World Down Syndrome Day

All people with Down syndrome must have opportunities to live fulfilling lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society. The 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, pledges that “no one will be left behind”.

The reality today is that prevailing negative attitudes, low expectations, discrimination and exclusion, ensure that people with Down syndrome are left behind. There is a lack of understanding of the challenges individuals face across their lifetimes and a failure to support them with the opportunities and tools needed to live fulfilling lives. People with Down syndrome and those who support and work with them must be empowered to advocate for these opportunities. They can then reach out to key stakeholders to ensure they understand how to provide these opportunities and in turn disseminate this message to bring about real change.

On World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday 21 March 2019, we call upon every person with Down syndrome to tell the world to “leave no one behind!”.

For World Down Syndrome Day 2019, EDSA has asked their members to show people with Down syndrome taking part in activities whether in schools, workplaces, in social, political and public life, culture, media, leisure and sport.
Starting on 1 March, we will be showing 21 examples from across Europe to make it clear that no one must be excluded.

Ndalore Likaj at work in a local pharmacy.

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Kosovo

Ndalore Likaj – ajo ka vendosur që karrieren e sajë ta vazhdoj në një farmaci lokale, ajo është përgjegjëse për të mirëmbajtur dhe renditur ilaqet” Ndalore Likaj – she decided … Read more

Photo collage with young people with Down syndrome from Malta

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Malta

Ċittadini Maltin li għandhom il-Kundizzjoni Down syndrome iridu jgħixu ħajja indipentdenti.  Huwa importanti li kulħadd  jgħamel l-għazliet tiegħu. Fost ħana deċiżjonijiet li jieħdu ta kuljum huma tgħallmu kemm huwa importanti … Read more

Alfonso in a clothing store looks at a label on a pair of trousers that he might want to buy.

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Spain

Gracias al dinero que Alfonso gana en su trabajo, tiene la oportunidad de ir de compras. Le gusta practicar deporte, y vestir adecuadamente para la ocasión. Él decide el color … Read more

Bogdan at the kitchen table preparing a meal.

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Ukraine

Богдан допомагає на кухні. Сьогодні за планом гострі рулети. Він вирішує з яких інгредієнтів приготувати страву. Bogdan helps in the kitchen. Sharp rolls are planned today. He decides which ingredients to … Read more

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