Support initiatives that bring awareness to the differently-abled, residents told

Residents in the British Virgin Islands are being asked to support initiatives that bring awareness to the differently-abled community.

Head of the Disabilities Division in the Social Development Department, Lorna Dawson made that call ahead of World Down Syndrome Day which is observed today (March 21) and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day on March 25.

According to the department head, supporting awareness efforts not only sensitises the public on the disabilities but ‘creates opportunities such as employment, education, and the inclusion of differently-abled persons in the social activities’.

In support of World Down Syndrome Day, residents are being invited to wear colourful socks on March 21.

“The idea of wearing the socks is a conversation piece that brings awareness to Down Syndrome and can also advocate for more services and policies in place to improve the lives of persons with the condition,” a media release from the Ministry of Health & Social Development has said.

The public, in the meantime, is further invited to wear an article of green clothing on March 25 in support of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. The ministry defines cerebral palsy as a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination and other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain before or after birth.

Down Syndrome, on the other hand, is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This condition is said to lead to mild or severe impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and a broad facial profile.