CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND) -  This Friday, March 21st, is known as World Down Syndrome Day. The date symbolizes the three copies of Chromosome 21.

For years, many families and individuals have used the day to bring awareness to down syndrome. 

"When you have a child with down syndrome, there's a lot of fear..." said parent, Mallory Fairless. "You don't know what the future is going to look like for them."

Fairless is one of the board members for the Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society. She shared, it was one of the reasons they moved to the area.

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"We were just really excited to be able to connect with other families and other individuals who have Down's Syndrome."

The Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society was formed in 1990 by families to help provide a support network for those who have a family member with Down Syndrome. LLDSS holds regular monthly meetings in Springfield, and holds group activities in the area. 

President, Amanda Workman, also has a child with Down Syndrome. She shared, one of her goals with this organization is to provide experiences for families and individuals. 

"We have our golf outing and our buddy walk. We've got some potential cooking classes lined up. We even plan on having a dance!" Workman added, she hopes this opportunities help make everyday life activities, inclusive. "They can learn life skills to become successful and live independently."

To this day, there is still no known cause behind Down Syndrome. However, members of the organization do their best to spread awareness and continue educating the community. 

"I'm a part of the Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society! They are my friends, but they are really my family..." said Ella Veith, a member of the group, with a smile.

With over 30 individuals with disabilities in LLDSS, this week they hope to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Workman shared, "Their timeline may be a little bit longer, but they are completely capable of doing everything that we can do."

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