World Down Syndrome Day
The United Nations General Assembly decided with effect from 2012 to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March each year in order to raise public awareness on Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or social economic lines, and affecting approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down Syndrome usually causes varying degree of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues. A few of the common physical traits of Down Syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm – although each person with Down Syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degree, or not at all. The theme for this year is #MyVoiceMyCommunity enabling people with Down syndrome to speak up, be heard and influence government policy and action, to be fully included in the community.
Ability Bhutan Society joined Changangkha Middle Secondary School to observe World Down Syndrome Day. The theme for this year is #MyVoiceMyCommunity enabling people with Down syndrome to speak up, be heard and influence government policy and action, to be fully included in the community. It was amazing and encouraging to see that all the students at the school have worn different pairs of shocks to show their support and love to individuals with Down syndrome. The reason for the different coloured socks is to prove that though they are different, they 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.
ABS would like to offer our sincere thank to Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Paro College and College of Science and Technology for creating awareness on Down Syndrome in the Community and for their support and collaboration.ABS would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to Changangkha School for their warm hospitality and including ABS in their event.
