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March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), and to raise awareness and celebrate inclusion, students and staff throughout the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board are encouraged to wear fun, colourful, and mismatched socks on Thursday, March 21st as part of the global #LotsOfSocks campaign.
There is a significance to this chosen date, as World Down Syndrome Day is observed on the 21st day of the 3rd month. This date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
This year’s theme, "Improve Our Support Systems," calls on governments to ensure that people with Down syndrome have access to the support they need to live, work, and be fully included in their communities—just like everyone else. Families also need support, as they play a vital role in advocating for and caring for their loved ones with Down syndrome.
Unfortunately, many individuals around the world do not receive the support they need, or the systems in place do not respect their rights and dignity. Support is a key human right that helps make other rights possible, and governments must ensure that systems are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to individual needs.
As Pope Francis reminds us:
“Nobody can be discarded, because we are all vulnerable. Each one of us is a treasure whom God allows to grow in his or her own way.”
On World Down Syndrome Day and every day, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board gives thanks for the many gifts, talents, and contributions that people with Down syndrome bring to our schools and communities.
Show your support! Wear your brightest, most colourful, and mismatched socks on Thursday, March 21st to celebrate inclusion and raise awareness.
To learn more visit: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/