SARAH JACOBS' son Jed, 9, has a learning disability. He's easily distracted and, if asked to do too many things at once, panics. At his former school, a private academy that cost $20,000 a year, his mother says Jed got into trouble daily ("kicking and even some biting") and stopped learning. "He was reading 'Captain Underpants' in kindergarten and he was in third grade and still reading 'Captain Underpants,'" she says.

MIA PETERSON is not a fan of tests. Because she has Down syndrome, she says, she cannot always think as fast as she would like to and tests end up making her feel judged. A recent driving test, for instance, ended in frustration.

In April, Carrie Bergeron addressed a crowd at a black-tie fund-raiser in Michigan, held by Band of Angels Foundation, a group that supports people and families living with Down syndrome.

When Sindoor Desai gave birth to a son with Down syndrome 23 years ago, doctors told her not to expect too much. "It was a long time ago. Peoplewere not so aware," said Desai, a dentist in Cleveland, N.Y., who said she and her husband decided to raise their son like a typical child. "We simply explained to him that he just needs more time to learn."

21 March, 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, and for the first time in 2012 this day will be officially observed by the United Nations. It is held on March 21st (21/3) to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of chromosome 21, which causes this genetic occurrence. The aim of the day is to raise awareness and understanding about Down syndrome, and to promote the inherent rights of persons with Down syndrome to enjoy full and dignified lives and be active and valuable participants in their communities and society.

Please click on the link below to view an inspirational video created by International Down Syndrome Coalition for Life.