Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 20 March 2025: As World Down Syndrome Day approaches on March 21st, the Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department of the Ministry of Education, is calling the wider community to show support for individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs.
This year’s theme highlights the need for improved policies, services, and resources to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome and their families receive the support they need to thrive. In a show of unity, we invite students, teachers, businesses, and community members to participate in the “Lots of Socks” campaign by wearing colourful or mismatched socks to raise awareness and advocate for greater inclusion.
What is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is a genetic condition where an individual has an extra chromosome on the 21st pair, making 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Chromosomes act as an instruction manual for how our bodies develop and function.
Some key facts about Down syndrome:
- It occurs naturally—there is no known cause.
- It affects approximately 1 in every 800 babies worldwide.
- Individuals with Down syndrome may experience intellectual disabilities, but each person’s abilities are unique.
- Some health conditions are more common in people with Down syndrome, but with the right support, they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
While the SENS Department and the Ministry of Education continue to make strides in improving services, more work is needed to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome receive early intervention, specialised education, healthcare, and community inclusion opportunities.
What is being done? The SENS Department has been expanding services, including access to speech therapy, behavioural support, and psychoeducational assessments. The Ministry of Education is committed to strengthening policies that promote inclusive education and ensuring that resources are allocated for special education programs. Public-private partnerships have been leveraged to bring in international specialists and training programs for educators and caregivers.
Director of SENS, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, stated, “This World Down Syndrome Day, we are not just raising awareness—we are calling for action. Support systems must evolve to meet the needs of individuals with Down syndrome, ensuring they have access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities to reach their full potential. The SENS Department remains committed to advocating for these changes and providing vital services.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, added “The government is dedicated to strengthening policies and programs that promote inclusion and support individuals with Down syndrome. While progress has been made, we recognise that more must be done to ensure that every child and adult with Down syndrome receives the necessary support to thrive. Let’s continue working together to create a society where inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality.”
Join the Movement! Let’s turn the Turks and Caicos Islands into a sea of vibrant colours on March 21st! Take pictures in your bright, mismatched socks and share them on social media using #LotsOfSocksTCI #InclusionMatters #WorldDownSyndromeDay.
Together, we can push for stronger policies, better resources, and a more inclusive future for all. For more information or to get involved, please contact sens@gov.tc. Please support our various activities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
