World Down Syndrome Day 2024

On March 21, the worldwide Down syndrome community will join together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and proclaim the message, “End the Stereotypes.” Stereotypes about people with Down syndrome can do tremendous harm, causing them to be misunderstood, underestimated, and excluded. We are all so much more than any diagnosis we may have. This year we celebrate each and every individual for who they are!

Here are all the ways you can join us in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2024:

Smashing Stereotypes: A Speaking Out Video Project

DSRF’s Speaking Out students have got a lot to say about Down syndrome stereotypes. On World Down Syndrome Day, they will set the record straight with the world premiere of their new video, “Smashing Stereotypes.” Watch for it on March 21 on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The LowDOWN Podcast: A Live Recording

Participate in a live, interactive virtual recording of The LowDOWN: A Down Syndrome Podcast. We will be interviewing two students, who will tell us which Down syndrome stereotypes rub them the wrong way, and lay these misconceptions to rest. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions. This virtual event will be livestreamed on DSRF’s Facebook page starting at 2:00 pm on March 21.

Take the 3-2-1 Challenge

Help students with Down syndrome flourish by donating on March 21 to the 3-2-1 Campaign, supporting mental wellness for people with Down syndrome and their families. Your donation will be generously matched by the BC Maritime Employers Association, up to a total of $3,210!

Luppolo Brewing Collaboration: Sharpshooters Photography Display and The Lucky Brew Beer

The DSRF Sharp Shooters Photography Club is excited to announce an exhibit of their photos celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at Luppolo Brewing starting March 21, 2024. Luppolo is located at 1123 Venables St. Vancouver, BC.

The photography club was started to encourage students to express their ideas in a creative and artistic way. Students not only learn about the fundamentals of photography techniques but also how they can use photographs to tell their stories. The World Down Syndrome Day project was conceptualized by the student photographers with complete creative freedom in lighting and composition, with guidance from program lead Hina Mahmood.

Also on World Down Syndrome Day, Luppolo will release The Lucky Brew, a new beer developed in collaboration with adults with Down syndrome from DSRF’s Speaking Out program. The Lucky Brew, a classic West Coast Single Malt & Single Hop (S.M.A.S.H.) Pale Ale, supports smashing stereotypes about folks with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

The name, Lucky Brew, references the “lucky few tattoo” designed by Mica May, a mom of a child with Down syndrome. It’s become a popular tattoo for those who consider themselves part of the lucky few who get to have someone with Down syndrome in their life.

The Lucky Brew will be available on tap and in 473mls on World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday March 21st, which is also the kick off to Luppolo’s first annual Bloom Fest, a Spring Forward Beer Festival. $1 of every glass of The Lucky Brew sold will be donated to DSRF and if you have Down syndrome, your first beer is on Luppolo!

World Down Syndrome Day Merchandise

Rock your socks on World Down Syndrome Day with the official socks of WDSD 2024. This year, DSRF is proud to partner with Foreverkind, a new initiative created by a DSRF mom. Foreverkind’s mascot, an illustrated girl with Down syndrome named Ariyana, is featured on some of our new products. We’ve also got DSRF-exclusive World Down Syndrome Day shirts, as well as buttons and stickers that are perfect for sharing the spirit at school! Place your order by February 14 for delivery before World Down Syndrome Day. 

Purchase World Down Syndrome Day Merchandise

Proclaiming World Down Syndrome Day

Leading up to World Down Syndrome Day, we will post official proclamations from the Province of BC and municipalities in the Vancouver area. Watch for these and share them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Lighting Up Vancouver

World Down Syndrome Day will come to a close with landmarks around Vancouver lit up in blue and yellow to celebrate people with Down syndrome. Look for the lights at Canada Place, BC Place Stadium, Vancouver Convention Centre/Jack Poole Plaza, Science World, Vancouver City Hall and Burrard Street Bridge, Burnaby City Hall and BC Parkway, and Surrey Civic Plaza. Be sure to tag @DSRFCanada in your photos!