By Tina Ranjbar
What is Down Syndrome?
Genetic material that is responsible for our inherited traits is stored in the nucleus. These genes are grouped in rod-like structures called chromosomes, and typically come in 23 pairs. During cell division, nondisjunction – the failure of chromosomes to separate – can occur, which produces cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes. This error in cell division causes down syndrome in which a person has a full or partial copy of chromosome 21. The extra genetic material can delay a person’s development and cause intellectual disabilities and other medical disorders.
Significance of the Day
March 21st celebrates World Down Syndrome Day, as declared by the United National General Assembly in December 2011. The day was created to celebrate people with down syndrome and amplify their voices, which have been pushed aside for so long. Throughout the world, activities like parades ensue to raise public awareness and advocate for the inclusion of people with this genetic disorder.
Rock Your Socks
Rock Your Socks is a campaign created to highlight the idea that everyone has different and colourful abilities. People are often expected to wear clean, matching socks to be seen as “normal, “perfect,” and “put together.” It’s important to break the stigma around being different, and that’s why the campaign revolves around the idea of wearing mismatched socks – to show that it’s normal to not be normal.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355977
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