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.