Letterkenny's Polestar Roundabout to glow for Down syndrome and autism awareness

The Polestar Roundabout in Letterkenny will light up to mark both World Down Syndrome Day and World Autism Awareness Day.

The roundabout will shine bright in blue and yellow for World Down Syndrome Day, taking place on Saturday, March 21. The Polestar will also mark World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday, April 2, by lighting up in blue.

Councillors at the March meeting of Letterkenny-Milford MD agreed to light up the roundabout for the international occasions following requests from Donegal Down Syndrome Association and Autism Family Support Group in Letterkenny.

Donegal Down Syndrome Association is an organisation set up by parents with the aim of supporting members with Down syndrome to have full inclusion in the community and freedom of choice in their lives.

READ NEXT: Councillors to sign letter in support of retaining Donegal-Dublin flight

The date for World Down Syndrome Day, March 21 (21/3), matches the three copies of chromosome 21, unique to people with Down syndrome. The theme of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day is ‘Together Against Loneliness’.

Autism Family Support Group Letterkenny aims to create an environment where young people with autism feel treasured and their parents and carers feel supported. World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 is dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promoting acceptance, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism.