March is the month where we kick off our shoes and show off our bright-colored, mismatched socks, on March 21st--World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). What is WDSD? In 2012, the United Nations designated March 21st as WDSD to raise public awareness of Down syndrome (Ds). This date was chosen because March (the third month) and the 21st day signifies the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that causes Ds. Why socks? Because they look like chromosomes, the various colors represent the diversity that individuals with Ds offer to the world, and the mismatched socks to encourage conversations about Ds that promote advocacy.

While the date on which WDSD falls is meaningful and the socks add color to our regular black and white lives, WDSD is about advocacy. Support for a world where individuals with Down syndrome experience inclusion, respect, and opportunities. Unfortunately, the world's treatment of individuals with Down syndrome has not always been good. There was a time when parents were expected to institutionalize their child with Down syndrome. Such was the case when Layne K Johnson (age 66) from St. George and Amy Lin Monson (age 46) from Provo were born. Fortunately, their parents chose not to institutionalize them. Instead, they were raised at home, experiencing inclusion in their families and their communities. As a result, they lived meaningful lives as Amy learned to sing, was employed, had many friends, and traveled. Layne learned to play the organ, worked for JCPenny for 30 years, and was married for 27 years. A few weeks ago, both Layne and Amy passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hope for individuals with Ds (click on their pictures below to learn more). 

Although the world has improved since Layne and Amy were born, there is still much more advocating that we can do to make this world a better place for individuals with Down syndrome. Advocacy is part of the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation's mission, and the following are some of the ways we are carrying out this mission today:

We invite you to join UDSF in its mission of advocacy. This World Down Syndrome Day day you can help advocate for Down syndrome by doing the following:

UDSF asked members of its community, "How do individuals with Down syndrome make the world a better place?" This is what they said...

Over the years, the advocacy work done by individuals, parents, and Down syndrome associations has been successful and is why the United Nations signed the WDSD resolution. However, its individuals like Layne and Amy, whose lives are the real advocates for others with Down syndrome and make this world a better place!

Training, support, and additional volunteers will be provided. If you are interested, please call Cherlyn Johnson at 801 884-9108 or email ceo@udsf.org.