Havre de Grace proclaims March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, community groups recognized

The Havre de Grace City Council presented a proclamation on March 17 declaring March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day in the city. Mayor William T. Martin read the proclamation into the record and invited representatives of local disability and inclusion programs to speak.

A representative from Isaac’s and Norville House, a local nonprofit program serving people with disabilities, thanked the council and invited residents to visit the organization at 554 Franklin Street. The speaker asked the public to "presume competence" when interacting with people with Down syndrome and promoted local arts and inclusion programs the group operates.

Alan Fair, a longtime local volunteer, told the council he had visited the organization and described its workshops and community work. The mayor presented the signed proclamation and invited attendees to join a photo at the front of the chamber. Speakers also encouraged residents to wear mismatched socks on March 21 as part of the global awareness campaign.

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The proclamation encourages residents, schools and employers to promote inclusion and to support policies and practices that provide equal opportunities for people with Down syndrome. The city will host or promote related awareness activities occurring around March 21.