Our Differences Make us Special
Mar 20, 2018
On Wednesday, March 21, the students and staff of Ecole Gron Morgan Public School will be recognizing World Down Syndrome Day. A number of activities will be held throughout the day to celebrate inclusion and the fact that our differences make us special!
“At Ecole Gron Morgan, we truly embrace our differences and make them integral components of our overall strengths,” says Erin Aylward, Principal of Ecole Gron Morgan Public School. “We are very excited to be recognizing this very important day and through numerous fun activities we will be providing very important information about Down Syndrome and inclusion.”
Ecole Gron Morgan Public School students will be wearing mismatched socks to celebrate differences and inclusion. The students will also be participating in a very unique and significant dance moment for 3 minutes and 21 seconds. The length of time for the dance is in recognition to the number chromosomes found to cause Down Syndrome.
Over 45,000 Canadians have Down Syndrome. Also known as trisomy 21, Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. As a result of this, the person develops differently than others.
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) has been Canada’s voice for the Down Syndrome community since 1987. At that time, the Down Syndrome community was just beginning to recognize that incredible progress could be made if people with Down Syndrome were supported and given the opportunity to contribute to society. Now, people with Down Syndrome can go to school, finish university, find careers, get married and live fulfilled lives. Advances to medical care, have enhanced the lives of people with Down Syndrome and life expectancy has more than doubled. People with Down Syndrome are now living well into their 50s and 60s.
