A Bay of Plenty mum is turning her daughter’s journey into a community movement this World Down Syndrome Day.

On Saturday, locals are invited to walk 2.1km as part of “Step Up for 21”, an initiative raising awareness for Kiwi children with Down syndrome.

“It is utilising that day to make people aware and to educate people,” said Angie Goosen, created the initiative inspired by her daughter, Emily, who has Down syndrome.

The walk’s distance reflects the date, 21/3, of World Down Syndrome Day and the three copies of chromosome 21 that give rise to Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21.

People are encouraged to wear bright, mismatched socks, a symbol used worldwide to celebrate and raise awareness of Down syndrome.

“Like many families, we’ve been navigating the journey of early development and support services,” Goosen said.

Step Up for 21 will raise funds for the UpsideDowns Education Trust, which has helped fund Emily’s speech therapy.

“Kids in the system receive speech therapy through the Ministry of Health via child development services until they turn 2,” Goosen said.

She said after that age, children were moved under the Ministry of Education.

Angie Goosen (right), who came up with the Step Up for 21 initiative, pictured with her daughter Emily Goosen (2) and Emily's dad Glenn Goosen. Photo / Supplied

“Which is absolutely bloody crazy for speech therapy because it’s the most crucial time and the Ministry of Education have a waitlist.”

Emily, nearly 3, spent almost a year on the waitlist for a speech therapist, and during that time her family funded private therapy themselves.

“That’s where UpsideDowns Education Trust comes in,” Goosen said.

“They provide funding to help parents access private speech therapy and other support services for children with Down syndrome.”

Goosen said as a trust, all funding was based on donations.

“That’s why I chose to do it as a fundraiser for them, to help fund other kids, as well as Emily’s speech therapy journey.”

Emily is still developing her communication skills and is non-verbal.

“Support from a speech therapist means we can help support our kids to communicate, and it may not be speech, because some kids with Down syndrome will never speak.

Angie Goosen said her daughter Emily is determined, curious and “full of personality”. Photo / Supplied

“They may be non-verbal, but it’s giving them other outlets.”

Goosen said Emily was determined, curious and “full of personality”.

“These kids are just like any other kids, they’re just as cool, they’re just as cute, they like to do the same types of things but just because they’re not walking or talking, they’ve still got the same needs, and they’re still just as awesome.”

Goosen said children with Down syndrome can lead a “happy, productive life” and are not a burden to anyone.

“It’s helping people understand that while children with Down syndrome may learn and develop differently, they have incredible potential and bring so much love, resilience and perspective to the world around them.”

Step Up for 21 details:

When: Saturday, March 21, 10am

Where: Omokoroa Domain or take part from wherever by walking 2.1km.

How to participate: Share photos on social media in funky socks with the hashtag #rockyoursocks or donate via GiveaLittle.