21 Facts about Down syndrome from the NDSS

In honor of World Down syndrome Day, the NDSS has compiled this list of 21 facts:

1) 3/21 is World Down Syndrome Day! This day was chosen to symbolize the third copy

of chromosome 21 in Trisomy 21, the most common form of Down syndrome. Do
something extra in celebration of those with an extra copy of chromosome 21!

2) Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Raise

awareness and celebrate people with Down syndrome this March 21!

3) There are three types of Down syndrome. 95% of people with Down syndrome have

Trisomy 21, a full additional copy of chromosome 21, 5% of people with Down syndrome
have translocation or mosaicism, and have partial additional copies in all or some cells.
Honor all people with Down syndrome this March 21!

4) The life expectancy for people with Down syndrome was 25 in 1983 and is 60 today.

There’s much to celebrate this World Down Syndrome Day!

5) There are over 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. Raise

awareness for each and every one on March 21!

6) One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome. Celebrate them on World

Down Syndrome Day this March 21!

7) People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first! Read the

NDSS preferred language guide and share it in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.

8) A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small

stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the
palm, but these are not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual
possesses!

9) NDSS distributes A Promising Future Together: A Guide for New and Expectant

Parents to anyone who receives a Down syndrome diagnosis pre or post-natally. Raise
awareness for people with Down syndrome this March 21!

10) Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care,

and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down
syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives – do something extra this
World Down Syndrome Day in honor of everyone with an extra 21st chromosome!

11) Over 285,000 people participate in over 250

Buddy Walks® across 50 states each year. That’s a lot of celebrating people with Down syndrome!

12) People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect

them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways. Celebrate these abilities and
achievements for World Down Syndrome Day!

13) People with Down syndrome visit both typical doctors and specialists. NDSS

provides

healthcare guidelines to help the process throughout the lifespan. Celebrate

people with Down syndrome at all stages of life on March 21!

14) Children with Down syndrome are often fully included in social and educational

settings and increasingly go on to graduate high school and attend postsecondary
education programs. Celebrate these achievements on March 21!

15) Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus (CDSC) has over 70 Members of the House

of Representatives, and is led by Reps. McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Pete Sessions (RTX),
Van Hollen (D-MD), and Holmes Norton (D-DC). The mission of the CDSC is to
educate Members of Congress and their staff about Down syndrome. The Caucus
supports legislative activities that would improve Down syndrome research, education
and treatment and promotes public policies that enhance the quality of life for those with
Down syndrome. Join forces with the CDSC and advocates for people with Down
syndrome by signing up to receive

advocacy action alerts from NDSS!

16) People with Down syndrome have their own unique talents and abilities – just like

everybody else! Celebrate their accomplishments this World Down Syndrome Day.

17) Many children with Down syndrome are included in regular education classrooms

alongside their peers. Research has shown that this has positive effects on the
academic and social experiences of students with and without disabilities. Celebrate
inclusion this World Down Syndrome Day!

18) There are over 400 real-life stories written by people with Down syndrome, their

family members, friends, teachers, peers and coworkers in the

My Great Story public awareness campaign. Read those in the collection and share yours in honor of World Down Syndrome Day!

19) People with Down syndrome are often subject to unfair stereotypes. Right the

wrongs and separate fact from fiction with the NDSS

Myths and Truths Guide and celebrate all people with Down syndrome this March 21!

20) The bipartisan, bicameral Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2011 (S.

1872/H.R. 3423) was introduced on Nov. 15 th, 2011. The bill, which is supported by 83

Representatives and 9 Senators, gives individuals with disabilities and their families the

ability to save for their child's future just like every other American family!

21) This is the first year that World Down Syndrome Day is officially recognized by the

United Nations! Join the global celebration and let everyone know that people with Down
syndrome should be valued, accepted and included!