On March 19, 2025, EU for Trisomy 21, alongside Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), will host a major event at the European Parliament in Brussels to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Under the theme “From Projects to Policies: Including People with Down Syndrome in Europe,” this event will emphasize the need to transition from short-term projects to long-term policies that ensure full inclusion, autonomy, and equal opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

The event is a significant milestone in the European Self-Advocacy Project, an Erasmus+ initiative aimed at empowering individuals with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. It also serves as the launch of Belgium’s local multiplier event, bringing together educators, advocates, and policymakers to drive lasting change at both national and European levels.

Event Highlights

☕ Coffee & Socks Awareness Initiative

• Individuals with Down syndrome will showcase their professional skills as servers at the VoxBox bar and Mickey Mouse Café in the European Parliament.
• MEPs and attendees can visit an information stand, take photos wearing mismatched socks, and show their support for World Down Syndrome Day.

📢 Key Speakers and Panelists

• Romana Jerkovic MEP & Paolo Inselvini MEP (Opening Remarks)
• Fiona & Katrina Lambart (European Self-Advocates Project)
• Brigitte Fauroux, MD (Respire 21 Project)
• Dr. Pier Vincenzo Piazza (ICOD Project)
• Dinka Vukovic, President of EDSA (European Down Syndrome Association)
• Guillaume Duriez, Director of the Jérôme Lejeune Medical Institute
• José Gutiérrez, Vice-president of European Down Syndrome Association
• Self-Advocates sharing their personal stories and insights

🎤 Conference: “From Projects to Policies”

• Co-hosted by MEPs Romana Jerkovic and Paolo Inselvini, this session will focus on equality, health, employment, and self-advocacy for people with Down syndrome.
• Experts, policymakers, and self-advocates will discuss successful initiatives, research, and the necessary steps for policy-driven change in Europe.
• The conference will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with speakers and contribute to the discussion.

This event reinforces the urgent need for the European Union to shift from isolated projects to structured, long-term policies that ensure healthcare access, employment opportunities, political participation, and full inclusion for people with Down syndrome. As part of a 30-day online awareness campaign, this initiative strengthens advocacy efforts and pushes for impactful policy changes across Europe.

🔗 Learn more and register here: https://eufortrisomy21.eu/world-down-syndrome-day-2025/