World Down Syndrome Day: 5 Events To Learn, Raise Awareness and Celebrate

March 21, 2013 is the eighth anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. Every year, due to this global awareness day, the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. Pick an event off this list to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome or simply to celebrate the lives of the people this syndrome effects.

Down Syndrome Cognition Research 101: Online Webinar -- USA

Tune in for this special World Down Syndrome Day webinar, which introduces the basics of cognition research, discuss current research initiatives, and report on clinical trials now underway. The webinar is held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at http://www.dsrtf.org/.

World Down Syndrome Day Family Fun Celebration -- Greenwich, Connecticut

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day at the New Canaan Y on Sunday, March 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. Free family fun for all ages including karate with Frankie Scarfone, Bouncing Bears, basketball, zumba, pillow floor hockey, music and sign language, riding cars, carnival sports panels and more. For more information, please contact Susan Schuller at 21strong2010@gmail.com.

Professional Portrait Sessions -- Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Wahlen Photography in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is offering professional portrait sessions free of charge to everyone with Down syndrome on March 21, 2013. Please contact our studio with any questions or to book at wahlenphoto@gmail.com.

World Down Syndrome Day Party in the Park -- Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Children's Hospital and Sharing Down Syndrome are inviting people to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with a party in the park. Enjoy bounce houses, face painting, balloon twisting, music, dancing and more fun for the whole family. Visit with friends and celebrate the individuals we love with Down syndrome. For more information, visit www.dsnetworkaz.org.

Lots of Socks to Raise Awareness for World Down Syndrome Day -- International

Down Syndrome International invites everyone across the world to wear lots of socks today to raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day. Wear brightly colored socks, mismatched socks, long socks, printed socks, one sock, maybe even three socks for thre chromosomes. For more information, visit http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/lots-of-socks.