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World Down Syndrome Day – Improve Our Support Systems
📆 Friday 21 March 2025
#WorldDownSyndromeDay #ImproveOurSupportSystems #LotsOfSocks
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date – the 21st day of the third month – was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
All around the world, people with Down syndrome are treated badly.
- They are denied a quality education
- They are denied the chance to work and earn their own money
- They are denied good health care
- They are not allowed to make decisions about their own lives
- Their voices are not heard.
So, on the 21st of March, together, we create a single global voice advocating the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
This year’s annual theme is:
We call on all Governments to…
Improve Our Support Systems
Many people with Down syndrome around the world don’t get the support they need. Many countries do not have support systems that meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families. Or the support systems they have do not respect the human rights of people with disabilities. Governments must make sure there is a support system, so people with disabilities are included in the community.
- People with Down syndrome need support to live and be included in the community, like everyone else.
- Families also need support, as they are often supporting their family member with Down syndrome.
- Support is a key human right that helps make other rights possible.
- The support that we need is different for each person.
We have the right to support that meets our needs and gives us choice, control and dignity.
What needs to improve?
A good support system includes:
🏛️ Governance
Laws and policies to design, implement and monitor support systems. These should be based on human rights and include people with disabilities at all stages of design, implementation and monitoring.
📈Information and data
Improved information and data to understand the barriers that people with disabilities face and the individual support needs that people have.
🪙Social protection
Support from the government, like money or services. This should cover the disability-related extra costs that people with disabilities and their families face. For example direct costs like paying for assistive technology or support, similar to the workplace adjustments, additional training, job customisation, and other supports to ensure safe and productive workplaces for people with disabilities that CVGT Employment Disability Employment Services offer.
👥Human support
Support by a person, needed to help with daily living tasks and promote independence. People with disabilities should also have choice and control over the support they receive.
📲Assistive technology
Tools or apps that help people with tasks and to be independent. For example, picture cards or apps to help people communicate.
🚐 Access to transport
Access to transport is important for someone with Down Syndrome because it helps them get to work, school, and social activities, making their life more independent and enjoyable.
🏠Housing
Accessible and affordable housing is also important to provide safety and stability.
You can learn more about this years theme ‘Improve Our Support Systems’ on the Word Down Syndrome website here.
CVGT Employment support for people with Down Syndrome
World Down Syndrome Day 2025 is all about making support systems better. At CVGT Employment we help people with Down Syndrome through our Disability Employment Services (DES) and Specialist Disability Employment Team (SDET) to find meaningful employment.
Disability Employment Services
CVGT Employment’s Disability Employment Services (DES) program helps people with disabilities, like Down Syndrome, find and keep a job. The goal is to help people find jobs they like and do well in them.
We can support you with :
- job searching
- writing a resume
- getting ready for and attending job interviews
- support you when you are working
- access to transport to and from work
- workplace modifications
- workplace assistive technologies
- access to support services for things like housing, mental health, etc.
Specialist Disability Employment Team
CVGT Employment’s Specialist Disability Employment Team (SDET) offer dedicated, intensive and customised support for participants who have an intellectual or developmental disability, including people with Down Syndrome.
Here’s how SDET can support you:
- Mentorship: Each person gets an Employment Mentor who helps them make a plan for finding a job.
- Job matching: They find jobs that fit the person’s skills and interests.
- On-the-job support: They help people get used to their jobs and do their tasks well. They also make sure workplaces are welcoming and supportive.
- Ongoing help: They keep helping for as long as needed.
Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
The EAF support people with disabilities and their employers to pay for things like workplace changes, special equipment, and support services. This helps make sure workplaces are accessible and inclusive. Learn more about the EAF in our article ‘What is the Employment Assistance Fund’.
Our partners – Working together is what makes the difference
We work closely with businesses and industry every day to build inclusive practices, improve equality and ensure every person has access to employment. Our partnerships are a shared vision for developing pathways to employment for people of all ages and abilities. You can learn about our partnerships here.
Success stories
Our participants share their experience with CVGT Employment and celebrate their success of finding meaningful employment. Click on ‘Continue Reading’ to read their stories.
In the world of sports, Chris McMahon has carved his name in gold, having won over 200 medals as a Special Olympian. However, among the glittering accolades there is another milestone equally cherished and significant to Chris, his five-year service award at the Eltham Leisure Centre. He just loves it! Still, after five years, he…
Perri loves nothing more than serving you a coffee with a smile at the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Perri, who has Down Syndrome, joined the CVGT Employment’s Specialist Disability Employment Team (SDET) program in 2022. It was during the Pathway to Independence program that Perri and her disability support service provider Onemda agreed she…
The Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s best-known pubs, playing host to some of the biggest names in Australian music and entertainment. Right now, it’s also where Ed is making the most of a great new opportunity to build a career in hospitality. Ed came to CVGT Australia a couple of years…
Singing, dancing and making sweet treats – it sounds like a dream job. For Kyle, employment with Walker’s Doughnuts in Bendigo is fun and, at the same time, arming him with valuable new skills. “It’s a good place,” he says. “I enjoy the people and I’m enjoying working and making doughnuts.” When the store –…
Everyone benefits when local businesses such as Tan’s Tuckerbox in Swan Hill hire people with disabilities for meaningful work. After a two-year search, Katie, who lives with Down syndrome, has finally secured employment at the local cafe. Like many parents, mum Alison was concerned about Katie’s career path and made sacrifices to ensure she got…
The Belmont is a cosy English-style sort of pub. One of those places where everybody knows your name. When CVGT consultant Lorinne called Jaime to introduce Kyle as a potential employee, Jaime was a little unsure. But she decided to meet Kyle, who has Down syndrome, and that interview went pretty well. “So, we did…
Our people
CVGT Employment has a diverse workforce of people who believe in our purpose of connecting more people to meaningful work. We are proud that our team brings passion and compassion to support the work that we do.
Meet Jamie
Administration Assistant, Specialist Disability Employment Team
Connect to CVGT Employment
If you have an injury, illness or disability and would like to learn more about Disability Employment Services contact us on 132 848 or click here to learn more and register.