In 2011, the UN General Assembly declared March 21 as World Day for People with Down Syndrome. Since 2012, this day has been proposed to be celebrated by all states and international organizations in order to raise public awareness about Down Syndrome.
March 21 is a symbolic designation, since Down syndrome is associated with 3 copies of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21 chromosome). According to WHO statistics, every 700th child is born in a world with Down syndrome. This ratio is the same in different countries, climatic zones and social strata. Genetic failure occurs regardless of the lifestyle of the parents, their health, habits and education.
Due to the impossibility of complete treatment of the problems of this condition, the specialists set a goal not on permanent treatment, but on ensuring normal social status. Optimal quality of life for children with Down syndrome can be achieved primarily through parental care, meeting medical needs, through the possibilities of inclusive education and the support of the community as a whole. People with Down syndrome can do a lot, but only in their own rhythm.
In Belarus, children with Down syndrome can attend integrated groups in pre-school institutions and study in integrated classes in schools. For families raising children with Down syndrome, the services of narrow specialists are provided in the Centers for Correctional Developmental Education and Rehabilitation (Ministry of Education), centers / offices for early intervention (Ministry of Health), etc. There are parental associations that provide comprehensive support to families in which children and young people with Down syndrome live:
- Youth community organization "Down Syndrome".
- Republican social and charitable public association “Down Syndrome. Inclusion".
The initiative of the general manager of the Renaissance-Minsk hotel Jesper Fransl, a native of Denmark, in Belarus began a unique experience in employing employees with Down syndrome. Jesper Fransl wanted to see people with disabilities among the staff. Experience in the hotel received Mher Minasyan, Nikolai Vovk, Vasily Pavlikov.
Once upon a time the diagnosis of "Down syndrome" sounded like a sentence. There is still a misconception about the inability of children born with Down syndrome to learn, care for themselves, and social adaptation. However, life examples refute such stereotypes. People with Down syndrome become artists, lawyers, actors, models, athletes and, in general, successful people. The main thing is personal desire, hope, endurance, strength, care and support of the family and caring people.
In Spain, lives a teacher, actor and public figure Pabla Pineda.
In California, USA, lives 30-year-old artist Raymond Hu, who paints with the help of the Chinese method of ink and watercolor on rice paper.
Paule Saj, who was born in Scotland in 1980, didn’t stop the syndrome from starring in several films. For her role in the British film “After Life,” she received a BAFTA award in the category “Best Film Debut”.
Tim Harris owns the world's “friendliest restaurant,” Tim's Place, in which visitors are offered free Tim hugs in addition to traditional dishes.
Australian Madeline Stewart debuted on a large catwalk as a model in September 2015. In 2016, Madeleine became the star of the New York Fashion Week.
The UN General Assembly proposed on March 21 to raise public awareness about Down Syndrome. On this day in many countries of the world various charitable and educational actions, events and concerts, conferences and seminars take place.
