Do good this World Down Syndrome Day
However you celebrate this day, use it to make the world a better place.
All of us have come into contact with those with Down Syndrome at one time or other. People with Down Syndrome seem to be able to enjoy the little things in life the way that many of us can’t. However, they also face countless challenges on an everyday basis. Many simple things the rest of us take for granted can prove extremely difficult for them, despite their admirably positive attitude to life. That’s why we should all take some time this World Down Syndrome Day to learn a bit more about this disorder and how we can help those who have it live better lives.
The History of World Down Syndrome Day
Down syndrome has been observed in all races for thousands of years. Sadly, many infants with disabilities were either killed or abandoned in ancient times. However, quite a few historical pieces of art are believed to portray people, and even angels, with Down syndrome, including South American pottery dating back the 5th century AD as well as some Renaissance paintings.
Down syndrome was first characterised as a separate form of mental disability in 1862 by English physician John Langdon Down. It was almost a hundred years later, however, that its cause, the triplication of the 21st chromosome, was discovered by Jérôme Lejeune. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many individuals with Down syndrome were institutionalised, few of the associated medical problems were treated and most died in infancy or early adult life.
The first World Down Syndrome Day was held on March 21, 2006.
How to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is all about raising awareness about this disorder and finding ways to improve the lives of those who have it. No matter where you live in the world, there are plenty of events and activities taking place on this day you can take part in to support the cause, such as concerts, runs, conferences and carnivals. All you have to do is visit the official website of World Down Syndrome Day to see a complete list of all the fun and education events taking place on March 21. If none of these events happen to be near you or you would like to celebrate this day differently, how about finding a way to help a person with Down syndrome in your area? With approximately one in 1 000 babies being born with the disorder, there is bound to be a family somewhere near you facing the challenge of raising a child with Down’s, or an adult with Down’s working harder than all the rest of us to live their life.
Courtesy: www.daysoftheyear.com
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