The occasion is this year’s World Down Syndrome Day on Saturday, March 21. This day stands for equal opportunity and inclusion worldwide. Colorful socks are the international symbol of World Down Syndrome Day: they represent the triple copy of the 21st chromosome found in people with trisomy 21—and at the same time, they symbolize the appreciation of individuality and diversity. 

 “With this joint initiative for World Down Syndrome Day, we want to send a clear message of inclusion and diversity. Every person is a valuable, unique part of our urban community,” explains Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende. “People with Down syndrome often face prejudice, structural challenges, and barriers that make equal participation difficult. That is why it is so important to continue advocating for inclusion,” says Mende. 

The spokespersons for the Expert Council, Yvonne Mondani and Marius Ohlendorf, emphasize that “people with Down syndrome should be treated as equals—especially in the areas of inclusive education and social participation.” Translation into plain language is also a key priority for the Expert Council. 

Everyone is invited to wear two different socks on Saturday, March 21. “In doing so, we’re sending a united message of openness, inclusion, and diversity. Please join us,” says Andrea Hausy, the city’s inclusion officer. 

For more information about the campaign, contact the municipal inclusion officer for the state capital of Wiesbaden, inklusionsbeauftragtewiesbadende, or call (0611) 315896.