The Springs School joined people around the world in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. The global awareness day has been observed by the United Nations since 2012 and is represented by the colors blue and yellow.
At Springs, bracelets were handed out that had designs or sentences on them supporting people with Down syndrome such as, “I wear blue and yellow for someone who means the world to me.”
Humans typically have 23 sets of chromosomes, or 46 chromosomes. However, people with Down syndrome have a third copy of the 21st chromosome, or 47 chromosomes in all. This extra genetic material changes the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the syndrome. It is named after John Langdon Down, a British physician who first fully described the characteristics of the syndrome in 1866.
March 21 was chosen to celebrate people with Down syndrome because it is the 21st day of the third month of the year, signifying that third copy of the 21st chromosome.
People who have Down syndrome may need a little extra time to learn new things that may seem easy to other people. Otherwise, kids with Down syndrome can go to regular schools, make friends, enjoy life, and get jobs when they’re older.
“So many people are unaware of the struggles of people living with various disorders, and having days like this can help promote awareness of these struggles,” Sofie Rowe, a Springs sixth grader, said when asked about the awareness day. She said it’s important to make others aware that there are differences in our world and that they should be celebrated.
By Julia Stillman, Grade 6