World Down Syndrome Day 2026

On March 21, the worldwide Down syndrome community will join together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and promote the theme “Together Against Loneliness.”

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience. One study found that 39% of people with intellectual disabilities often feel lonely, compared to 14% of people without disabilities. (Bishop, Llewellyn and Kavanagh, Australia, 2024)

Loneliness is a serious problem. Loneliness is not just a sad feeling. It is bad for our health and happiness. It can make people feel anxious or depressed. It can also harm physical health.

Loneliness happens when people are not supported to build and maintain connections with other people.

The answer is real inclusion! It’s about having good friendships and relationships. It’s the feeling of being valued and knowing you belong.

This is a problem we can solve, and ‘Together Against Loneliness’ is our call to action.

Here are all the ways you can join us in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day and spreading this important message:

World Down Syndrome Day Dance

The World Down Syndrome Day Dance, hosted by Down Syndrome BC in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, is a joyful celebration of belonging, identity, and community. This event is intentionally designed to be a fun, inclusive space where individuals with Down syndrome and their families can gather, dance, and be fully themselves. Featuring the absolutely amazing DJ ROCKIN’ BEAU!

March 21, 2026
1:00-3:30 pm
Villa Amato (88 E 1st Ave 3rd Floor, Vancouver, BC)

Tickets: $15 until Feb 21; $21 after that

Your ticket includes entrance to the dance, food and drinks, photobooth, and a chance to win some amazing prizes!

Buy Tickets

World Down Syndrome Day Socks + Swag

Rock your socks on World Down Syndrome Day with the official socks of WDSD 2026, “Reach for the Stars.” We’ve also got DSRF-exclusive World Down Syndrome Day shirts, as well as buttons and stickers that are perfect for sharing the spirit at school!

Purchase World Down Syndrome Day Socks + Swag

Take the 3-2-1 Challenge

At DSRF, we combat loneliness by helping people with Down syndrome build rich social connections through programs like Forever (3)21, Adult Social Circle, Social Zoom, and Tween/Teen Social Group. When you take the 3-2-1 Challenge by donating on World Down Syndrome Day, your gift directly supports these vital programs.

Best of all, your impact will be doubled! The BC Maritime Employers Association will generously match all donations, up to a total of $3,210.

Donate Now

Kindred Spirits: Chronicles of Down Syndrome Friendship

In the days leading up to World Down Syndrome Day, we will be sharing vignettes from our short film Kindred Spirits: Chronicles of Down Syndrome Friendship on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and LinkedIn. Please share these with your networks! Watch the full film below.

Proclaiming World Down Syndrome Day

Leading up to World Down Syndrome Day, we will post official proclamations from the Province of BC and municipalities in the Vancouver area. Watch for these and share them on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and LinkedIn.

Lighting Up Vancouver

World Down Syndrome Day will come to a close with landmarks around Vancouver lit up in blue and yellow to celebrate people with Down syndrome. Look for the lights at Canada Place, BC Place Stadium, Vancouver Convention Centre/Jack Poole Plaza, Science World, Vancouver City Hall and Burrard Street Bridge, Burnaby City Hall and BC Parkway, and Surrey Civic Plaza. Be sure to tag @DSRFCanada in your photos!