World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! A day to celebrate those who were born with an extra chromosome which makes them just that extra special.

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) was first established by Down Syndrome International and Has been celebrated since 2006, being observed in over 60 countries around the world.  The aim of the Day is to raise awareness and increase the understanding about Down syndrome, to promote the inherent rights and dignity of persons with Down syndrome to enjoy full and dignified lives and  to recognize the worth and valuable contributions of people with Down syndrome (DS). The Day also works to ensure the inclusion of people with Down syndrome in every aspect of their community and society, in general.  For more information about WDSD, visit www.worlddownsyndromeday.org.

I find myself writing in many posts, Before Piper I ... And yet again here I am writing it... Before Piper I never knew that these days existed (World Down Syndrome Day, Spread the Word to End the Word Day and the whole month of October, which is Down Syndrome Awareness Month). Piper has opened up a whole new world for me. I have talked about this new journey we are on, and all the twist and turns and forks in the roads that we have come across so far in her 6 months of life. It is very comforting for me as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, that there are these days and organizations out there. They are a great resource for mothers like me, and it is wonderful that they are fighting for the rights of not only my daughter but everyone who has Down Syndrome.

As part of World Down Syndrome Day, there is the "Building Our Future" conference at the UN today where advocates will be discussing many important issues for people with Down Syndrome.
If you are interested you can actually see the confence live. http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/content/un-conference-live

I will be spending my day cherishing the life that Piper has brought to my family and I will also be attending "Raising Children with Special Needs in an Age of Exceptionality", an evening with Amy Julia Becker, a local author and friend. Speaking for myself I don't know how I would have been able to navigate this journey without the help and support from my local down syndrome group. I appreciate everything that Piper has shown me about this world and look forward to every step along this journey.

So to everyone out there in blog land take some time today to educate yourself or someone you know about Down Syndrome and Happy World Down Syndrome Day.