Meet Massimo.
March 21 is a special day—World Down Syndrome Day. For Massimo and our family, every day is Down Syndrome Day.
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated every year on March 21st. Why March 21st? Because it symbolizes the extra copy of the 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome are born with.
My hope for Massimo –and everybody else whose life has been touched by Down Syndrome– is that he will be fully included in society. My desire is that we all put our best effort into ending the stereotypes that prevent them from having the right environment to develop their maximum potential.
Stereotypes can be a barrier for individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. They can prevent us from being treated equally. We believe labels shouldn't define us. Discrimination should never change who you are. With the right support and opportunities, individuals with Down syndrome can achieve amazing things. People might say, "They can't.…" but as Massimo and others like him demonstrate every day, "They will."
Let's remember that it's not our differences that divide us; it's our inability to recognize, accept, embrace, and celebrate those differences.
Join us in spreading the message of inclusion and acceptance on this World Down Syndrome Day.