World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is marked every year on March 21st, to create awareness about Down Syndrome.
On this day, activities and events are organized throughout the world to raise public awareness and create a global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
Recognizing World Down Syndrome Day in your workplace is a great way to raise public awareness, promote inclusivity, and support the wellbeing of those living with Down Syndrome.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21, due to an abnormal cell division.
Chromosomes are small thread-like genes in the body, which determine how a baby's body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth. These extra genes cause the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.
This condition happens by chance, cannot be prevented, and the cause of this chromosomal abnormality is currently unknown.
Each year, about 6000 babies are born with Down syndrome, which equals to a 1 in 700 chance. The prevalence of Down syndrome increases with the mother’s age. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays.
It is the most common genetic chromosomal disorder and the main cause of learning disabilities in children, and is associated with delays in physical growth and characteristic facial features. It also commonly causes other medical abnormalities, including heart and gastrointestinal disorders.
Fortunately, the health problems can be managed well, especially when found early, and many resources are available to help individuals living with this condition.
Facts about Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is named after the English doctor, John Langdon Down, who was the first to identify the common features of people with the condition.
There are three types of Down syndrome. Trisomy 21 is the most prevalent, and occurs when a person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual 2 copies. Translocation and mosaicism are the other two types and account for about 5 percent of cases combined.
Pregnancy testing can determine Down syndrome. According to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, "Down syndrome has nothing to do with race, nationality, socioeconomic status, religion, or anything the mother or father did during pregnancy." Mothers can learn through diagnostics tests during pregnancy whether or not their baby has Down syndrome.
Life expectancy is increasing. As reported by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, "As recently as 1983, the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome was 25 years. The dramatic increase is largely due to the end of the inhumane practice of institutionalizing people with Down syndrome."
Why is World Down Syndrome Day Important?
Considering Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities, it is important to raise public awareness about the condition, and to advocate for acceptance and inclusion. People with Down syndrome still face many stereotypes, and their voices often go unheard.
World Down Syndrome Day helps to spread the message of love, inclusion, acceptance, and respect. This day also empowers individuals to show that their condition is just one part of who they are and that it doesn’t define them or limit their abilities.
By researching the effects of Down syndrome, being an advocate, and donating to respected charities and foundations, we can help improve the lives of those who live with this condition. This will help to identify the causes of some of the characteristics that people with Down syndrome have.
Raising awareness and doing more research will also be able to assist those with Down syndrome live healthier, happier, and more independent lives.
Build an Inclusive Workplace
When hiring employees with Down syndrome or other disabilities and when creating awareness in the workplace, here are some tips to consider:
Provide a Routine
Employees with Down syndrome tend to be more comfortable with the structure of a routine. Routines can help employees understand what is expected of them in specific environments and situations. For employees with Down syndrome or with other additional needs, routines can also be a way to develop new skills and will help reduce anxiety.
It is beneficial to provide employees with an organized, descriptive schedule, which involves setting deadlines, understanding hours of operation, break times, meeting times and holidays. If possible, it is best to give the employee advanced notice of any upcoming change in routine to give them time to adjust their expectations.
Listen to specific needs
Getting to know your employees is the foundation of an effective workplace relationship. It can allow employees with disabilities to feel valued, heard, and creates a feeling of trust within the workplace.
By tending to specific needs and by addressing barriers, accommodations will create better access to learning opportunities and employment success for employees with disabilities.
Encourage Inclusion
Participation in staff events help to integrate employees with Down syndrome within the workplace. Including employees of all abilities validates their standing within the company, fosters friendships, and makes everyone feel valued and appreciated.
When organizing staff events, make sure that every aspect is inclusive and accessible for everyone to maximize employee participation.
Don’t Make Assumptions
People with Down syndrome have a right to be employed, where they can work alongside people of all abilities and earn equal compensation. Persons with disabilities are just as capable of producing quality work, and no assumptions should ever be made.
It is vital for staff to unlearn any discriminatory biases that are held against persons with disabilities. The less judgmental an office is, the more employees become comfortable in the work environment and feel more at ease to be themselves.
Educate Employees
You or other people in your workplace may not have ever known or worked with anyone who has Down syndrome or another disability before. An employee with Down syndrome may also not be comfortable talking about having a disability, so it is important that you and your staff take the time to educate yourselves.
Surround yourself with accurate disability representation and consider sharing information about Down syndrome with colleagues so everyone can gain knowledge. As you become an ally by immersing yourself in reading, watching, and listening to the Down syndrome community, make sure you unlearn what you thought you knew about persons with disabilities.
When more people truly understand allyship and advocate for it, workplaces become more inclusive and accepting.
How to Observe World Down Syndrome Day in the Workplace
There are different ways of recognizing observances. From organizing events to hosting Lunch and Learns, here are a few ways that you could celebrate and recognize World Down Syndrome Day.
Organize an event
Your company can take initiative and coordinate your own event that will raise money and awareness for Down syndrome. Organizing a fundraiser such as a trivia night, planning a walk, holding a bake sale, or hosting a raffle within your community are all fun events that will raise money to benefit those with Down syndrome.
Get involved
Show your support by inviting your employees to attend a community event in honor of World Down Syndrome Day, or encourage them to donate to either a local charity, or a charity online. Donating and fundraising to organizations will both show the company’s aid and support, as well as a sense of gratification that comes from giving back to the community.
Guest Speakers
A great way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day is to bring in guest speakers to talk about Down syndrome awareness and inclusion. Speakers will include people with Down syndrome, and supporters who can bring different perspectives and share their own experiences. A topic can be chosen or voted for in advance, and employees should be aware of what to expect so everyone can get a chance to prepare to share and ask questions.
Lunch and Learn
Lunch and learns offer a sociable way to circulate information related to Down syndrome, while encouraging teamwork and collaboration. Hosting a Lunch and Learn will provide knowledge about the people who have work-related barriers due to a disability or other limitation, and will give strategies to assist them in the workplace. Topics may include:
Workplace accommodations
Ergonomics in the workplace
Assistive technology
Available resources
Funding options
Community supports programs