Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on 3/21



World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on March 21st. WDSD is celebrated on the 21st day of March to honor and share our love for those living with Down syndrome and to create awareness for others. March 21st (3/21) was chosen as the day to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is what causes Down syndrome.


Every year on WDSD, we celebrate these awesome individuals in my classroom! Here are some ways you can celebrate WDSD in your classroom or community!



1. Participate in the "Lots of Socks" campaign. 

The World Down Syndrome Day Organization is hosting the "Lots of Socks" campaign again this year! Wear lots of socks, colorful socks, crazy socks, or maybe even 3 socks to represent the 3 chromosomes. Stand out so others will ask you about your socks so you can share awareness and get others talking about WDSD! You can learn more about this campaign here.  


My students wearing LOTS of SOCKS 5 YEARS AGO!
My students wearing LOTS of SOCKS last year!

 2. Make blue and yellow ribbons for staff and students to wear.

3. Rock your designer jeans (genes). 
This is my all-time favorite that one of my students did a few years ago!!! So stinkin' adorable!!!
4. Celebrate WDSD with some blue and yellow cupcakes...or cookies! This year we are doing blue/yellow iced sugar cookies. Walmart never lets me down! Every year they always seem to have blue and yellow cookies and/or cupcakes this time of year!


5. Show/View these videos.

Just Like You, Inc. 


6. Read this book.

You can find it on Amazon here.

7. Share 21 facts about Down syndrome with your audience.
You can get this fact sheet from my FREE WDSD Freebie Set here!!

It also includes free ribbon buttons and a fun hat!!


8. Host a Disability Awareness Day!
Hosting a Disability Awareness Day Event is one event you will never regret! The reactions, responses, and feedback is beyond priceless! Students get to experience what it may be like to have to live with a particular disability. Students leave with a better understanding and an acceptance of people with special needs. I shed a tear (or two) every year! I've hosted this event at my school four times and it's always so inspiring!!! Read about last year's event here

If you're unsure where to start, this amazing kit plans out your entire event for you here

Check out the video preview!!


9. Get the word out there!
In addition to celebrating in your classroom or in your community, get the word out there! Share WDSD and the "Lots of Socks" campaign with your family and friends and on your social media sites. Use the hashtag #wdsd18. Get everyone wearing LOTS of SOCKS!


MARCH 21st
Mark your calendars and spread the love and awareness for these precious individuals!


Save and share this image to promote WDSD on March 21st!

Follow my WDSD Pinterest Board for even more ideas! If you would like to collaborate and post to this board, leave your email below and I will add you!!

No comments:

I LOVE reading your comments, and replying! But the only way you'll get my reply is if you are a blogger and have that set up on your Blogger account, or if you come back to your comment to see if I've replied,(which is unlikely to happen). So please leave your email when you comment so that I can be sure you get my response!