The United Nations has declared March 21 as ‘World Down Syndrome Day’.

This date (21/3) represents the three copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome.

The internet is a powerful tool for raising awareness and Down Syndrome International is encouraging people to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day through their own websites, blogs and social networking sites.

However, they have also created a single meeting place where everyone can share their experiences and advertise their activities.

It is their dedicated website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org

On this site you can register and share details of your activities and events with the global community.

By joining together, you can create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome on 21 March. They are also producing a global video event to be shown internationally. Follow the links on the website for more information.

The Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas said in a joint statement that they were pleased to support the UN resolution.

The resolution was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York in December 2011 and will see World Down Syndrome Day become an annual United Nations Observance day from 2012.

“The Australian Government was pleased to support the resolution, which will raise awareness about Down syndrome worldwide,” Mr Rudd said.

Senator McLucas said the resolution will help boost awareness about Down syndrome.

“A dedicated international day will further understanding of this genetic condition, which affects about one in 800 births worldwide,” Senator McLucas said.

“The Australian Government is putting people with disability and their carers front and centre with the development of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“And we’ve started work on implementing the National Disability Strategy, which sets a 10-year vision for all governments to tackle the barriers faced by Australians with disability.

“In 2012, our focus will be the design of the launch of a National Disability Insurance Scheme, but we will also focus on our international efforts – in particular to show leadership in our region in improving the lives of people with disability.

“The Australian Government is committed to making the lives of people with disability easier through a more inclusive society.

“In celebrating and recognising the contribution people with Down syndrome make to the community, World Down Syndrome Day will be invaluable in helping us achieve this goal.”

To see what events Down Syndrome NSW are planning visit: www.dsansw.org.au