February 27th, 2025

This March 21st our Down Syndrome Community are calling on Governments to #ImproveOurSupportSystems

World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21 every year. It’s a day to raise awareness and celebrate our Down Syndrome community. The theme for 2025 is “Improve Our Support Systems.” 

It’s a call to action. It asks us to make sure people with Down Syndrome have the support they need to live full and happy lives.

How can I raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day?

By rocking your socks!

People around the world wear fun, mismatched socks for World Down Syndrome Day. Some call it Rock Your Socks, others call it Odd Socks Day or Lots of Socks Day. But why socks? Because under a microscope, chromosomes look a little like socks, and our Down Syndrome community have an extra one!

But here’s the real magic: Rock your socks gets people talking.

You can do it anywhere: at school, work, a sports game, or even a night out with friends. It’s a fun and easy way to start a conversation about diversity, inclusion, and celebrating people with Down syndrome.

So, grab your brightest, boldest socks and wear them with pride on March 21.

Down Syndrome support organisations

In New Zealand, several organisations work hard to make this happen. They help families, offer advice, and push for change. Here are some of the key groups making a difference:

Auckland Down Syndrome Association (ADSA)

The Auckland Down Syndrome Association Inc (ADSA) is a family/whanāu support organisation. They provide information and support for people with Down syndrome and their families. Established by parents in 1981, the ADSA is still run by parents, grandparents and siblings.

Visit Auckland Down Syndrome Associations Website

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)

The NZDSA helps people with Down syndrome and their families. They provide information, run support groups, and advocate for better rights. Their goal is simple: to make sure every person with Down syndrome is valued and included in society.

Visit New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s website

UpsideDowns Education Trust

Many kids with Down syndrome need speech therapy, but it can be hard to access. UpsideDowns steps in to help. They fund speech and language therapy so children can learn to communicate. This makes a big difference in their lives and helps them connect with the world.

Visit UpsideDowns website

What are you doing to celebrate?

Let us know if you're hosting an event, have somewhere people can go for information or have written an article or recorded something you'd like to share. We can only make change if we work together and we'd love to share your stories and events with our community.

Email us at communications@firstport.co.nz or list your event on our submissions page

More resources

If you’re keen to see good systems in place check out Vinny.

Viewers got a glimpse into the lives of people who use supported decision-making that help them live their best life. This included a presentation by Vinny and a video submitted by Noah, Lily and Isaac. All of whom belong to our Down Syndrome Community.

Visit the Vinny’s My life, my choice article

Supported decision making

Supported decision-making is an approach to decision-making that puts the person at the centre. Many of our community with Down Syndrome use supported decision making in everyday life. Sometimes a person is not able to communicate their choices or a doctor has said they are not 'legally capable' of making significant decisions.

Learn more about Supported Decision Making

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