It’s World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March and if you haven’t already seen this impactful video to send a strong message across, you need to watch it now:
Follow the #HowDoYouSeeMeMovement and share your story too if you like. But before that, take a second to pause and think about just how much you really know about Down Syndrome? After all, these specially marked days are meant to recognise these very real conditions and also help spread awareness, so we can all be a more inclusive and accepting society.
The stronger underlying beneath this campaign is explained as: “A look may be friendly, encouraging, respectful or cold, devaluing and even discriminatory. A look can offer opportunity and foster inclusion for people with Down syndrome, or it can alienate and reinforce prejudice”. We think that’s a message we can all take away and process for a minute.
You should visit the World Down Syndrome website that has incredibly empowering and uplifting stories, but also as a resource center to become more familiar with Down Syndrome.
What is down syndrome?
We’re glad you asked. First of all, it’s a genetic condition (not an illness). In the most simple terms, it’s caused when a person has extra chromosomes in their cells. People with down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of 46 chromosomes.
Because the condition is unique to each individual, it’s not fair to automatically assume that it’s a one-size-fits-all with this condition. Some may go on to lead very normal lives without much help, while others may have health issues or intellectual disabilities that require a little more special attention.
In any case, if you meet people with the condition or have them in your lives, take some time to really get to know them beyond their condition. There’s more to them than meets the eye!
There isn’t a known cause of down syndrome for now, but your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is higher if:
- You are older when you get pregnant. Many doctors believe that the risk increases for women age 35 and older.
- You have a brother or sister who has Down syndrome.
- You had another baby with Down syndrome.
This year the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (KDSF) celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on Sunday 20th March 2016 with “Fun in the Park”. They brought all their students (current or past) to the Perdana Botanical Gardens (previously known as Lake Gardens) in Kuala Lumpur. It was a fun-filled carnival for their students and their family and friends. Clowns with balloons, bouncing castles, face-painting, carnival games, pop-corn and many more were planned for the day.
The KDSF is committed to the welfare of children with Down Syndrome, its main focus being the education of these children up to 6 years old. Check out their website to learn more about their cause in Malaysia, to help, and/or to donate.
Remember, today’s children are tomorrow’s adults.
