21 Stories, 21 Chromosomes [2019]

​17th – 24th of March 2019 is World Down Syndrome Awareness Week. Every year for a week during March across the globe communities celebrate the achievements of people with Down’s syndrome, telling their stories and platforming their voices. It is also opportunity to challenge misconceptions about Down Syndrome and to call for society to be more inclusive.

During the 18th to the 24th of March, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre hosted a pop-up display 21 Stories, 21 Chromosomes curated by Leah Jones supported by Jade French. Leah Jones, born on Mersey Road where Catalyst is located, is a self-advocate that runs her own company ‘Positive You’.

​Leah says: 

As a person with Down Syndrome, throughout my life I have become a part of a wonderful community of people with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition from birth where there is a third copy of chromosome 21 in a person’s DNA. With this in mind, I have asked 21 local people who have Down Syndrome to share their success stories. When you look out from Catalyst’s beautiful Observatory Gallery with panoramic views over Halton, be inspired by their stories and remember – it’s only an extra chromosome!