Away with the prejudices: World-Down syndrome day fights for participation

Away with the prejudices: World-Down syndrome day fights for participation

The World-Down syndrome day was launched in 2006 on the initiative of interest associations and has been committed under the United Nations roof since 2012. It is intended to focus on the reality of life of the world's five million people with Down syndrome. District Mayor Jörn Oltmann emphasizes that people with Down syndrome have the same feelings and needs as any other and that society and political managers have to strengthen their right to participate. This year's motto is "away with the prejudices", since people with Down syndrome are still faced with many prejudices, especially on the labor market.

Although progress has been made, people with Down syndrome still have difficulty gaining a foothold on the job market. After attending a special school in disabled workshops, they often work in which only small salaries are paid and the minimum wage law does not apply. However, studies show that people with Down syndrome have better opportunities on the general labor market after attending an inclusive school. Katja Daus, Chair of the Advisory Board of and for People with Disabilities, emphasizes that people with disabilities have the right to pay fairly and that it is essential not to rule it out.

The efforts to reduce prejudices and to integrate people with Down syndrome into society on an equal footing should be reinforced. Including education and support in the transition to the labor market are crucial measures to sustainably improve the quality of life and opportunities of these people.

### Table with relevant information:

| Year | Number of people with Down syndrome worldwide | Labor market integration |
| —— | —————————————— | --—————— | 2006 | 5 million | Difficulties |
| 2012 | 5 million | Challenges |
| 2024 | 5 million | There is a need for improvement |

Source: www.berlin.de