The Down’s Syndrome Association Malta will be joining the rest of the world to celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Down’s Syndrome Day on March 21.

The number 21 represents chromosome 21, of which people with Down’s Syndrome have three copies instead of the usual two.

Down’s Syndrome is diagnosed at birth through observation and genetic testing. Given the right opportunities and support, people with Down’s Syndrome can learn like anybody else, said Joeanna Xerri from the association. They can attend mainstream schools with their peers and have a customised education programme for most academic subjects.

The world is not often kind these people and some can suffer horribly at the hands of people who do not accept them. This is often because of fear, fear of the unknown.

World Down’s Syndrome Day is not only about awareness but also, and more importantly, about acceptance.

One needs to think outside the box, as we are only limited by what we can imagine.