Elaine Passmoor
National Executive Director
Down Syndrome South Africa
“October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Each October we create awareness throughout the month by sharing Facts about Down syndrome. The 20th October marks National Down Syndrome Awareness Day in South Africa. On this day we invite persons all over South Africa to purchase a sticker and wear jeans to celebrate ‘Beauty in the Genes’.
In March, for World Down Syndrome Day, the theme was ‘#EndTheStereotypes’. Stereotypes and misconceptions about Down syndrome can be harmful and limiting. We must work together to educateothers and promote a more accurate understanding of what it means to have Down syndrome.
Realizing the importance of this, we continue with this theme for National day, asking our communities to:
Empower Me: Empowering individuals with Down syndrome means providing them with the tools and opportunities to
succeed. This includes access to education, employment, and social activities that allow them to thrive.
Embrace Me: Every person with Down syndrome has unique qualities that should be celebrated. Let’s acknowledge and
appreciate their contributions to our community.
Include Me: Inclusion is essential for building a diverse and vibrant community. People with Down syndrome should be
included in all aspects of life, from schools and workplaces to social and recreational activities.
Accept Me: Acceptance is about recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. It means seeing beyond the diagnosis and valuing the person for who they are.
On behalf of Down Syndrome South Africa, we are reaching out to you and your company to support our awareness campaign by purchasing a sticker for R20 and wearing your Jeans to celebrate ‘Beauty in the Genes’ on any day leading up to or on 20 October to help raise awareness about Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome are valuable members of our community who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It is crucial that we move beyond stereotypes and recognize their unique traits and abilities. By embracing their individuality, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment. By supporting Down Syndrome South Africa and advocating for these principles, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society. Together, we can ensure that individuals with Down syndrome are embraced, empowered, accepted, and included in all aspects of life.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to this important cause.
Story Submitted: DSSA
