Thursday is World Down Syndrome Day!
It's time to rock your socks
On Thursday, March 21, we celebrate another World Down Syndrome Day!
Here are some ways you can celebrate with us:
1. Wear mismatched socks (blue and yellow are DS colors!)
Since chromosomes are shaped kinda like socks, and Down Syndrome is caused by the triplication of the 21st chromosome, it’s common to wear mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day.
Post a photo of your socks to social media with the hashtags #WorldDownSyndromeDay, #LotsOfSocks, and #RockYourSocks. And don’t forget to send it to us as well!
2. Give to a Down Syndrome charity
If you’d like to donate to one of the many organizations that support people and families with Down Syndrome, here are some that have blessed us personally:
Alternatively, you can find your local Down Syndrome Association and donate to them!
3. Educate yourself
Thursday is a great day to listen to a podcast, watch a film or show, or read a book about Down Syndrome. Here are some that we like:
Podcasts
Down Syndrome Center Podcast - This series from the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania covers a wide range of listener-requested topics, like homeschooling, sensory processing, sex and sexuality, and more.
The Lucky Few - Hosted by three mothers, this podcast’s mission is to “shout the worth of people with Down Syndrome.” They’re the ones behind the Lucky Few symbol you may see us wearing on occasion!
Shows/Movies:
Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom - this documentary was a major factor in our decision to leave NYC and is streaming for free on Tubi!
The Peanut Butter Falcon - the directors of this film wrote it specifically for its star, Zack Gottsagen, after meeting him and learning he wanted to be a movie star. It’s on Amazon Prime Video right now.
Down For Love - a heartwarming Australian dating show for people living with Down Syndrome, available on Netflix!
Champions - Not our favorite (because it’s more about the non-disabled characters), but this sports underdog comedy starring Woody Harrelson features several actors with Down Syndrome. Available on Prime Video or Freevee.
Books:
A Good and Perfect Gift by Amy Julia Becker - Katelyn resonated with this book about a mother’s emotional journey during the first year of her daughter’s life.
An Uncomplicated Life by Paul Daugherty - Matt appreciated this honest look from a Dad about raising his daughter with Down Syndrome.
The Lucky Few by Heather Avis - the host of The Lucky Few podcast writes about her story of adopting two children with Down Syndrome.
However you choose to celebrate on Thursday, thanks for honoring our little guy on World Down Syndrome Day!
Love, Noah, Katelyn, and Matt