CINCINNATI — March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC), which also serves people with Down syndrome in northern Kentucky, is holding multiple events to celebrate. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is holding multiple events to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

  • The goal is to celebrate and bring awareness to the value people with Down syndrome bring to their communities

  • The day is celebrated March 21 to signify the third copy of the 21st chromosome in people with Down syndrome

  • Chromosomes are shaped like socks, so people wear colorful mismatched socks on world Down syndrome day to raise awareness

The goal is to bring awareness to the value people with Down syndrome bring to their communities.

For the last 42 years, the DSAGC has served families and individuals with Down syndrome across their whole lifespan.

Both Brodie Flynn and Hannah Castle have been going there since they were babies.

“They always (helped) me be an adult,” Flynn said.

"I learned how to cook," Castle added, smiling. 

They're now both interns and were hard at work in preparation for World Down Syndrome Day.

“It's all about feeling respect for all these people that have Down syndrome,” Flynn said.

The day is celebrated March 21 to signify the third copy of the 21st chromosome in people with Down syndrome. Chromosomes are shaped like socks, so people wear colorful mismatched socks on world Down syndrome day to raise awareness.

Volunteers were also helping get shirts ready for the 5K/10K/Kids Fun Run held this Sunday.

Amy Iten, the parent of an 18-year-old with Down syndrome, started at the DSAGC as a volunteer and is now an employee.

“You can kind of feel isolated," Iten said. "It can be a little bit tricky to find people that understand or to connect with that are going through some of the same things you are. They just help you to understand that you’re not alone in the journey. There (are) people here to walk with you.”

Executive Director Jim Hudson said celebrating the day is important.

“What we hope for is to see a community, and that’s the entire community that rallies around people with Down syndrome and inspires them, who support them, who embrace them and believe in the power of potential," he said.

Flynn and Castle have done just that.

“My favorite programs are cooking lab and dance parties,” Flynn said.

Online registration for Sunday's race is closed, but people can still register in-person.

Related Stories