World Down's syndrome Day

October is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.  April is Autism Awareness Month.  Now the United Nations (U.N.) has proclaimed a day for Down’s syndrome.

On March 21, 2012 the U.N. will celebrate its first World Down’s syndrome Day.  This idea originated from Brazil which the U.S. supports.  The day was patented by a U.N committee vote and is suspected to be recognized by the international body’s General Assembly this December.

The date has special meaning.  3/21 is important because Down syndrome results in a person who shows three copies of the 21^st chromosome.  Activists showed high interest in the date for this reason.

Activists internationally have recognized Down syndrome awareness on this day for the previous six years.  12,000+ people signed a petition to ask the U.N. to proclaim a world day for this condition.  The U.N. celebrates April 2 as World Autism Day.

Down syndrome awareness: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/11/15/un-world-down-syndrome-day/14445/