On 25 March 2026, EDSA organised an event in the European Parliament for the World Day Syndrome Day together with EU for Trisomy 21 and Jerome Lejeune Foundation.
The theme of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day was “Together Against Loneliness.” Two events were organised: “Coffee for Inclusion” and the conference “Together Against Loneliness.”
The “Coffee for Inclusion” event featured waiters with intellectual disabilities from Vivre & Grandir, who showcased their professional skills by serving in the cafeterias of the European Parliament.
The conference “Together Against Loneliness” was hosted by MEP Rosa Estaràs Ferragut and MEP Alex Agius Saliba.
The events focused on giving visibility at the EU level to people with Down Syndrome.
Self-advocates from different parts of Europe met to share situations that made them feel lonely because they do not have access to the same things as people without a disability.
These are some of the quotes they shared:
“We must accept the differences of people with disabilities. We are all different and that’s fine” – Jérôme from France (Fondation Jérome Lejeune)
“I went to regular schools and I had a teaching assistant. Now, I am working in Zagreb’s airport” – Ana Paula from Croatia (Croatian Down Syndrome Association)
“Life does not stop us. We are capable of doing things. We just need assistance” – Maria James from Malta (Down Syndrome Association Malta)
“I feel lonely when I think about how other people get paid for their work in a restaurant, while my work in a restaurant in considered as daycare activities” – Esther from The Netherlands (Inclusion Europe)
They all shared and gave examples of how support has helped them to achieve things in their life.
Support has helped them to attend regular schools, have a job and go through adult life.
EDSA conducted a European study on loneliness among people with Down syndrome and their families, and the results were presented during the conference.
The study brings together the experiences of over 1,900 families and 673 individuals with Down syndrome across 24 European countries.
The European Parliament is a European institution that does laws that affect people with Down Syndrome.
A lot of members of the European Parliament were there to support us.
It is very important that people with Down syndrome are heard and visible at the European Parliament.
Politicians need to think about them.
As Jérome from France said “I want to say to politicians: we want a world that includes us!”.
