Live Chat
World Down Syndrome Day 2026 – Standing Together Against Loneliness
📆 Saturday 21 March 2026
#WorldDownSyndromeDay #TogetherAgainstLoneliness #LotsOfSocks
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date – the 21st day of the third month – was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
All around the world, people with Down syndrome are treated badly.
- They are denied a quality education.
- They are denied the chance to work and earn their own money.
- They are denied good health care.
- They are not allowed to make decisions about their own lives.
- Their voices are not heard.
So, on the 21st of March, together, we create a single global voice advocating the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
This year’s annual theme is:
Together Against Loneliness
This year’s theme, Together Against Loneliness, calls on all of us to take meaningful action to ensure people with Down syndrome feel connected, valued, and supported.
Loneliness is more than a sad feeling. It is a serious health and wellbeing issue. It can make you feel anxious, depressed and be harmful to your physical health.
For many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience. Individuals with Down syndrome experience loneliness because they feel excluded from social circles, education and workplaces.
The answer is real inclusion
The 2026 WDSD campaign makes it clear that the solution lies in real inclusion. Loneliness is not a personal choice. It is a product of environments where inclusion is missing and that means it’s something we can change.
At CVGT Employment, we see every day how inclusive workplaces, supportive teams, and genuine community connections can transform lives. Employment plays a powerful role in combating loneliness by creating belonging, purpose, friendships, and confidence.
To stop loneliness, every person needs:
At CVGT Employment, these principles reflect the heart of our purpose, ‘connecting more people to meaningful work’. Every supported job placement aims not only to create employment but also to strengthen social inclusion, connection, and belonging.
You can learn more about this years theme ‘Together Against Loneliness’ on the Word Down Syndrome website here.
Our People
At CVGT Employment, our people embody our commitment to genuine inclusion. As a Diversity Council of Australia, Inclusive Employer 2025-2026, we don’t just support people with disability into meaningful work — we live these values every day. With 26% of our workforce identifying as having a disability, our organisation demonstrates the power of representation, respect, and belonging in action.
Explore our success stories
Behind every job placement is a real person, a real journey, and a community made stronger by inclusion. Our success stories showcase what’s possible when people with Down syndrome are given the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive. These stories highlight the power of connection, meaningful work, and the impact of truly inclusive workplaces. We’re proud to share them with you.
Click on ‘Continue reading’ to read each story in full.
Brooke finds her place at Timbarra Primary School
Brooke Pellissier always knew she wanted to work in a school. Having previously assisted in a school library, she loved being around books and helping others. So, when the opportunity came to find a new role, her CVGT Employment Consultant Rebecca Webbern stepped in…
Special Olympian Chris adds five-year service award to long list of accolades
In the world of sports, Chris McMahon has carved his name in gold, having won over 200 medals as a Special Olympian. However, among the glittering accolades there is another milestone equally cherished and significant to Chris, his five-year service award at the Eltham…
CVGT Employment and partners work together to create Perri’s dream job – and Perri loves it
Perri loves nothing more than serving you a coffee with a smile at the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Perri, who has Down Syndrome, joined the CVGT Employment’s Specialist Disability Employment Team (SDET) program in 2022. It was during the Pathway to Independence program…
Ed rocks the kitchen at famous Melbourne pub
The Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s best-known pubs, playing host to some of the biggest names in Australian music and entertainment. Right now, it’s also where Ed is making the most of a great new opportunity to build a career…
Kyle finds sweet spot in doughnut dreamland
Singing, dancing and making sweet treats – it sounds like a dream job. For Kyle, employment with Walker’s Doughnuts in Bendigo is fun and, at the same time, arming him with valuable new skills. “It’s a good place,” he says. “I enjoy the people…
Katie secures employment through CVGT Australia Disability Employment Services
Everyone benefits when local businesses such as Tan’s Tuckerbox in Swan Hill hire people with disabilities for meaningful work. After a two-year search, Katie, who lives with Down syndrome, has finally secured employment at the local cafe. Like many parents, mum Alison was concerned…
Connecting more people with Down syndrome to meaningful work
At CVGT Employment we support individuals with Down syndrome to connect to meaningful work through our Inclusive Employment Australia program.
Inclusive Employment Australia puts you, the Participant at the centre of the service to help create a more inclusive future. It gives people with a disability, injury or health condition the support to prepare for, find and maintain work, and grow their career.
You belong here.
We see you. We believe in you.
We support every step you take to grow your career.