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.

Oliver and his father are sitting in a library looking at books to prepare for their holidays.

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Germany

Oliver und sein Vater holen sich Ideen für den nächsten Familienurlaub. Dieses Mal entscheidet Oliver über das Reiseziel der Familie. Oliver and his dad get inspirations for the next family … Read more

Chiara with shopping cart and shopping list in the supermarket

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Italy

Chiara fa la spesa al supermercato per cucinare una cena per i suoi amici. A Chiara piace decidere cosa mangiare e quali ingredienti comprare. Chiara is shopping at the supermarket … Read more

A couple in love sits side by side, the man puts his arm around the woman.

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Hungary

Én választok párt magamnak! (Magyari Zita, Popán Tamás) We chose each other! (Magyari Zita, Popán Tamás) All people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating … Read more

Maria sits at a table and writes down her leisure plans.

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Romania

Maria vrea să trăiască independent. Ea a înțeles importanța alegerilor personale. A învățat cum să-și planifice timpul liber și ce pași trebuie făcuți pentru a se bucura de noile experiențe … Read more

Ömer in a clothing store holds up two jackets to look at and to decide which one to buy.

WDSD 2020 “We decide!” – Turkey

Ömer, kıyafetlerini kendi tarzına göre seçer. Mağazaları dolaşır, fiyatlara bakar ve kendi tarzına ve bütçesine uygun kıyafetleri seçerek alışverişini keyifle tamamlar. Ömer chooses his clothes in style that he likes. … Read more

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