World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2026

19 Mar 2026

What a glorious sunny day we had to rock our funky socks and mark World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2026 in University College Cork! 

Huge thanks to all our wonderful colleagues, and to Finn and Catherine Halpin, Olivia, Kate and Joanne Hegarty, Fiona Brett and Tara and Lisa Murphy from The Down Syndrome Centre Cork, along with students and staff from Scoil Chaitriona Ballynoe National School, who joined the id+futures students, graduates and staff, to show our solidarity with members of the Down Syndrome community in our university, our families, workplaces and communities.

We were honoured to be joined by Deputy President and Registrar, Prof Stephen Byrne, students and staff from the School of Clinical Therapies, UCC, Rowena and David from the UCC Roots Café, and Romeo and Remy, two of the UCC Canine Companions!

This year's WDSD theme is Together Against Loneliness and we are so proud to work in an institution that is actively championing inclusive education and collaboratively creating a campus community where everyone feels welcome, seen, heard, valued and supported.