World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is an annual global awareness day on March 21 that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. WDSD signifies the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which is the condition known as Down syndrome. What an incredible WDSD Celebration event including our first ever DSAP Fashion Show on Saturday, March 11 beginning at 2pm at Ross Park Mall! If you missed this event, you can watch the fashion show recording on our Instagram or you can read this article published by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

We had applications open for models with Down syndrome to rock the runway. Despite having a limited number of spots available, all models that applied were offered a spot in the show. Partnering with American Eagle and Aerie, the call for models was targeting teens and adults with Down syndrome of all abilities, though all applications were considered. The application due date was Friday, February 17.
  
This event was FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC with the goal of celebrating and raising awareness of how amazing individuals with Down syndrome and their families are! After the fashion show, we had a dance party, craft activities for all ages, a polaroid photo station with our ever-popular DSAP backdrop, raffle baskets, World Down Syndrome Day merchandise available to purchase, as well as Princess Tiana from Enchanted Experiences and Starkiller Garrison from the 501st Legion join us! Thank you to our amazing Volunteers, Staff, and Board of Directors for making this event possible.

Some other ways to celebrate all month long:

• DSAP kids and families connected on Sunday, March 12 at 3:45pm at Poppins Playhouse. Thank you to the Pitt OT students who volunteered to engage with our members and allowed parents the opportunity to connect with each other. To see the recap, visit here.
• DSAP moms connected at our monthly Mom's Night on Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30pm at The Yard at the Galleria. Awesome to see these moms and keep following us for the April date and location announcements.
• Attend one of our free DSAP Speaker Series offerings. In March DSAP will have a two-part series on the Benefits of Being Busy with Dr. Stacy Taylor from Advanced Behavior & Learning. Part one was on on Wednesday, March 8 at 7pm discussing strategies for 0-10 years old. Part two will be hosted on Wednesday, March 29 at 7pm to discuss staying busy for tweens, teens, and adults. RSVP here.
• Check out the free recordings and resources shared in our DSAP Speaker Series under DSAP Speaker Series Playback.
• Encourage your child's class or school to rock their socks for WDSD with this flyer. For a customized flyer, email us at info@dsapgh.org.
• Share one of these coloring pages with your child's teacher or daycare provider.
• Read a book about Down syndrome to your child's classroom or daycare. Here is a list of suggested titles.
• Download and use the classroom kit for the book Different.
• Purchase one of our NEW DSAP WDSD t-shirts by visiting our merchandise store with several styles, sizes and colors to choose from.
• Purchase a pair of PALS socks here. 
• Perform a random act of kindness in your community, involving people with Down syndrome and their families.
• Take the "Pledge 3-21" and donate $21 a month to sustain DSAP's programming, speaker series, and free resources​​.
• Celebrate with your loved one who has Down syndrome with this year's WDSD theme "With Us Not For Us."

Thank you for celebrating and raising awareness for Down syndrome in Pittsburgh!