Toronto, March 19, 2018 – World Down Syndrome Day was endorsed by the United Nations in 2012 and has been observed in over 60 countries worldwide to date. World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st day of the third month of the year; the date is symbolic of the third copy of the 21st chromosome that characterizes Down syndrome.
The aim of the day is to get people talking, raise awareness and understanding in order to promote the inherent rights of people with Down syndrome and to make a profound and lasting difference so that people with Down syndrome can enjoy full and dignified lives. This year’s theme is “What I bring to my community.” All people with Down syndrome must have opportunities to contribute to the community they live in and live valued lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society.
“Surrey Place Centre works in collaboration with a number of community partners in Toronto that support people living with Down syndrome,” says Steve Finlay, Chief Executive Officer of Surrey Place Centre. “Our participation in World Down Syndrome Day is about showcasing the unlimited possibilities that can transpire for individuals who are living with Down syndrome when we work together.”
Early intervention and education are essential components in helping babies with Down syndrome develop physically and mentally. The Surrey Place Centre Prenatal Parent Counselling Service, that provides supportive specialized counselling for pregnant parents, who have learned that their baby will have a developmental disability such as Down syndrome, empowers families to promote the equal status of their children in society and advocate for opportunities and choices. “Our clinical commitment to supporting families throughout the life span of a person living with Down syndrome helped us to also establish The Family Counselling Clinic in order to provide triage and/or short term counseling support in a time sensitive manner to family members,” says Mr. Finlay.
Information on How You Can Get Involved: Tweet us using #SPCelebrate @SurreyPlaceON, let us know how you will help raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day.
For a PDF version of this announcement use the link included: WDSD Release 2018.
Contact:
Ms. Vaso Charitsis, BBA
Communications and Marketing Advisor
Surrey Place Centre
(E) vaso.charitsis@surreyplace.ca
(T) 416-925-5141 ext. 3108
(C) 416-575-0778