Albertonians celebrates World Down Syndrome Day

The CoffeeBean Café, with The Down Syndrome Association Gauteng (TDSAG), recently hosted a two-day Down Syndrome Awareness Campaign for Down syndrome children and adults to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).

It was a fun two days where 17 children and adults with their families came out to mingle, play games and just spend time together.

Some of them also helped by attending to tables and getting involved.

New friendships were made and a new safe haven for many Down syndrome children and adults was created.
Each Down syndrome adult and child also received a brownie.

“Children and adults with Down syndrome are very close to my heart, as well as the idea was to create more awareness and to show them there is a safe place for them where they can come and just be themselves,” said Lyn Steenkamp, owner of The CoffeeBean Café.

“It was a success. Many new friends were made, support groups were formed, and old acquaintances were rediscovered. Thank you to everyone who attended; we hope to see you back soon.

“Special thanks to The Down Syndrome Association of Gauteng and the Emmerentia Development Centre for arranging the two functions.”

Why do we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day?

The purpose is to educate the world on what Down syndrome is and how individuals with Down syndrome need to be valued in their communities.

World Down Syndrome Day is a day dedicated to all individuals with Down syndrome and the date for the day is on the 21st day of the third month was chosen to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Trisomy 21 is the clinical way of saying Down syndrome, which is the third copy on the 21st chromosome. In a person without Down syndrome, there are 46 chromosomes in the human body.

On this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organise and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

Why do people with Down syndrome wear crazy socks? In 2013, the theme of Wearing Odd Socks was initiated to raise awareness. Over time, it has also been promoted as Lots of Socks. The idea was created because chromosomes are shaped “like socks” and people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome.

More about TDSAG

TDSAG is a registered NPO and was established in 1986. Their mission is to align their services with international trends and best practice in the field of intellectual disability.

While most people have two copies of chromosome 21, some have three, known as Down syndrome or Trisomy 21.

The organisation celebrates this magical extra chromosome and all the joy and love that come with it.

They are committed to working to improve the quality of life of all persons born with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, to promote their inherent right to live with independence and dignity and to be active members of their communities.

They respect religious and cultural diversity and prioritise their work in disadvantaged communities where their services can contribute to social development.

For more information contact them on 011 615 4180 or visit their website.