Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is valued, included, supported, and empowered to thrive.
That’s the vision behind World Down Syndrome Day 2025—a day dedicated to raising awareness, breaking barriers, and strengthening the support systems that help individuals with Down syndrome lead fulfilling lives.
But creating a more inclusive world isn’t just about awareness—It’s about action. So, how can we do better?
This year on World Down Syndrome Day, you can unite with the millions of people all over the world living with Down syndrome who are fighting to drown out harmful stereotypes, strengthen their support systems, and be respected and valued for the unique, multifaceted individuals that they are.
Let’s explore the ways we can improve our support systems and ensure that every individual is receiving the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve!
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome , also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. It occurs naturally, with no known cause.
Chromosomes are strands of DNA that determine how a baby’s body will form and function as it grows.
This extra chromosome that defines Down syndrome will usually cause “varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.”
In fact, it is estimated that about 1 in 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome.
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The purpose of its observation is to educate the public and raise awareness of Down syndrome, as well as work diligently to improve the quality of life of those living with Down syndrome.
When is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is on 21 March every year.
As a matter of fact, the selection of this day and month has a strong significance.
WDSD being observed on the third month of the year (March) on the 21st day represents the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome.
What is the 2025 Theme for World Down Syndrome Day?
The 2025 theme for World Down Syndrome Day is “Improve Our Support Systems.”
This theme is all about improving our support systems—because when we uplift individuals with Down syndrome, we strengthen our communities as a whole.
This year, the focus is on creating more inclusive education, better healthcare access, stronger workplace opportunities, and deeper social connections for people with Down syndrome.
It’s about recognizing that true inclusion goes beyond kindness—It requires action, advocacy, and a commitment to breaking down barriers.
Whether it’s pushing for better policies, supporting families, or simply amplifying the voices of those with Down syndrome, every effort counts in building a world where everyone belongs and thrives.
What Can We Do Better? What People with Down Syndrome Have to Say About Support Systems
So, what can we do better to strengthen our support systems?
Self-advocates with Down syndrome from all over the world have shared their personal experiences, breaking down the significance of support systems in their lives—the good, the bad, and the things they want to change.
Here is what they had to say about their support systems:
“Hi, my name is Charlotte, and I live in the United States of America. I currently use family support and have occasional check-ins with my case manager. I have the option of hiring direct support professionals, or DSPs, as well.
One good thing about family support is that my family always has my best interests at heart. However, at some point, I would like to live independently, which would require hiring home and community-based services—direct support professionals—to assist me with some things.
I want to see the direct support professional workforce crisis in the United States improved. Currently, direct support professionals receive low wages and lack affordable health insurance, which means that good workers are not attracted to these jobs.
This results in a shortage of direct support professionals and a high rate of turnover. Demand for direct support professionals is high, and there are not enough direct support professionals for the people who need them.
In addition to this, support professionals are not adequately trained, which can be detrimental to those needing their support. “
— Charlotte from the United States of America
“Hi, my name is Sam, and I live in England. My support company is called NEWKEY. They’re here to help us to be more independent, get out into the community, and help us to make healthy meals. And, they also help us to lock up the door to keep us safe, and also, we track our money on our finance forms by putting the numbers on our receipts and put on our finance forms.
I want to work. I have been looking around for a job a very long time. I want more support of the government to give me a paid job.”
— Sam from England
“Hello, I am Sheri Brynard from South Africa. I need support to live in a safe environment. I live with my mother and stepfather who encourage my independence.
In South Africa, people with intellectual disabilities do not have access to state supported accommodation. There are public residential care centers funded by the state, but they function more like institutions than independent living spaces.
I need transport support because I have no power of attorney to sign a contract to get a license. My mother drives me to work because there is a lack of safe public transport or Uber. From the place where I live, the public transport is between the townships and the city.
I need support as an assistant teacher at the school I work for. In South Africa, there is no official job support for people with intellectual disabilities.
Our support at work depends on the people appointing us. I’m a qualified assistant teacher, and I have worked at my school for 14 years. My support teacher gives me guidance when there are difficult situations in the school I must handle.”
— Sheri from South Africa
“My name is Muthoni, and I live in Kenya.
My sisters support me when I am going out of the house. They hold my hand when I am going down the stairs. My supporter helps me when I’m cooking, playing piano, going for walks, reading, and working on my laptop. It makes me happy because I can do many things, but my supporter is not available sometimes.
The government should improve in financing education so that the children with Down syndrome will get a supporter in school.”
— Muthoni from Kenya
“My name is Emma, and I live in the United Kingdom. Support staff help me with money. I have the right to choose what I want to spend my money on, but I need a bit of support with things like receipts.
I like support that helps me do things for myself and be independent. I like support that helps me to learn to do things by myself, like catch the bus.
I don ‘t like secrets and not being informed about what is happening to my support. I want the government to listen to people with learning disabilities.”
— Emma from the United Kingdom
“Hi, my name is Janet, and I am from Canada. I want to focus on one important support that I have—transportation.
In Canada, each province provides funding for support for people with disabilities. Where I live, in Princeton Island, I get funding for transportation.
I use a service called Transportation West. It is accessible and affordable. It allows me to be independent and included in my community. I use this service to get to work at Kids West where I am a helper in the Pre-K program.
One problem is that this type of service is not available all across Canada, especially rural areas.”
— Janet from Canada
“My name is Eileen. I’m from Ireland.
Down Syndrome Ireland supported me to get a job and to be an ambassador. The government gave me a medical card and allowance. They also gave me a free travel pass. My swimming coach and my dance teacher also support me and my parents.
My best support is my mother. One good thing is that I can rely on my mom. One bad thing is that my mom gets tired driving me to work and activities.
I live in rural Ireland, and I need to have access to transport. I need to be able to get a bus to work and be independent. “
— Eileen from Ireland
What Makes a Strong Support System?
A strong support system ensures that individuals with Down syndrome—and all people with disabilities—have the resources they need to thrive, not just survive. Here’s what makes a good support system:
Governance:
Inclusive laws and policies that involve people with disabilities in their design, implementation, and monitoring.
Access to Information and Data:
Understanding the barriers individuals face and tailoring support to their specific needs.
Social Protection:
Government financial assistance and services to cover disability-related costs, such as:
- Direct costs: Assistive technology, healthcare, transportation, and accessible housing.
- Indirect costs: Lost income due to workplace barriers or caregiving responsibilities.
Human Support:
Assistance from family, friends, support services, or professional workers to promote independence. Individuals should have choice and control over the support they receive.
Assistive Technology:
Tools and apps that enhance independence, like picture cards or communication apps.
Accessible Transport & Housing:
Reliable, affordable, and inclusive transportation and housing solutions to support independence.
A strong support system isn’t just about meeting needs—It’s about creating opportunities, fostering independence, and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to reach their full potential.
How Can You Raise Awareness and Educate Yourself and Others About Down Syndrome?
There are several ways that you can get involved in World Down Syndrome Day, whether it’s learning more about Down syndrome, raising awareness, or participating in events that revolve around Down syndrome.
Here are just a few of the ways that you can get involved:
- Speak up with us about the need for better support systems
- Share your stories on social media and tag it with #WorldDownSyndromeDay and #ImproveOurSupportSystems
- Look into lighting up a landmark for World Down Syndrome Day in blue and yellow
- Learn more about Down syndrome from people with Down syndrome
- Look for local events to participate in
- Join the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign in support of Down syndrome
To see more ways that you can get involved in World Down Syndrome Day 2025, click here.
