Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

In 2026, the theme is #TogetherAgainstLoneliness. A study found that 39% of people with intellectual disabilities often feel lonely, compared to 14% of people without disabilities. Research from Mencap (2019) in the UK found that people with an intellectual disability were seven times more likely to be lonely than the general public. According to WDSD, this is a problem we can solve. “The answer is real inclusion! It’s about having good friendships and relationships. It’s the feeling of being valued and knowing you belong. Together Against Loneliness is our call to action.”

Check out the WDSD website here for more information about the theme, tags to use on social media, and more.

Here are just a few of the ways people all over the world have celebrated WDSD:

• In 2019, a flash mob made this awesome video in the United Kingdom.
• The Irish group Wouldn't Change a Thing has been winning the Internet with their car seat karaoke style videos.
• In 2021, Sting – in partnership with CoorDown, an Italian-based advocacy group – created a song celebrating folks with Down syndrome in the workplace.
• Check out CoorDown’s video, Just the Two of Us, celebrating romantic love (which is still a very controversial topic for many adults with Down syndrome).

There is also a serious side to all the celebrating. At the UN, the General Assembly will hold an all-day session to discuss Down syndrome. Having the UN discuss inclusion all day is not only a great moment for folks with Down syndrome — it also supports inclusive education for all people with disabilities around the world. Note that this year the UN meeting will be on Monday, March 23, 2026.

In 2022, there was an added seriousness to WDSD because of the situation in Ukraine. Over the years, Down Syndrome International (DSi) has built an international network of organizations that keep in touch and work together, which culminated in the World Down Syndrome Congress in Dubai in 2021. That international community was mobilizing to support the many children and adults in Ukraine with Down syndrome.

With celebrations taking place around the globe, one way to find an event near you is to visit WorldDownSyndromeDay.org for an interactive map. Here are some other ideas for connecting locally:

• Visit the National Down Syndrome Society events page
• Find Down syndrome support organizations in your state on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation website
• Search Down syndrome or disability Facebook groups in your city

In 2026, you can celebrate from anywhere in the world: NDSC is having an online dance party on March 25!

If you’re a California resident, these support organizations often put together World Down Syndrome Day events like fundraisers, walks, family activities, performances, and more.

• Club 21
• Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
• Down Syndrome Family Resource Center
• Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles
• Down Syndrome Action
• Down Syndrome Association of Orange County
• Kern Down Syndrome Network
• Gigi's Playhouse (San Diego)
• Down Syndrome Association of Central California
• Inland Valley Down Syndrome Association
• The Brighter Side (Manteca)

World Down Syndrome Day is also a great opportunity to put together an activity at your child’s school! Check out our article Nurturing Disability Acceptance in Your Child’s School for ideas to get involved in your child’s classroom, school, or district.