Today is World Down Syndrome Day
On the initiative of the United Nations, March 21 has been marked as World Down Syndrome Day since 2012. The choice of date symbolizes the indivisible 21st chromosome that causes the syndrome, which is in no way conditioned by the parents’ nationality, place of residence, behavior or health.
Persons with Down Syndrome love to create in the different spheres of art, and they teach each one of us to discover the world in our own unique ways.
This day is another opportunity for us to review our perceptions about the creation of an inclusive society and the creation of equal opportunities, guiding our efforts to prevent and exclude stereotypes about disabilities. This is the duty of each one of us.
Unfortunately, many of our children that are under the care of the State in our country are in care and protection institutions as a result of having disabilities or health issues. Meanwhile, the rights to live in a family, to be integrated into society, and to respect the dignity of persons with disabilities are absolute values, and should not be conditioned by the disabilities people have.
The State should pay special attention to the introduction of community services in order to prevent discrimination based on disability, identify disability at an early stage. Additional targeted programs are needed to stimulate the independence of persons with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, to identify and realize their development opportunities.
An environment of equal opportunities, where the progress of the State and society is promoted by the full use of the capabilities and potential of each individual, can be created by respecting the dignity of persons with disabilities and by breaking stereotypes.
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