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.

Young man with Down syndrome holding a sign above his head with his statement to WDSD 2017

My voice counts – Ireland

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. My Name is Fionn Crombie Angus, I am from Ireland. I live in the west of Ireland, dividing my time between Mountshannon, a small … Read more

Young man with Down syndrome in a church, holding up a board with his statement.

My voice counts – Austria

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Ich gehe gerne ministrieren, am liebsten leuchte ich mit der Kerze, wenn das Evangelium vorgelesen wird. Ich bin aktiver Teil der Gemeinde und ich … Read more

Young lady with Down-syndrom holding a sheet of paper with a statement in front of her

My voice counts – Luxemburg

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Mein Numm ass Pauline, ech lierwen zu Lëtzebuerg. Ech wëll méng Famill glécklech maachen. Ech wëll Fridden a Gerechtegkeet op der Welt. Meng Stëmm … Read more

Young male from Germany with Down syndrome holding up a sign with his statement.

My voice counts – Germany

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Meine Stimme zählt in der Arbeit, da helfe ich auch in der Waschküche. Und in Sport will ich, dass in Tischtennis und in den … Read more

Young women with Down syndrome holding a sign with her statement

My voice counts – Slovenia

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Sem Anja, prihajam iz Slovenije. Vsak dan hodim v službo. Vključena sem v društvo Downov sindrom Slovenja. Ob torkih se pripeljem v Ljubljano, kjer … Read more

Young male person with Down syndrome holding a sign with his statement in front of his chest.

My voice counts – Kosovo

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Quhem Aldi Hoxha, jam i lindur me dt: 06.07.1996 në qytetin e Gjakovës dhe jam 20 vjeç. Shkollimin fillore e kam përfunduar në shkollën … Read more

Young couple with Down syndrome on the old town square in Prague holding up a sign with their statement.

My voice counts – Czech Republic

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Jmenuji se Lucka a můj přítel Vašek. Bydlíme v České republice. Oba pracujeme v chráněné dílně, já šiju a Vašek dělá výrobky z keramiky. Ve … Read more

Young spanisch women holding sign with statement

My voice counts – Spain

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Mi nombre es Cristina Isabel, vivo y trabajo en Madrid, España. Una de las cosas de las que más orgullosa me siento más orgullosa … Read more

Young male holding sign with statement in front of his chest

My voice counts – Netherlands

World Down Syndrome Day 2017: #MyVoiceMyCommunity. Af en toe geef ik presentaties over Downsyndroom voor ouders, maar ook op universiteiten en andere vormen van onderwijs. Ik wil anderen graag informeren … Read more

+ More