This carpool karaoke-style lip sync video was made in support of World Down Syndrome Day, and it’s every bit as lovely as it sounds. Fifty mums and their children sing along together to Christina Perri’s multi-platinum track “A Thousand Years” in 50 Mums 50 Kids 1 Extra Chromosome for World Down Syndrome Day — a joyful, funny, genuinely moving watch.
Who’s behind the video
The mums featured are all part of a Facebook group called “Designer Genes”, set up for parents of children with Down syndrome. They came together to make the video to show the world just how ordinary — and how much fun — life with the condition is, under the banner “Wouldn’t Change a Thing”.
The video was originally inspired by Singing Hands, a UK organisation whose videos have helped many parents in the group learn Makaton to support their children’s communication development. Makaton uses signs and symbols alongside speech, and is designed to help people with learning or communication difficulties to communicate more easily.
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World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) takes place every year on 21 March. It’s a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Down Syndrome International (DSi) encourages people everywhere to mark the day in their own way, helping to raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and the vital role people with Down syndrome play in our lives and communities.
Why 21 March?
The date is the 21st day of the 3rd month — chosen deliberately to represent the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which is what causes Down syndrome.
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FAQ
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
It’s a global awareness day held on 21 March each year, officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012, to raise awareness of Down syndrome and celebrate the contribution people with Down syndrome make to their communities.
Why is World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March?
The date represents the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome — the 21st day of the 3rd month.
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a communication method that uses signs and symbols alongside speech, designed to support people with learning or communication difficulties.
Who made the “50 Mums 50 Kids” video?
It was created by mums from the “Designer Genes” Facebook group, a community for parents of children with Down syndrome, inspired by the UK organisation Singing Hands.
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