people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome. People all over the world wear colorful, attractive, mismatched socks on WDSD to get noticed and get conversations going about Down syndrome.
Rock Your Socks Coloring Sheet (pdf)
John’s Crazy Socks – John's Crazy Socks is a father-son social enterprise inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks, or what he calls his "crazy socks." We're on a mission to spread happiness.
PALS Socks – Mismatched foot friends that go perfectly together! Hannah is the creator of Pals Socks. Her "best friends are different than her and it is way, way more fun that way."
Invite Us to Your Community
We would love to come to come to your school, daycare, work, church, club, etc. to talk about Down syndrome! Community outreach is crucial to fostering acceptance and inclusiveness.
Email Molly to set-up an outreach opportunity!
World Down Syndrome Day: Ideas for the Classroom Packet
Read Inclusive Books
Experiencing differences through reading is a great way to enhance learning.
- A Friend like Anian by Meeka Caldwell
- Different—A Great Thing to Be! by Heather Avis (free on Audible)
- Hannah’s Down Syndrome Superpowers by Lori Yarborough (free on Kindle Unlimited)
- My Friend Has Down Syndrome by Amanda Doering Tourville (free on Kindle Unlimited)
- My Friend Isabelle by Bryan Gough
- My Sister, Alicia May by Nancy Tupper Ling
- Teeny Tiny Pieces by Maria Dillon
- We’ll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
- What’s Inside You Is Inside Me, Too: My Chromosomes Make Me Unique by Deslie Webb Quinby (free on Kindle Unlimited)
Educate & Celebrate
World Down Syndrome Day is a great way to share your loved one with Down syndrome’s achievements as a way to educate the broader community that people with Down syndrome are capable and valued!
We’d love to share, too! Email Krissy with highlights of your loved one!
Spread Kindness
Simply put - showing love and care for others through small acts of kindness.