Watching people dance to almost any song is usually a happy experience. Watching those living with Down syndrome dance to the snappy beats of Pharrell's soon-to-be-played-out "Happy" is something approaching joy.
Since 2012, the world has been celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. This 21st day in the third month of the year was chosen, according to the U.K.-based Down Syndrome International, because it helps highlight the triplication (trisomy) â€" also known as the "extra chromosome" â€" of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
DSI first launched World Down Syndrome Day in 2006, but the movement gained steam when the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the day in 2012.
In the United States alone, there are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The NIH also notes that, each year, 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S.
Thanks to medical technology and changing social attitudes, those with Down syndrome are living longer, getting better treatment and navigating through life often right alongside the rest of us, though some stigmas remain.
The video above, which offers little explanation in its YouTube description, is promoting both the day and a #HappyDay hashtag. Considering its mostly uncredited use of the popular song, the video could also be in danger of getting removed from YouTube for copyright violation (it's unclear if Pharrell's people are even aware of it). Even so, "Happy" is an example of how those with Down syndrome are, like you, people who just want to dance.
Watch and share the video while you can.
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