On March 21, Down syndrome organizations throughout the world participate in events to raise public awareness. The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication of the 21st (trisomy) chromosome.
Today we celebrate those individuals born with an extra chromosome, or “designer genes,” as some parents like to say. We celebrate the fact that they are more like their peers than they are different from them.
Down syndrome is not a reason to pity or feel uncomfortable around a person or family. A person with Down syndrome typically has some delays in the areas of gross and fine motor skills, speech and cognitive development; however, just like all of us, capabilities and skills vary from person to person.
Today we take time to create awareness about the fact that these individuals are really not that different from you or me.
Babies with Down syndrome need to be fed, changed, held and loved. Toddlers with Down syndrome enjoy playing and go through their “terrible twos.” Children with Down syndrome ride bikes, go to school and participate in Scouts, dance and sports. Adolescents with Down syndrome rebel against their parents and have raging hormones. Teenagers with Down syndrome go to high school and begin determining their future path, be that vocational school, a job or, for some, college. Adults with Down syndrome have careers, participate in religious communities, fall in love, get married and live long, happy lives.
So today we celebrate.
From A day to celebrate some unique individuals
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