Today is World Down Syndrome Day

What does inclusion mean? That’s the question being asked for World Down Syndrome Day.

Today encourages individuals to advocate for inclusion in their daily lives with other people.

For Mika Hartman, with the Mississippi Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition and mother to Hudson Hartman, she’s made complete acceptance of her son and others with Down Syndrome her mission.

She’s assisted in passing ‘Cole’s Law,’ which prohibits organ transplant discrimination. She’s also working on legislation to remove offensive language in textbooks and other documents.

Hartman encourages all to participate in World Down Syndrome Day by being kind to others and rocking their crazy socks. “The biggest thing that people do today are they wear their crazy socks, they wear yellow and blue. The biggest thing about today is that when people ask you you say it’s about inclusion, it’s about love. It’s about kindness. It’s about showing that we see you.”

Chromosomes are shaped like socks and since those with Down Syndrome carry an extra chromosome, mismatched socks are a great symbol for the day.