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World Down Syndrome Day
March 21, 2022
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated every year on March 21st (3/21) in honor of people with Down syndrome having 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. On this day, individuals with Down syndrome and advocates across the world raise public awareness and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of those with the condition. At the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM), we celebrate and advocate for our community every day. We currently serve over 340 families across 12 West Michigan counties. In addition to programs and services offered to members of all ages, DSAWM also builds partnerships with local providers and community leaders, allowing us to fulfill our mission of empowering individuals with Down syndrome and promoting opportunities for meaningful lives.
Sunday, March 20 from 1-2pm: Virtual World Down Syndrome Day Party
DSAWM typically celebrates WDSD with our Rock Your Socks Dance, but, out of an abundancy of caution, we are postponing our in-person event to next year. The party is still on though with our Virtual WDSD Party! This fun, lively celebration is open to all members and the community. The event will take place on Sunday, March 20 from 1-2pm and feature live music performed by DSAWM members, trivia and prizes, and an art and photography showcase! No RSVP necessary. The Zoom link will be emailed to all members and posted here and on our social media pages on March 20.
Other Ways We’re Celebrating
March 1-21: #21for321 Acts of Kindness Campaign
Join DSAWM from March 1-21 as we perform random acts of kindness in celebration of the spirit of World Down Syndrome Day. Download and share the You Rock My Socks digital sticker and tag us using the hashtags #21for321 and #WDSDwithDSAWM when you complete an act of kindness. Help us spread smiles and joy to friends and strangers as together we advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of the Down syndrome community. Download the Sticker
March 10: Low Sensory Night at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
The DSAWM Foundation is proud to sponsor the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Low Sensory Night! Join GRCT for a sensory friendly production of Dragons Love Tacos, an imaginative theatrical adventure based on the popular children’s book. Tickets are being offered at a reduced price of $5 each or $20 for families of 4+. Availability is limited, so get your tickets now at grct.org/low-sensory.
March 10-17: Stir It Up Cookie Box Fundraiser
We’re so excited to partner again with our friends at Stir It Up for WDSD! The local bakery empowers individuals of all abilities through meaningful employment. They also make some of the most delicious treats you’ll ever eat! In honor of WDSD, they are donating a percentage of their cookie boxes sales to DSAWM! The boxes include 12 individually packaged cookies with special WDSD labels. Orders can be picked up on Saturday, March 19 at their Hudsonville kitchen. Place your order at stiritupbakery.square.site.
March 15: Meet & Greet with the New ED at Penn Station
Our new Executive Director Katie Hollis is excited to meet and get to know our membership! We invite you to stop by and join Katie, her son Fynn, and staff for lunch at Penn Station East Coast Subs on Kalamazoo Ave. from 12-1pm on Tuesday, March 15. This is a casual meet & greet so lunch will not be provided, but we hope you’ll grab a bite to eat and participate in Penn Station’s Round Up for Down Syndrome fundraiser. When you visit a West Michigan Penn Station location through March 21, customers can round up their purchase to donate to DSAWM! For a donation of $2 or more, customers will receive a Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon for a sandwich on their next visit!
Tools to Help You Celebrate and Advocate
Classroom Toolkit
New this year, DSAWM has put together a digital toolkit to help families celebrate and educate about World Down Syndrome Day! The toolkit includes a flyer explaining why we wear mismatched socks on 3/21, WDSD bookmarks, a resource guide for teachers, information about the #21for321 campaign, and coloring pages. Download the Toolkit
Be sure to follow us on Facebook @dsawestmi and Instagram @dsawm, and tag us using the hashtag #WDSDwithDSAWM when creating awareness on your own pages.
