Friday 21st March is World Down’s Syndrome Awareness Day to raise awareness of what Down’s Syndrome is, what it means to have Down’s Syndrome, and how people with Down’s Syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

This is a personal issue to Nicole and I because our son, Arran, was born in 2012 and has Down’s Syndrome. 

This coming Friday many of us will be wearing LOTS OF SOCKS to raise awareness. But not just any socks. other brightly coloured socks, long socks, printed socks, 1 sock…maybe even 3 socks for 3 chromosomes. If you don’t normally wear socks then wear them. 

GET INVOLVED

If you would like to encourage students at your school or college to join us, that would just be wonderful. Please do let us know, tweet us @schudio and we’ll share what you’re up to – include some photos!

If you’d like to have a little read about where we are up to with Arran I am writing a blog as Arran and I tackle all 214 Wainwrights. (we haven’t been out since before Christmas but hope to top 20 fells this year!)

Thanks so much for your time, please do let us know if you’re planning to join us in raising awareness for this hugely important issue.

“Health and Wellbeing – Access and Equality for All”

All people with Down syndrome have the right to access healthcare when required on an equal basis with others without discrimination and with proper assessment of the specific health needs of the individual. We will be highlighting that:

1. Having Down syndrome does not make a person unhealthy.
2. Down syndrome is a genetic condition, not an illness.
3. People with Down syndrome may have health issues throughout their lives, just like everyone else and they should have access to healthcare on an equal basis with others.
4. There are specific known health issues which may affect people with Down syndrome, for which accurate, evidence based information is available.
5. Health professionals should be aware of these specific issues when treating a person with Down syndrome.
6. Health professionals should not discriminate against people with Down syndrome by:

• refusing to treat them;
• blaming health issues on Down syndrome in general, or;
• considering only specific known health issues which may affect people with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome International’s WDSD Global Video Event and WDSD Conference will both explore this important area of focus.

To find out more about WDSD World Events visit the dedicated WDSD website.

To show your support for World Down Syndrome everyone is encouraged to wear “Lots of Socks”.  You can order official World Down Syndrome Socks from The Down’s Syndrome Association Shop.