Since 2012, every March 21 is dedicated by the United Nations to the world day of trisomy 21, also called Down syndrome. This event is relayed all over the world and is an opportunity to raise awareness among the population, professionals and political decision-makers about trisomies, and in particular the most common of them, trisomy 21.
Trisomies and trisomy 21
Trisomies are marked by the presence of an extra chromosome on one of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes. The most common and well-known of the trisomies is undoubtedly trisomy 21. The prevalence of trisomy 21 is between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. Trisomy 21 is found in all regions of the world.
The growth, development and quality of life of people with Down syndrome depend closely on access to health careof the management of and of support from an early age and throughout lifebut also of an inclusive education system. These people need regular medical check-ups and specific interventions (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.). An inclusive education from early childhood to adulthood promotes social integration and personal and professional development.
Towards a more inclusive society for all!
In France, World Down Syndrome Day is an opportunity for the Trisomie 21 France association to coordinate various actions to raise public awareness. For the 2023 edition, the association is calling for mobilization to defend access to civic participation for all, and therefore for those with Down syndrome: “Participating to move society forward is now! “. While knowledge of Down syndrome has clearly progressed over the years, the legislative framework has hardly changed. The association would like people with Down’s syndrome to be able to participate in discussions on the evolution of legislative texts, whenever necessary.
In this context, people who wish to do so can convey the message to political decision-makers, through letters, videos or meetings, to change laws and regulatory texts towards a more inclusive society in leisure, work, school, etc. The association cites as an example the orientation decisions taken unilaterally by the Departmental Centers for Disabled Persons (MDPH) or even access to work in an ordinary environment which is still very limited in France. The demands of people with Down’s syndrome relate in particular to respect for their rights, accessibility to all common law services and training and information on autonomy.
Trisomy 21 France partner of the film Valentina
Raising awareness of public opinion often involves the youngest. To make children aware of trisomy 21, the association Trisomy 21 France has chosen to be Valentina movie partner, which will be released the day after World Down Syndrome Day, March 22, 2023. This film tells the story of a young girl with Down syndrome whose dream is to become a trapeze artist. Convinced that her disability prevents her from realizing her dream, Valentina will learn to decide for herself and make her own choices.
This movie allows raise young people’s awareness of the challenges of intellectual disability and progress to be made towards a more inclusive society. The voice of Valentina is that of Jeanne Métivier, a young girl from the association Trisomie 21 Ile de France and the association Trisomie 21 France participated in the design of the educational file and activities developed for the release of the film in theaters. The film will also be screened in various French cinemas as a preview, on World Down Syndrome Day!
Published on March 18, 2017 by Isabelle V., Scientific journalist Updated by Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy, on March 20, 2023.
Sources
– World Day 21: March 21, 2023. trisomie21-france.org. Accessed March 13, 2023.