This Friday, March 21, 2025, marks International Down Syndrome Awareness Day, and multiple events across Brazil are set to raise awareness and foster inclusion.
In Limeira, Pátio Limeira Shopping will kick off the celebrations with a fun initiative for visitors. Starting at 6 PM, anyone wearing mismatched socks will receive a free ice cream cone while supplies last. This campaign aligns with the UN's “Lots Of Socks,” introduced in 2013 to symbolically represent chromosomes, highlighting the genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. Sibelly Paganotti, the shopping center's marketing coordinator, stated, “The intention is to promote awareness in a light-hearted and fun way. We invite everyone to choose colorful socks with amusing themes and join in this movement.”
In Mossoró, the Municipality is also hosting significant activities to honor the day. The Specialized Rehabilitation Center (CER) Benômia Maria Rebouças will lead a discussion aimed at parents of individuals with Down Syndrome at 8 AM. This talk will be facilitated by Maria Vera Lúcia Fernandes Lopes, a dedicated educator and parent to a child with Down syndrome, who has considerable experience in special education. During the discussions, parents will be encouraged to embrace the “Colorful Socks” campaign to raise awareness around Down Syndrome and foster empathy.
In a heartfelt speech earlier this week, Rafael Maloso Ramos, who has Down syndrome, invited the community to participate in an upcoming celebration at Estação da Paulista on March 21, where he has planned various activities from 9 AM to 11 AM. “I’m excited to share this day with my friends who also have Down syndrome and to show how far we can go,” he expressed, emphasizing the importance of collective celebration.
The legislative landscape is not overlooked either. On March 18, during a session at the Manaus City Council, councilor Aldenor Lima spoke about the critical need for increased awareness regarding the rights of individuals with Down Syndrome. Bringing his son Joaquim, also with Down Syndrome, to the session, he remarked on the experiences of atypical parents. “Initially, we questioned what this news meant for us; however, we soon realized we were blessed with Joaquim in our lives,” he shared, urging for comprehensive policies to enhance the livelihoods of disabled individuals.
Meanwhile, the shopping center ShoppingSantaÚrsula will be hosting a discussion themed “Support networks: everyone needs it!” on the same date, featuring prominent advocate Sheyla Dutra. Highlighting the campaign's theme established by the UN this year, the session aims to provide thorough support for families with Down Syndrome, ensuring they feel less isolated.
Adding to the range of events, a Walk for Down Syndrome is organized for Saturday, March 22, starting from the ‘Eu amo Santos’ monument. Scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM, participants are encouraged to wear blue, white, or yellow shirts along with colorful socks. The route will culminate at the Municipal Aquarium, promising entertainment and cultural activities. This event is promoted by Codep and aims to not only raise awareness but also create a supportive community for individuals with Down Syndrome.
International Down Syndrome Awareness Day has gained significant recognition since the United Nations officially acknowledged it in 2012. The selected date, March 21, represents the tripling of the 21st chromosome in individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome. It’s not just about raising awareness for people with Down Syndrome but also about celebrating their lives, advocating for their rights, and highlighting the support needed from society.
As communities across Brazil come together this Friday and during the weekend, the collective message remains clear: inclusion and understanding are paramount in transforming perceptions around disabilities, enriching not just the lives of those directly affected but society as a whole.
Through playful gestures like wearing mismatched socks and engaging discussions, the hope is to inspire and provoke thought. Indeed, as the various initiatives demonstrate, when it comes to fostering an inclusive atmosphere for individuals with Down syndrome, every voice counts and every action matters.
