We are observing World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on March 21st. This year the theme “My Friends, My Community – The Benefits of Inclusive Environments for Today’s Children and Tomorrow’s Adults” focuses on the acceptance and inclusion of individuals living with Down Syndrome into our societies and communities, and ensuring that they take active part in the various aspects of our society.  It is a great opportunity to do random acts of kindness, as we have worked on in this MKMMA course.  There are many WDSD activities such as:

School and College Awareness Campaign

Various schools will be conducting a Down Syndrome awareness campaign consisting of a speech on Down Syndrome which will be read out during the morning assembly in order to help students better understand Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome Day Picnic

On March 21st, picnics are behind held to celebrate and observe the day so that people living with Down Syndrome along with their families can open up and mingle with other people.

Rock Your Socks Campaign

We will be doing the rock your socks photo campaign through the help of social media.   We have asked people to show their support in their own little way by clicking a picture of themselves wearing a pair of different colored socks with a hashtag #WorldDownSyndromeDay2016 or  #InSupportOfDownSyndromeAwarenessDay.

The reason for the different colored socks is to prove that though they are different, the socks serve the same purpose.  And just like the socks, though people are different, we all deserve to be treated equally with love, respect and dignity.   In other words, wear something like the mismatching socks that people will ask you about, so you can tell them about WDSD.

My daughter has a diagnosis of Down syndrome.   She is wonderful and she is a big inspiration for almost everything I do.

These days I always ask myself, “What would the person I intend to become do next?”

I am elated to be a Servant Leader who knows, goes and shows the way, and because of this I am very wealthy for life.

I have come so far already.  Today I begin a new life.  It is definitely time to ‘Think and Grow Rich’.

Thomas Brooks