This year’s theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2023 forms the basis of a global campaign. The Down syndrome community raise their voices together to take steps towards full inclusion for people with Down syndrome everywhere. The message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability. Down Syndrome International (DSi) is committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support. A human rights-based approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working with others to improve their lives.

Schools across LEO Academy Trust were proud to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day through a range of activities to start conversations about why it is important that we are all different and that our differences should be celebrated. 

Children came into school wearing crazy socks, so that when people ask about their socks they could say “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down Syndrome”.

Check out the photos below to see what pupils got up to throughout the day!