On Monday 21st of March we are going to wear lots of socks, do a 5k walk and wear purple to celebrate Down Syndrome Day and celebrate how inclusive we are in Powerstown ETNS.

All children are asked to bring in €2 which will be donated to Down Syndrome Dublin. 

Virtual Purple Run

Sign up for your own Purple Run challenge this March. Registration and T-shirt are FREE to all participants.

Wear Lots Of Socks 

Ask your family, friends, students, or colleagues to wear colourful, eye-catching and/or mismatched fun socks on the 21st March. The brighter and crazier the better! We have developed a LotsOfSocks poster for you to download and share. 

This year to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day the global Down syndrome community has picked a theme, the theme for March 21st, 2022 is: “What Does Inclusion Mean?“

Around the world, it is widely accepted that everyone should have the same opportunities as each other, be able to go to the same places, take part in the same activities and enjoy the same experiences in life without limitations. Unfortunately, the reality for some people with Down syndrome is not as inclusive as it should be, as the general principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) call for: “Full and effective participation and inclusion in society”.

In Ireland, we have been campaigning for the rights of our members and over the past 5 years we have submitted over 20 submissions to a wide and varied range of Government consultations. In celebration of our 50th year, we created a dedicated site that features people with Down syndrome from across Ireland – TheUpSide campaign focuses on real issues and facts that people with Down syndrome face, the campaign shows the value that including people with Down syndrome brings to the economy, society, and the spirit of the wider community. 

We have also participated in numerous pilot programmes and from the interaction at this governmental level we have put together a list of 21 Demands that represent what is effectively needed to bring Ireland towards a more inclusive society for people with Down syndrome across the country. 

We encourage communities, schools, clubs, companies and individuals to choose their own activities and events to celebrate WDSD and to help raise awareness of this very special celebration. Together we can challenge perceptions of Down syndrome and enable people with Down syndrome to speak up, be heard, and be respected as valued members of society as they strive to achieve their goals and pursue their passions. 

What is World Down Syndrome Day?