By Anna Boatman and Kimberly Madsen – Genetic Counseling Students
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated on March 21st, is a day dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome. It is observed on the 21st day of the third month each year because individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic conditions seen in about 1 in 775 live births in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To explain, chromosomes are like tightly wound-up balls of yarn, where the yarn represents the body’s genetic information (DNA), and this tells the body how to grow and develop. Individuals without Down syndrome have 23 pairs of chromosomes, or 46 total chromosomes. Individuals with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome—three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two copies. This is why Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21, and why we celebrate World Down syndrome Day on 3/21.
The extra genetic information can influence how a person grows and develops though each person with Down syndrome is unique with their own strengths and abilities. People with Down syndrome can thrive and contribute to their community in many ways. You may encounter an individual with Down syndrome in various settings within your community, such as work, school, the grocery store, or the gym.
History
Down Syndrome International (DSi) created Down Syndrome Day in 2006. Then in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. This global holiday was established to raise awareness and promote the full enjoyment of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and adequate healthcare for individuals with Down syndrome.
World Down Syndrome Day | United Nations
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly for World Down Syndrome Day
Improve our Support Systems!
The theme of 2025 is “Improve our Support Systems.” Strong, personalized support systems empower individuals with Down Syndrome to reach their full potential and actively engage in their communities. Financial support can help families afford lifelong medical care and essential assistive technologies. Social support enhances quality of life and reduces caregiver burnout. Reliable transportation can increase independence for individuals with Down Syndrome. Whatever the support system looks like, individuals with Down Syndrome have the right to choose and control the support they receive.
Common Strengths with Down Syndrome
Individuals with Down Syndrome have many strengths that help them meaningful contributions to their communities. As a group, individuals with Down Syndrome often excel in visual learning, processing, and short-term memory. Many also are naturally empathetic and have strong social understanding. Learning new vocabulary and technology can also come easily to many. Of course, specific strengths vary from person to person, and no single blog post can capture them all!
Ways to Get Involved on World Down Syndrome Day:
- Rock your Socks by wearing brightly colored and mismatched socks to start conversations about Down syndrome to promote and raise awareness of Down syndrome. You can share your socks on social media by using #WDSD #LotsOfSocks #RockYourSocks
- Attend a local World Down Syndrome Day Celebration in Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska. The Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands is hosting a party with food, crafts, and great company from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on 3/21 at Pint 9 and We Rock the Spectrum. Click here to register in Omaha. The Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska is hosting a celebration with karaoke, face painting, ballon creations, crafts and food from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on 3/21 at City Impact. Click here to register in Lincoln.
- Volunteer at local or national organizations to show your support for the Down syndrome community. The Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands has many weekly volunteering activities such as cooking and boxing classes, improv night, walking club, and an annual gala. Click here to join the volunteer database. The Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska also has weekly activities including kickboxing, CrossFit, and cooking classes. Click here to register to become a volunteer.
- Fund-raise or Donate to the World Down Syndrome Day fundraiser. The funds will help people with Down syndrome all around the world for international projects, meaningful campaigns, signposting services, and policy changes. There are also local organizations that you could contribute to as well including the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands or the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska.
Resources and Organizations
Local:
- Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands (Omaha)
- Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (Lincoln)
International:
- National Down Syndrome Society
- Down Syndrome International
- Global Down Syndrome Foundation