National Down Syndrome Day is annually celebrated on the 20th October. This year the Northern Cape Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Maphallane Disabled Children’s Trust, Down Syndrome South Africa and Disabled Children Action Group (DICAG) will be celebrating the National Down Syndrome Day on the 19 October 2012 at the Social Centre, Galeshewe.

The program will run from 09:00 to 13:00, with several presentations by experts on topics such as: genetics, haemophilia, speech therapy, dental surgery. Down Syndrome SA and a parent of a child with Down Syndrome will also share their expertise and experiences.

The National Down Syndrome Association refers to this day as “Jeans Day” as Down Syndrome is all in Genes. In support of the day, people are requested to wear jeans and white t-shirts on the 19th.

The Aims of this day are:

• To raise awareness on Down Syndrome and other disabilities.

• To educate the public on Down Syndrome and other disability related issues.

• To educate the public and Social Workers on Down Syndrome and other disability related issues.

• To highlight the plight of persons with disabilities.

• To showcase the talents of children with disabilities.

Down Syndrome, also called “Trisomy 21” syndrome, is a chromosomal disorder caused by an extra 21st chromosome. Dr. John Langdom Down first described the syndrome in 1866, and the disorder was identified as a chromosomal disorder by Jerome Lejeune in 1959. Although Down Syndrome cannot be prevented, it can be detected before a child is born with an amniocentesis during pregnancy or at birth. Down Syndrome is often associated with a measure of impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as well as physical appearance. These characteristics vary widely from child to child and while some children with Down Syndrome will need extensive medical attention, others lead healthy lives.

The month of October has been declared “Social Development Month”, as well as “National Mental Health Month”. The theme for “Mental Health Month” is: “Empowerment and Collaboration in Mental Health”. Mental Health is everybody’s business and government and other stakeholders need to jointly raise awareness around the plight of people with mental health conditions. The intention is not only to raise awareness around mental health, but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination attached to mental illness.

You are requested to please confirm you attendance at the event with Ms Lucretia Horne at 053 831 4041 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Issued by:

Nelmarie van Wyk

Communications

Department of Social Development

079 875 0849