Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. According to the National Association for Down Syndrome the condition occurs in one in every 691 live births and individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.
Tuesday, March 21st, 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. This year marks the first time the day will be officially observed by the United Nations. Last fall a resolution to establish the awareness day on March 21st of each year cleared a U.N. committee by consensus and was adopted by the international body’s General Assembly in December. Supporters of the March 21st date claim it has particular meaning since Down syndrome occurs when a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome.
Down Syndrome International has dedicated the website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org as a resource for raising awareness and providing information related to Down syndrome, as well as, for planning and locating events worldwide. The goal of World Down Syndrome Day is to create a global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
For more information on Down syndrome please visit the National Association for Down Syndrome and/or Down Syndrome International. To locate events in your country please visit www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/world and select your country/region.
