Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week
National Awareness Days brings our attention to Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week which this year takes place between 16 – 22 March.
Out of 1000 babies born one will have Down’s Syndrome. That’s around 750 babies in the UK every year. It has been assumed that people with this condition cannot do many things that others can – but the truth is that given the opportunity they can live great lives.
DSi (Down Syndrome International) has coordinated World Down Syndrome Day since 2006. However, on 10 November 2012 the United Nations adopted a resolution to designate 21 March as “World Down Syndrome Day”. The aim of the day is to raise awareness and understanding of the condition which affects approximately 1 in 800 births worldwide. The day is also about promoting the rights of those with Down’s Syndrome to enable them to enjoy a full and active life in their communities.
Do you want to know how you can help too? All you have to do is think up a fundraising idea and put it into action! Why not organise your own sports day or quiz night? Or if you have a talent use it. For example, if you’re good at art make some cool cards and sell them to raise funds for this cause?
The Down’s Syndrome Association says this year’s awareness week is all about Getting Active and Getting Involved.
The association wants to encourage people with Down’s syndrome to Get Active and Get Involved in their local communities. Having different hobbies and leisure pursuits benefits health and overall wellbeing. It can also be a lot of fun and is a great way to make new friends.
Our aim
To create the conditions that all people with Down’s syndrome need to live full and rewarding lives.
Our mission
Helping people with Down’s syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.
Who we are
We are the only organisation in this country focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. Since 1970, we have grown from being a local parent support group into a national charity with over 20,000 members, a national office in Teddington, Middlesex and an office in Northern Ireland. Despite this, the organisation is run by a total staff of 36 (many of them part time). We also work closely with over 130 local support groups throughout the UK.
What we do
Our organisation is divided into various teams, including:
- Information – run the helpline; provide information about all aspects of living with Down’s syndrome including specialist advisers on benefits, education, health and social care; advise new parents or anyone with questions; promote and facilitate information exchange between members through various groups; advise on employment for people with Down’s syndrome
- Fundraising – responsible for raising money for the association through events, sponsorship and trusts
- Communications – give key messages to the media, public and professionals; influence policy making; responsible for external publications
- Training – provide training throughout the UK for members, professionals and carers
- Membership – responsible for all administration surrounding new members, existing members and affiliated groups
- The DSA is fortunate to work at the Langdon Down Centre, the former home of pioneering Victorian physician, Dr John Langdon Down, after whom Down’s syndrome was named. View the Langdon Down Museum for more information about the history of Dr Langdon Down, his work and our historic offices.
For more information go to: Downs Syndrome – uk and National Awareness Days
Written by Rachel Harrison, speech and language therapist, on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. www.integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk
