02/04/2026
🌍 WDSD 2026 in Brussels
On 25 March 2026, EU for Trisomy 21 co-organised a World Down Syndrome Day event at the European Parliament , together with European Down Syndrome Association and the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation.
This year’s theme: “Together Against Loneliness.”
Two moments shaped the day:
☕ Coffee for Inclusion
🎙️ Conference: “Together Against Loneliness”
During Coffee for Inclusion, waiters with intellectual disabilities from VIVRE ET GRANDIR served in the cafeterias of the European Parliament — demonstrating professionalism, competence, and inclusion in practice.
The conference was hosted by MEP Rosa Estaràs Ferragut and MEP Alex Agius Saliba, bringing the discussion directly into the EU policy space.
A special recognition to our Advocacy Director, Begoña Aristondo del Valle, who led the logistical coordination of the event in close collaboration with MEPs Miriam Lexmann, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, and Alex Agius Saliba.
The central message was clear: people with Down syndrome must be visible at EU level — not only as participants, but as speakers.
Self-advocates took the floor as panelists, including Maria James (Down Syndrome Association Malta), Jérôme (France), Ana Paula (Croatia), and Esther (The Netherlands, Inclusion Europe). Their presence on the panel was essential: they spoke for themselves, shared their realities, and shaped the discussion directly.
Their contributions highlighted key priorities:
• access to inclusive education
• real opportunities for employment
• full participation in adult life
A European study on loneliness among people with Down syndrome and their families was also presented, underlining the need for concrete action across Europe.
The European Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect people with Down syndrome — and moments like this ensure that their voices are part of that process.
People with Down syndrome must be:
• heard
• visible
• included
Now it is time for policymakers to listen — and act.
