Mayor's Declaration - World Down Syndrome Day - March 21, 2024

Whereas, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 World Down Syndrome Day in 2012 to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome, and invited all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day each March 21 thereafter; and

Whereas, Trisomy 21 is the clinical word for Down Syndrome, which is the third copy on the 21st chromosome, and a person living with Down Syndrome has an extra chromosome in their body, being 47 chromosomes;

Whereas, Down Syndrome is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder, where approximately one in every 700 babies born in the country is born with Down Syndrome, and it is the leading cause of intellectual and developmental delay in Canada and the world; and

Whereas, providing adequate access to health care, early intervention programs, and inclusive education are vital to the growth and development of those born with Down Syndrome; and

Whereas, this year’s World Down Syndrome Day theme is “End the Stereotypes,” because stereotypes cause significant harm to the quality of life for people living with Down Syndrome, including being treated differently, underestimating their abilities, excluding them from important opportunities, and sometimes resulting in abusive behaviours; and

Whereas, the World Down Syndrome Day website – worlddownsyndromeday.org and www.cdss.ca – has real-life stories from people living with Down Syndrome about how stereotypes have impacted their lives, and the public is encouraged to read these testimonials to gain insight into their lived experiences; and

Whereas, much progress has been made for people living with Down Syndrome through the vision and hard work of parents, self-advocates, medical professionals, researchers, educators, and non-profit organizations; and

Whereas, the Town of Perth supports and celebrates the initiatives of organizations working to ensure people with Down Syndrome have adequate services, are valued by society, and can lead fulfilling and productive lives in our community; and

Now Therefore, I Judy Brown, Mayor of the Town of Perth, declare March 21, 2024 as “World Down Syndrome Day” in Perth, Ontario, and Council hereby: celebrates and values the lives and equality of people with Down syndrome; advocates for increased awareness and understanding of Trisomy 21; and encourages all community members to use this occasion to commit to “Ending the Stereotypes” for those living with the Down Syndrome and intellectual disabilities.