Wednesday, March 21, 2007

3-21 World Down Syndrome Day

UPDATE: Here's a blog written by Edward Barbanell, an actor who has Down Syndrome and who has been writing a blog for more than a year. Thanks, Michelle.

Today, March 21, is World Down Syndrome Day.

From Down Syndrome International,

"Down Syndrome International (DSI) has officially earmarked 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome. Singapore was selected to launch the inaugural WDSD in 2006. The event, held at the CHIJ Secondary School in Toa Payoh, in the heartlands of Singapore was very successful and well attended. Many other organisations worldwide joined in the celebrations with events and activities in their respective countries.

This year the theme for 21 March 2007 is "Celebrating Diversity", to continue creating awareness about Down syndrome and promote acceptance of diversity.

All DSI members and related organisations worldwide are encouraged to observe the WDSD together with the community in an appropriate manner.”

Other Down Syndrome advocacy organizations:
National Down Syndrome Society and National Association for Down Syndrome

Blogs by parents with children with Down Syndrome:
(I could not find any blogs written by people with Down Syndrome.)

Big Blueberry Eyes
Down Syndrome Life
Postcards From Holland
The Education of Emma Sage
Jaden’s Journal

Welcome to Holland is Emily Perl Kingsley's famous story comparing the experience of her son Jason's Down Syndrome with an unexpected trip to Holland.

5 comments:

n. said...

some other interesting bits:
http://www.mouthmag.com/issues/58/eleanorstory.htm
http://www.mouthmag.com/issues/78/30_souza.html
http://www.intellectualdisability.info/values/downs_as.html
http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/DSA_D2E.aspx
http://www.dsrf.co.uk/Down_Syn_Stories/Astra-Milberg.htm

David said...

Thanks, Natalia!

Michelle said...

Thanks for highlighting a special day!

Michelle said...

PS...Here is a blog written by a person with Down syndrome. His name is Edward Barbanell and he's an actor who was in the movie The Ringer: http://ebarbanell.blogspot.com/

L. Noelle said...

hi there! I am so happy you included my Blog on your Blog! Thanks so much, i just came across you blog today by accident and I love it! Good for you! Thanks so much! Best Wishes, Noelle