City of Scott Proclaimed World Down Syndrome Day with DSAA

Plus, Scott and DSAA Celebrated 3/21 with Happy Feet Sock Hop

3 hours ago

Alyssa Schiaffino,

City Of Scott proclaims World Down Syndrome Day at March Council Meeting With DSAA — World Down Syndrome Proclamation, From City of Scott Mayor Jan-Scott Richard

At its March council meeting, the City of Scott proclaimed World Down Syndrome Day, formally recognizing the day and aligning Scott with the global celebration.

The mayor of Scott, Jan-Scott Richard, invited the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana (DSAA) to the proclamation. Richard shares that DSAA President and Media Coordinator Molly Guidry and the children of the organization spoke about the DSAA and its work.

In his official statement before the proclamation, Richard expressed his personal connection to World Down Syndrome Day, which comes from his niece Meridth.

“Meredith reminds our family every single day that life is not measured by limitations–it’s measured by love, joy, resilience and the incredible impact one person can have on everyone around them,” said Richard at the March council meeting.

When asked about what prompted the proclamation, Richard also shared the following reasons:

Elevate awareness at the local level
Support families and advocacy groups
Show that inclusion starts in communities, not just at the global level

World Down Syndrome Day

“The DSAA has been a staple in the Acadiana community for 20+ years,” said Guidry. “We are a non-profit organization that wants to inspire and reshape the way people understand and experience Down syndrome.”

Guidry expressed her gratitude for the mayor’s proclamation and said, “We want the community we live in to be aware of Down syndrome individuals and all that they contribute to the community.”

Guidry shared that March 21 (3/21) represents 3 of the 21st chromosome, instead of 2.

“World Down Syndrome Day has been celebrated around the world since 2007,” said Guidry. “It is a day of awareness for the community and the world. To look at individuals with Down syndrome and see them as the wonderful, creative and loving human beings they are.”

DSAA Happy Feet Sock Hop and City Support

Beyond the proclamation, the City of Scott also hosted the DHSAA at the Knights of Columbus Hall with a Happy Feet Sock Hop on March 21, from 2-5 p.m.

Attendees wore mismatched socks at the sock hop to represent how chromosomes look under a microscope.