World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on March 21st, with the goal of creating greater awareness about this condition. Those born with Down syndrome, which is also known as Trisomy 21, have an extra full or partial copy of their 21st chromosome. It can cause developmental and intellectual delays, and those with Down syndrome generally share distinct physical features such as almond-shaped eyes, a smaller physical stature, and difficulties with verbal communication.
Unfortunately, they often also experience exclusion and unkindness from those who don’t understand their differences. The theme for Down Syndrome Day 2026 is “Together Against Loneliness”. This is because nearly 40 percent of people with intellectual disabilities often feel lonely and excluded.
We’re casting a spotlight on some extraordinary members of our community who live with Down syndrome. These individuals lead rich, rewarding lives full of joy, creativity, and achievement, and are inspirations to everyone they meet. Furthermore, they challenge the assumptions many people hold about what people with Down syndrome can and cannot achieve, and what roles they may play in society in general.
Grace Strobel: Model and Activist
When Grace Strobel was born, her parents were told that she would face immense challenges her entire life. They were told that her developmental delays would prevent her from ever being able to read and write, for example, and that she’d never be able to tie her own shoes.
“I’m here today to tell you they were wrong”, she says.
Grace’s family worked diligently to help her overcome those challenges, and today Grace is a leading advocate for Down Syndrome awareness. She founded “The Grace Effect” program, in which she gives talks to school students about life with Down syndrome. This program helps the students to develop empathy for those who are different, rather than causing them pain and grief by making fun of them.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop at public speaking: she has also become a leader in representation in the fashion and beauty industry. In 2020, Grace was named Obagi Skincare’s “Skinclusion Ambassador”, and has been one of their primary models ever since. Grace has been featured in Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty campaigns, and has also modelled for Selkie, Alivia, Kendra Scott, Veronica Beard, and Justin Alexander. She also appeared on the Tommy Hilfiger runway in 2020.
What Grace loves most about modeling is that it doesn’t just help her feel good about herself: she can help others feel confident about their own beauty as well. When she isn’t gracing runways and magazine pages, Grace works part-time at the local parish elementary school and volunteers as an altar server at her church. Everything she does shows the world that she’s as beautiful and radiant inside as she is on the outside.
Learn more about Grace on her social Media pages:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Rhys Nybo: Actor, Filmmaker, and DJ
Rhys Nybo is based in Nelson, BC, Canada — a vibrant, artistic community surrounded by old-growth forest. Growing up in that area would inspire anyone to fall in love with nature, so it’s no surprise that Rhys was drawn to Tolkien’s work, particularly Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s deep love of trees and forests was a driving force behind his writing, and Rhys’ love of LOTR inspired him to create his “Rhys of the Rings” spinoff video series.
He’s a gifted photographer, filmmaker, actor, and storyteller, and creates engaging content on TikTok and YouTube. Tolkien fans worldwide tune in for his fantasy-inspired videos there, as well as brilliant behind-the-scenes footage — all filmed in the woods around his home. In addition to his creative projects, Rhys is also engaged in public speaking and Down Syndrome advocacy. So far, he has given talks in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Regina, encouraging others to show more empathy and kindness towards one another.
“I’m a unique person with Down Syndrome who has heart, love, kindness, and caring, and I am full of empathy”, he says. “This means I care about everyone.”
In an Instagram post for Down Syndrome Day 2025, Rhys shared a message to other individuals who live with disabilities of any kind:
“Your dreams matter the most. I’m living my dreams, and I support yours as well.
I send my love to all of you out there.”
Considering what a massive following he has accrued, it’s obvious that he is greatly loved by many in turn.
Check out Rhys’ projects on his social Media pages:
Rhys is also available to hire on Cameo, for personalized birthday greetings, pep talks, and more!
Chelsea Werner: World Champion Gymnast
San Francisco native Chelsea Werner has never let her disability prevent her from following her dreams. Born into a family of athletes, she began taking swimming and gymnastics classes as a child to help improve the low muscle tone that’s common with those who have Down Syndrome. She soon realized how much she loved the latter, and her family leapt into action to help support her dreams.
Chelsea began training with Dawn Pombo, who coached her with the same diligence as the other athletes in her care. Their hard work paid off, and today Chelsea is a 4x USA Special Olympics Gymnastics Champion, and 2x World Champion. Furthermore, she got into the 2024 Guinness Book of World Records by setting four new records in athletic impairment classifications.
Her athletic achievements have inspired countless other individuals with Down syndrome to pursue their own dreams. For example, an athlete named Chris Nikic because the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon competition. According to Chris’s father, he would never have considered that possible without Chelsea. She served as an inspiration for both of them, showing them exactly what was possible with dedication, passion, and effort.
Chelsea’s personal mantra is: “Do what you love and always try your best”. Those are wise words that can help to inspire each and every one of us.
Keep up with Chelsea via her social media pages here:
Troy Drake: Gifted Potter and Ceramic Artist
When you see the beautiful ceramic pieces that Troy Drake creates, it won’t surprise you to discover that they sell out as soon as they’re listed in his Etsy shop. He crafts each item with loving care, often using natural elements such as leaves and flowers to add texture, and the glazes he chooses make each item unique works of art.
Troy makes everything from plates and bowls to vases and holiday ornaments from his home ceramics studio, hand-building all of his pottery pieces with occasional help from his mother, Suzanne. She has always been his greatest advocate, and in a 2019 interview with The Potter’s Cast, offered her insights about individuals with Down syndrome:
“Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing it’s stupid. You know the Troys of the world, they’re not going to be the best in the world academically but they can teach the world a lot about kindness, how to treat other people.”
Troy’s life has immense value. He’s passionate about the pieces he creates, and his 720,000 followers appreciate him as well. Furthermore, his kindness is indeed a huge inspiration to everyone. In fact, he donates 100 percent of the proceeds from his pottery sales to non-profit organizations. It’s his way of contributing to help the world become a better, kinder place.
Keep an eye on his Etsy shop, Troy Made It, so you can hopefully get some pieces of your own when they’re available!
Additionally, you can get updates on what he’s working on, as well as seeing his processes, on his social media sites:
Challenge Down Syndrome Stereotypes Rather than Perpetuating Them
When someone meets an individual with Down syndrome, their first assumption is usually a negative stereotype. For example, they’ll often assume that this person can’t do the same things that they can. They’ll speak to them as they would speak to a child, even if the individual is older than they are. People with Down syndrome are often ignored, excluded, and even abused by others just for being different.
If ever there were a time for inclusion, kindness, and respect, it’s now.
Scientific studies show that loneliness has a profound effect on people’s health — both mental and physical. It not only causes depression and anxiety, but also increases cortisol levels. This affects immune system function and affecting their overall wellbeing.
When you meet a person with Down syndrome, assume that they are just as capable and intelligent as anyone else. Let that be the default assumption rather than any perception of shortcomings. Let’s all make a point of treating everyone we meet with respect instead of condescension, and inclusion rather than exclusion.
World Down Syndrome Day
Down Syndrome Resource Foundation
Featured Image via Grace Strobel’s Wikimedia Commons page
