For approximately one in every 700 babies born in the United States (cdc.gov), he or she will have an extra copy of chromosome number 21, resulting in what is known as Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a naturally occurring condition which impacts the arrangement of a person’s chromosomes.
This video by Chromosones R US, created in celebration of World Down syndrome day, explains how the condition occurs. But for those with Down syndrome, the statistics simply mean that they are the “lucky ones,” a term many use to describe the joy of being an individual with Down syndrome or a parent, sibling, or friend of someone with Down syndrome.
Monday, March 21, 2022, is World Down syndrome day, a global day of awareness and advocacy for people with Down syndrome. Although people with Down syndrome may experience intellectual disability or additional health challenges such as potential heart complications, low muscle tone, and others, this does not mean that they can’t lead fulfilling lives. Like all people, those with Down syndrome have the capacity to learn, read, hold a job, create art, have meaningful relationships, and more. Check out the video “Just Like You,” about friends with and without Down syndrome.
Types of Down syndrome
Some individuals with Down syndrome have what is known as Translocation Down syndrome. In Translocation Down syndrome, one of the extra 21 chromosomes is attached to another chromosome, such as 13, 15, or 22. Translocation Down syndrome is rare, occurring in three to four percent of babies born with the condition.
Another type of Down syndrome is known as Mosaic Down syndrome, in which some cells have two copies of chromosome 21, and some cells have three copies of chromosome 21. Like Translocation Down syndrome, Mosaic Down syndrome is also rare, occurring in just 2 percent of people with Down syndrome.
Regardless of what type of Down syndrome one has, it doesn’t limit that person’s or family’s ability to dream big for his or her life. This story describes how one family dreams big for their son with Down syndrome, advocating his inclusion in every area of life.
Celebrating the Achievements of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
You can join The Arc Pikes Peak Region in celebrating the achievements of people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities by participating in our 10th Annual Virtual Achieve with Us Colorado Film Festival: Ride the Wave.
The virtual film festival’s theme, “Ride the Wave,'” is an invitation to reflect on the triumphs and successes in your life, even amidst difficult circumstances, carrying that positive energy on into future endeavors!
This year’s powerful short films invite the community to “Ride the Wave,” as films like “The Interviewer” challenge prevalent stereotypes about hiring employees with Down syndrome, while “Think Normal” highlights Jason McElwain’s 20 points-in-four-minutes basketball game, inspiring people around the world and fine-tuning the dialogue on individuals with autism.
You can register for free virtual film festival tickets here: bit.ly/2022virtualff
The post Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2022 appeared first on The Arc Pikes Peak Region.