At Technology Partners, the genetic condition of Down syndrome is near
and dear to the hearts of our leadership. March 21, 2016 is the 11th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. Here is some information from the World Down Syndrome Day Website:
“Encouraging persons with Down syndrome to say #MyFriendsMyCommunity, we ask everyone to respond to our call by sharing it and show the world how persons with Down syndrome live and participate in the community alongside family, friends, peers and the public. You can show this simply by sharing details of WDSD activities or by photos, messages, quotes from friends or in any way you choose. Please make sure you use the hash tag #MyFriendsMyCommunity as well as #WDSD16.
People with Down syndrome, on an equal basis with other people, must be able to enjoy full and equal rights, both as children and adults. This includes the opportunity to participate fully in their communities.
The reality for many is that prevailing negative attitudes result in low expectations, discrimination and exclusion, creating communities where children and adults with Down syndrome cannot integrate successfully with their peers.
But where children with Down syndrome and other disabilities are given opportunities to participate, all children benefit from this and environments of friendship, acceptance, respect for everyone and high expectations are created.
Not only this, but these environments prepare all today’s children for life as tomorrow’s adults, enabling adults with Down syndrome to live, work and participate, with confidence and individual autonomy, fully included in society alongside their friends and peers.
