Speak up with us on 21 March.

Learn and share

World Down Syndrome Day matters!

All around the world, people with Down syndrome are still denied their human rights – from education to health care, from employment to decision making. 

The voices of people with Down syndrome and their families must be heard because change is important!

Learn more about why World Down Syndrome Day matters:

About World Down Syndrome Day

So, on 21 March, we create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

For World Down Syndrome Day 2026 we want to talk about the problem of loneliness.

Loneliness is a serious problem.

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience.

Loneliness happens when people are not supported to build and maintain connections with other people. The answer is real inclusion!

This is a problem we can solve, and Together Against Loneliness is our call to action.

We want to talk about the problem of loneliness and how we can help people feel connected and that they belong.

Learn more about our theme for WDSD 2026:

About the 2026 theme

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.

Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome. The best people to answer many questions about Down syndrome are people with Down syndrome, so over to them…

About Down syndrome

How you can help.

When the global Down syndrome community speaks up together, we are much louder!

Organisations guide

Make your voice count!

Our resource hub is packed full of ideas and resources to help you make a difference on World Down Syndrome Day:

Resource hub

What to say

The important messages that we need to share and the language to use in your messages.

About Down syndrome

Helpful information about the condition to help you better understand.

And how to say it

A social media toolkit with graphics and hashtag guides.

More ways to get involved on 21 March

Lots Of Socks!

We want everyone to know that 21 March is World Down Syndrome Day. But how?
The answer is socks!! On 21 March, we wear our boldest, brightest, most eye-catching socks.

girl with piggy bank

Our global community

Connect with the Down syndrome community in your part of the world and learn how you can support local activities.

Events and activities

Find out about World Down Syndrome Day events and activities around the world, including our events at the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

Sign up to hear from us.

Sign up for updates, including new resources and activities to help you mark this important day and make a difference for people with Down syndrome around the world.

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