With Us Not For Us” 2023 Theme

Each year, Down Syndrome International (DSi) develops a theme for WDSD which forms the basis of a global campaign in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Down syndrome communities from across the globe come together to raise awareness and take steps towards full and effective participation and inclusion for people with Down syndrome across the globe.

Down Syndrome Ireland

Down Syndrome Ireland continues to serve our members and our Member Support Team – who offer advice, support and information for all ages – are on hand to help families with children and adults who have Down syndrome throughout Ireland.

In Ireland, we have been campaigning for the rights of our members and over many years we have made over 20 submissions to a wide and varied range of Government consultations. We have also participated in numerous pilot programmes and from the interaction at this governmental level we have put together a list of 21 Demands that represent what is effectively needed to bring Ireland towards a more inclusive society for people with Down syndrome across the country. 

There will be lots of other events happening around the country across our 25 branches, creating their own unique events to celebrate and raise awareness about World Down Syndrome Day. You can follow our branches across social media to keep updated and show your support for the wonderful work being done by our members, families and volunteers.

Resources:

Here are links to resources which will provide insights and opportunities for discussion:

• The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2023 is With Us Not For Us. Here you can find out more about what this means and how we can incorporate ‘With Us Not For Us’ in daily life.  
• The Down Syndrome International network will host the 12th World Down Syndrome Day Conference (WDSDC) at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday 21st.
• Education is the perfect first stepping stone in teaching children humility, humanity, and open-mindedness in working, learning, communicating, and playing with children with disabilities. The Inclusion Means 2022 school guide is designed to support teachers in the classroom and help with lesson plans around inclusion and representation. 
• In this wonderful book Upside Down, The Story of My Brother James, Liadh Handley shares her experiences of growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome. The aim of the book is to teach children how to appreciate and respect those with Down syndrome.
• “…more than medical” is a fascinating perspective that provides an insight into the realities of family life with a baby, child, teenager or adult with Down syndrome in today’s Ireland.
• Positive, visible depictions of children with Down syndrome in a school or play environment are essential to support their inclusion and meaningful participation. This short children’s book Including Me was created by Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Centre.  
• In celebration of our 50th year, we created a dedicated site that features people with Down syndrome from across Ireland – The UpSide campaign focuses on real issues that people with Down syndrome face and the value that including people with Down syndrome brings to the economy, society, and the spirit of the wider community. 
• For a bitesize introduction to Down syndrome, World Down Syndrome International has produced this guidance document
• For pointers on advocating on behalf of people with Down Syndrome, in line with this year’s theme of With Us, Not For us, please see this advocacy guide