Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Erie, PA (Oct. 21, 2025) - Every October, we come together to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to honor the voices, achievements, and rights of individuals with Down syndrome. While World Down Syndrome Day is officially observed on March 21, this month-long celebration is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and advocate for equity.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21—hence the name Trisomy 21. While most people have two copies of each chromosome, individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21. In some cases, this extra genetic material may appear as a translocation (attached to another chromosome) or exist in only some cells (mosaicism).
