Chapel Haven Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day!
World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. This date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Chapel Haven Schleifer Center celebrates greater awareness on behalf of our many individuals living happily and productively with Down syndrome, not just in our community but across the globe! We are grateful to the Down Syndrome Association of CT (DS-ACT) and the O’Neill family, for sponsoring our awareness campaigns in recent years.
#DSrocks@ChapelHaven
You found one of our rocks! Now what?
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center invites you to share a photo on social media of you holding the Down Syndrome rock that you discovered! Use our hashtag #DSrocks@ChapelHaven and tag us @ChapelHaven.
We would also love to share your photo directly on our Chapel Haven social media pages.
Please click here to submit your photo.
Feel free to keep your Down syndrome rock for as long as you would like and then re-hide the rock somewhere else in your community, at a favorite location, or while on a trip. Help us continue to brighten someone’s day and educate about Down syndrome awareness!
Chapel Haven’s Spirit Week Activities
Monday, 3/15
Rock Your Socks
Wear a pair of silly socks to celebrate Down syndrome! Send a photo of you wearing your socks to cdecarlo@chapelhaven.org to be featured on CHSC social media.
Tuesday, 3/16
T-Shirt Tuesday
Wear a blue or yellow shirt to celebrate Down syndrome colors! Send a photo of you wearing your shirt to cdecarlo@chapelhaven.org to be featured on CHSC social media.
Wednesday, 3/17
21 Things We Love About You
Join us on Chapel Haven’s social media to help us think of at least 21 things we love about our classmates, friends, and family with Down syndrome.
Thursday, 3/17
Dylan’s Zoom Room – 4:00pm EST
Community member, Dylan, will share a presentation about Down syndrome & employment. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Friday, 3/18
DJ Joe Virtual Dance Party – 7:00pm EST
Dance the night away with your friends in celebration of Down syndrome! Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Saturday, 3/20
Saturday Shout Out
On social media, tag a business, person, or organization that supports & promotes Down syndrome.
Sunday, 3/21
World Down Syndrome Day Rocks!
CHSC adults will take a walk in the Westville community to distribute our Down syndrome rocks. Look for photos with our hashtag – #DSrocks@ChapelHaven
Learn More about Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome Advocacy Organizations
What does Down Syndrome Awareness Mean to You?
Rhys and his mother, Glynnis, joined in Chapel Haven’s 2020 Down Syndrome Walk.
Sam is serving on Chapel Haven’s 2021 World Down Syndrome Day planning committee.
Jim is learning to live independently in the Chapel Haven REACH program.
Art Director Tina Menchetti is interviewed by Sarah Cody and WTNH about art and rock painting for #wdsd
Anna R. paints rocks and talks to WTNH about Down Syndrome awareness
Jim with CHSC President Michael Storz. Cool rocks!
Media Coverage and Links From Our World Down Syndrome Awareness Week
- Sunday marks Down Syndrome Awareness Day: Chapel Haven in New Haven helps those with Down Syndrome live independent lives
- Down Syndrome Awareness Week: Surprises, socks, and a special guest in New Haven
- Events set to mark World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
- Dylan’s Zoom Room: A Panel Discussion about Down Syndrome & Employment