Peace, love, security and respect for human rights are the cornerstones for human dignity and life, more so for persons with disabilities. National Down Syndrome Awareness Day is commemorated to create awareness about Down syndrome and falls on 20 October each year.
Down syndrome is the most common and naturally occurring chromosomal genetic condition and is the largest single cause of intellectual disabilities. In South Africa, one in every 500 babies is born with Down syndrome each year. It is therefore vital to raise awareness and dispel the myths that surround Down syndrome and to change society’s pre-conceived ideas and prejudice that they might have.
Many years after the dawn of democracy South Africa still struggles to build a better society and improved quality of life for all who live in it. While Down Syndrome South Africa continues to make steady progress in honouring constitutional and international obligations in terms of the National Development Plan and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, persons with Down syndrome are still excluded from mainstream society and this adversely affects their rights and freedoms.
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder arising at the time of conception. There is an extra number 21 chromosome (Trisomy 21) which causes delays in physical and intellectual development. The exact cause of Down syndrome is currently unknown. It is not related to race, age, religion and socio-economic status and is one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorders. Down syndrome is characterised by a variety of unique features and a wide range of disabilities in physical and cognitive areas of development.
About Down Syndrome South Africa
Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) is a non-profit organisation that was formed in 1986 as the national umbrella body and parent advocacy organisation and lobby group for the constitutional rights of persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. DSSA has regional branches/support groups across the country that will be hosting activities to celebrate National Down Syndrome Day. These awareness days play an important part in the positive shifts in attitudes towards people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
We all share a responsibility to work together to build tolerance of differences and wipe out ignorance by joining hands and supporting National Down Syndrome Day.
Alone we can do so little – together we can achieve so much!
To find out how you can contribute, visit the Down Syndrom South Africa website link below.