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World Down Syndrome Day – Speak Up With Us To End The Stereotypes
Thursday 21 March 2024
#WorldDownSyndromeDay #EndTheStereotypes
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:
‘End The Stereotypes’
A stereotype is a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like. They can be positive, negative, or neutral, but they are often wrong.
For people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, stereotypes can stop them from being treated like other people. Sometimes, being treated very badly or even abused.
This year’s WDSD theme calls for people all around the world to put an end to stereotypes. People are all different. Each person with Down syndrome is different. No one person acts in the same way or likes the same things. And having Down syndrome or an intellectual disability is only one part of who are they are.
Watch this video recorded by members of the Down syndrome International Network to learn about stereotypes and why they stop people with Down syndrome from living the lives they want.
Stand with CVGT Employment to End Stereotypes
Respect and inclusion are integral to our culture and how we live our values. We make sure our employment solutions are delivered with empathy and are free from unconscious bias or stereotyping.
We take the time to understand people’s stories, as their priorities may differ from ours. Caring to us is about being inclusive and treating everyone with the same level of dignity and respect. It requires connection and a deep sense of empathy.
Stand with us this WDSD and put an End to Stereotypes by taking the time to get to know the beautiful and diverse personalities of all people.
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.
A partnership between Inclusion Foundation, Torrens University and CVGT Employment delivering an employment education and preparation program for people with Down Syndrome.
A partnership has recently developed between CVGT Employment and headspace in Echuca and Swan Hill. We are hoping to continue to broaden this partnership in more locations to improve mental health support for our youth participants.
We’ve partnered with Australian Network on Disability (AND), Employing 100 project, which aims to place 100 job seekers with disability into roles in the health care and social services sector. CVGT Employment with work closely with project employers in Melbourne to connect participants to work.
A partnership between Inclusion Foundation, Torrens University and CVGT Employment delivering an employment education and preparation program for people with Down Syndrome.
We work closely with Back2Work to support our participants capacity to re-enter the workforce. Participants are able to access additional non-vocational support through this partnership.
We work closely with the Certificate II in Work Education students at Holmesglen’s Chadstone and Moorabbin campus to find and maintain suitable employment for students.
Take a look at how our partnerships have empowered our participants with Down syndrome.
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…
Nicky loves music, travelling around Australia and the world with his family to catch the latest theatre productions. To further indulge his passion, 25-year-old Nicky wants to earn his own money and buy a new Bluetooth speaker. To help get there, Nicky is joining a new disability education to employment program launching soon in Bendigo. …
WDSD Events
Find out where we will be to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
2024 World Down Syndrome Day Lunch
Crown Palladium 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
20 March @ 11:30 am – 2:30 pm AEDT
Success Stories
Read some of our success stories that highlight the achievements of our participants with Down syndrome.
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 Programs
At CVGT Employment, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Our programs support people with a disability to find meaningful work. Find out more about our programs.
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
Meet Ashleigh – Administration Assistant, Specialist Disability Employment Team
Meet Andrew
– Office Assistant, Bendigo
