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World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21st (3/21) of each year to represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome found in individuals with Down syndrome. Here are seven easy ways to celebrate those with Down syndrome in your community!
1. Wear crazy/mismatched socks.
The most wide-spread awareness campaign is probably “Rock Your Socks” for World Down Syndrome Day. Wearing crazy or mismatched socks started because the karyotype for Down syndrome looks like a pair of mismatched socks.
It is easy for schools and companies to get involved in this one to show support for people with Down syndrome. I also give everyone in Ellie’s class crazy socks each year in March so that they can celebrate her big day with her!
2. Pledge to end the r-word.
Both Special Olympics and Best Buddies have campaigns to end the r-word. While usage has declined over the years, it is still not uncommon to hear this derogatory term tossed around thoughtlessly. You can pledge to support the elimination of the r-word and the inclusion of people with intellectual abilities on the Special Olympics website here or through the Spread the Word campaign here.
3. Read a book about inclusion or donate books about inclusion to an elementary classroom.
There are lots of popular books about Down syndrome and inclusivity in general that would be great to read to young students in elementary school. Here are a few of our favorites:
47 Strings. Tessa’s Special Code by Becky Carey
Different–A Great Thing to Be! by Heather Avis
You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Sofia Sanchez
Hannah’s Down Syndrome Superpowers by Lori Leigh Yarborough
I Am a Masterpiece!: An Empowering Story About Inclusivity and Growing Up with Down Syndrome by Mia Armstrong
4. Donate to your favorite Down syndrome organization.
There are so many great organizations helping people with Down syndrome and their caregivers!
For both a prenatal and birth diagnosis, organizations such as Jack’s Basket, Brittany’s Baskets of Hope, DSDN, Zoe’s Toolbox, Love That Surpasses Ministries, Hope Story, and Rising Kites send resources to new parents. You can find out more about these organizations in our post 9 Amazing Down Syndrome Organizations to Help with Your Baby’s Down Syndrome Diagnosis.
Once past infancy, state and local organizations become more important for education and training. A simple Google search should help you find your local Down syndrome organizations. In addition, Gigi’s Playhouse serves people with Down syndrome of all ages with learning programs, therapy, fitness classes, education, and career training. You can check here for a Gigi’s Playhouse near you.
Another one of our favorite organizations is Ruby’s Rainbow, which gives scholarships to people with Down syndrome to pursue their dreams of higher education and independence. From 3/7-3/21, you can take the 3/21 pledge: donate $21, pledge to be kind to people of all abilities, and get three friends to do the same. You can learn more about Ruby’s Rainbow and take the 3/21 pledge here.
5. Walk 3.21 miles on 3/21.
The NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) sponsors Racing for 3.21 each year on March 21st. You can run, walk, bike, etc. for 3.21 miles to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. You can also register for challenge lengths of 32.1 miles or 321 miles to be completed throughout the month of March. This year, they have also started a really great classroom racing site. Students can walk 3.21 miles or do other activities for 3.21 minutes if they are younger. The classroom kit includes educational materials about Down syndrome and cute random acts of kindness cards.
6. Purchase from a business that is owned by someone with Down syndrome or employs people with Down syndrome.
Many people with Down syndrome are entrepreneurs! Here are some of our favorite companies started by people with Down syndrome:
And here are our favorite companies with a mission to employ people with disabilities:
7. Perform a random act of kindness.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has lots of ideas to help you consciously help your community. They also have school calendars with acts of kindness for children of all ages.
Let us know your favorite ways to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in the comments!
