North Dakota Olmstead Commission

03/20/2026

Rock your socks for World Down Syndrome Day tomorrow!

Who is ready to rock some socks this Saturday for World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21st. We can't wait to celebrate with the many wonderful schools, workplaces, businesses, and communities that are planning to Rock Your Socks this year.

Since March 21 falls on a Saturday this year, many groups may celebrate on Friday, March 20. That’s okay. Please tag and use the hashtag , so we can celebrate with you.

Shout out to our partners:
The Gifted Bean Coffee House | Bismarck
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

| Fargo
Sock Pick Up Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

| Grand Forks
Sock Pick Up Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Station | Minot
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.

Special thank you to the Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot Target locations for donating socks! We look forward to seeing communities across North Dakota raising awareness and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome.

03/19/2026

MYTH: Inclusion only benefits students with disabilities.

FACT: Inclusive classrooms improve empathy, collaboration, and belonging for all students.

03/17/2026

The Disability Umbrella is a powerful way to recognize that developmental disabilities are not a one-size-fits-all experience. This Disability Umbrella highlights the diversity within the developmental disability community.

03/17/2026

Workplace Inclusion Tip: Employees with developmental disabilities thrive when businesses provide support!

03/16/2026

More than 70 million people with disabilities need Protection and Advocacy (P&A) services, but funding for these programs does not meet that need.

That’s why we need your help.

Currently, letters are circulating in the House of Representative to support increased funding for P&As. This funding will empower P&As to address new needs from the disability community, like aging and caregiving, while continuing their current important work, like free legal advocacy and investigations into institutions.

Join us in ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in their communities. Send a note to your Representative asking them to support increased funding at https://secure.everyaction.com/2gR_C8rPhk2y5OtgFXbSVw2.

03/15/2026

Myth: People with developmental disabilities cannot work independently.

Fact: With inclusive hiring practices and appropriate supports, individuals thrive in meaningful careers across industries.

Let’s replace assumptions with understanding.

03/13/2026

What does inclusion mean to you?

Share your thoughts below. We’d love to hear your perspective.

03/13/2026

There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.

History matters.

Not for nostalgia — for understanding.

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day that celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome. WDSD occurs on the 21st day of March each year to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome.

To raise awareness, Designer Genes encourages YOU to rock a pair of fun or mismatched socks on 3.21.26. Whether it's with your school, work, preschool, childcare, church, family, pets, or favorite business - the possibilities are endless!

Who will be celebrating with us this year? 💛 🩵 💙
Tag your schools, family, and businesses in the comments below!

Huge shout out to our partners:
The Gifted Bean Coffee House | Bismarck
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

GiGi's Playhouse Fargo | Fargo
Sock Pick Up Time: TBD

DHI Sweet Street | Grand Forks
Sock Pick Up Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Station | Minot
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.

Special thank you to the Bismarck and Fargo Target locations!