Today is World Down Syndrome Day!

By Joni and Friends|Published On: March 20, 2026|Categories: Advocacy, Hope & Inspiration, Inspiration|

Today, March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day specifically set aside to celebrate the value of individuals with Down syndrome and the vital contributions they make to our communities.

It was the United Nations that declared March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day back in 2011, but the inherent equality and beauty of people with Down syndrome was determined long before that. Just listen to what God has to say about babies, children, and adults with Down syndrome…

A childhood photo of Sarah Amick, daughter of Shauna, a girl with Down syndrome resting her head on a table and looking at the camera.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
Jeremiah 1:5

I knew you would be born with Down syndrome; I created you just the way you are.

A heartwarming moment of Shauna Amick hugging her daughter, Sarah.

“You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”
Psalm 139:13-16

The number of chromosomes you have is not what gives you value. The fact that you are my child – my creation – is what makes you a miracle, and I have wonderful plans for your life.

Emily, a woman with Down syndrome, gives a high five while holding a basketball.

“God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”
Genesis 1:27

You are My beautiful image bearer because your body contains a sacred soul.

Paul seated in the passenger’s seat, waving with the car window open.

“We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10

I have an important, one-of-a-kind purpose for you! There are blessings that you alone will bring to your family, your church, your school and your community. You are needed and irreplaceable.

Emily, a woman with Down syndrome, plays an electric guitar and sings into a microphone on stage while an audience watches.

“You are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28

All of My children are equally special, whether they have Down syndrome or not.

Shawn and Paul standing in a line with others, holding onto each other’s shoulders.

“So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view.”
2 Corinthians 5:16

I see you through the eyes of Heaven, and I love what I see.

Emily, a woman with Down syndrome, is hugged by her buddy Katie at Family Retreat. Both are smiling and posing for the camera.

God’s message for people with Down syndrome is the same message He wants every one of us to receive. So today, on World Down Syndrome Day and on every day hereafter, I invite you to see individuals with Down syndrome through heavenly eyes as equal and vital members of the Body of Christ. Instead of recognizing only one day a year to celebrate our brothers and sisters with Down syndrome, let’s make it our goal to celebrate the sanctity of all human life 365 days a year.

Sarah and Shauna smiling for the camera.

Moving from Fear to Hope: World Down Syndrome Day with Shauna and Sarah Amick

Where do you turn when it feels like God has given you more than you can handle? Today on the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, we are celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with Shauna Amick and her daughter, Sarah, who has Down syndrome. Listen as Shauna shares her heartaches, joys, and why she wholeheartedly celebrates World Down Syndrome Day.

Tune In!