Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day: A Parent’s Perspective

Happy March everyone! My name is Bekah Moilanen and, in addition to working as a music therapist at Harmony Garden, I’m blessed to be the parent of an amazing 10-year-old named William who has Down syndrome!

March 21st is fast approaching and it is a special day in our family, World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)! As both a music therapist and the proud parent of a child with Down syndrome, this day holds a special place in my heart. It’s an opportunity to highlight the beauty, strength, and potential of people with Down syndrome, while also advocating for a world that embraces them fully.

What is World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21st (3/21) because Down syndrome is caused by a third copy (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome. Across the globe, people come together to celebrate the achievements of individuals with Down syndrome, raise awareness, and promote inclusion.

One of the most fun and recognizable traditions of WDSD is wearing mismatched socks! Our chromosomes look like paired socks and wearing a funky set of socks helps us to remember the uniqueness in our genes. It’s a simple but powerful way to start conversations, encourage acceptance, and show support for the Down syndrome community.

Our Family’s Journey

Our family’s journey with Down syndrome has not always been an easy one. When William was born, he was very ill with complications from Down syndrome, as well as with several unrelated and more serious issues. He spent most of the first year of his life in the hospital. From there, we were not given a lot of hope regarding his ongoing health and longevity. We grieved a lot of what we thought we would miss out on.

But William has surprised us at every turn, walking after being a wheelchair user for years, learning how to talk at the age of 7 once his little brother motivated him to do so, and becoming an overall healthy and active little boy who often gives us quite a run for our money! William has been the most amazing, exhausting, exciting, beautiful gift to our family. We see in each of our other children how having a brother with Down syndrome has positively affected them and their individual outlooks on life.

My husband Scott and I have reflected a lot recently on William and what Down syndrome has looked like for us, as Will celebrated his 10th birthday this year. One of the things we keep coming back to is this: if we had known how hard our collective journey was going to be over the past 10 years before William was born, we never would have embarked on it. And, we are so very grateful that we didn’t know, because we would have missed out on the beauty that is our son. Sometimes when I talk positively to people about Down syndrome, I get the impression that they think we are “making the best of a hard situation” or maybe putting a positive spin on something negative. There have been hard and negative medical things that I wish William and our family hadn’t had to go through, but I would never take away or give up William’s Down syndrome. He is a magical little human, created the way he was meant to be, that we are so blessed to be able to take care of and love!

The Power of Inclusion

As a music therapist, I see every day how inclusion transforms lives. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and allowing individuals to express themselves fully. I’ve watched people with Down syndrome shine when given the opportunity, showing their talents, creativity, and incredible ability to connect with others. This is what true inclusion looks like—not just making space, but valuing and celebrating each person for who they are.

In our world today, keeping the discussions surrounding inclusion going and continuing to advocate for educational, workplace, and community opportunities that allow individuals with Down syndrome to thrive is more important than ever. Unfortunately, in some places, there has been a movement away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which hurts my heart as a parent and concerns me greatly for my clients. These inclusion efforts are not about favoritism; they are about fair access—ensuring that people with disabilities have the support and resources they need to succeed. Inclusion isn’t a trend or a political issue; it’s a fundamental human right.

How You Can Celebrate and Support

If you want to be a part of this special day, here are some meaningful ways to show support
Wear mismatched socks on March 21st and share why on social media!
Take time to learn about Down syndrome and challenge outdated stereotypes.
Support inclusive businesses and programs that empower individuals with disabilities.
Advocate for inclusive policies in education and the workplace.
Encourage meaningful friendships by teaching kids about acceptance and kindness.

A Brighter Future for All

World Down Syndrome Day is about more than just awareness—it’s about celebrating the incredible individuals who make our world brighter. It’s about ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

So today, let’s celebrate joy, diversity, and possibility. Let’s uplift the voices of those with Down syndrome and commit to making our world a more inclusive and loving place—not just on March 21st, but every single day.

#WDSD #InclusionMatters #DownSyndromeAwareness #MoreAlikeThanDifferent