Australia's Governor-General and Patron of Down Syndrome Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove, delivered a clear message last night to people with Down syndrome, their family and friends, and to the community.
Lady Cosgrove and the Governor-General, resplendent in Lots of Socks, hosted a reception at Government House to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March.
"To be involved and included, to have every opportunity in life. To go to school, to learn, and make friends. To have a job, to experience the fulfilment and satisfaction it brings.
"To live as independently as we can and live life to the full. This is all any of us want. But unfortunately, people with Down syndrome don't always get to experience them as fully as they would like," the Governor-General said.
"Too often there can be stigma associated with having an intellectual disability and a resistance to inclusion. On World Down Syndrome Day, we tell the world to Leave No One Behind.
"This is a day of global awareness and a day for a global voice. A day for recognition and advocacy. A day for inclusion, recognition, respect and pride."
Also at the reception were DSA chair Angus Graham, DSA CEO Dr Ellen Skladzien, Sir Angus Houston, and many local families.
Read the Governor-General's speech on World Down Syndrome Day, word format.
Read the Governor-General's speech on World Down Syndrome Day, pdf format.
