Canadian Down Syndrome Society

Paul stand in front of a field of crosses.

"It is important to remember all of those who served in the wars. We should honour them with our whole entire hearts.

I think a good way to do this is to wear a poppy or visit a field of crosses like I do here in Calgary. Doing something like this should be of great importance for everyone." - Paul

Absolutely! Any patients experience of pain is valid and important.

If you could teach every healthcare provider one thing about patients with Down syndrome, what would it be?

Healthcare providers play an important role in the lives of people with Down syndrome, but many don't receive training specifc to our community.

We want to hear from you: if you could teach every healthcare provider one thing about Down syndrome, what would it be?

Share your experiences with us!

A young woman with Down syndrome smiling. A dark green box on the right side of the image has white text that reads: Despitep the benefits, many adults with Down syndrome don’t have a fitness routine.

Although regular physical activity is an important part of healthy aging, adults with intellectual disabilities spend an average of more than 60% of their day in sedentary behaviour.

Get tips on how to support your loved one's physical activity in Today and Tomorrow: cdss.ca/resources/he...

"I need to be able to be independent, respected and have my health taken seriously by other people. I want to be responsible for my own health."

In his latest blog post, CDSS Awareness Leader Paul Sawka shares his experiences with healthcare and his thoughts on aging.

Read more: buff.ly/UfKoubv

Halloween is full of creativity and community! ✨

Here’s a look back at some of the amazing costumes from years past — and we want to see your 2025 looks, too!

Tag us in your Halloween photos - we can’t wait to see your costumes!

Wishing everyone a safe, inclusive, and fun-filled Halloween! 🎃👻

Odin Made History by being the first non-speaking person to voice a character in a syndicated cartoon.

Reposted from Tim Frost:

"As a family living with the challenges of disabilities for 23 years, we celebrate the wins as beautifully as we possibly can!

Odin is a trailblazer and hopefully will hold the door open for other non speaking actors everywhere to have more opportunities!"

Support is Health: Recognizing Families and Communities October 29th is the International Day of Care and Support. It’s a day to recognize the many ways people give and receive support in their families and communities.

On International Day of Care and support let's recognize that support is more than a service. It is health. It is family. It is community.

Read more in our latest blog: www.inclusioncanada.ca/post/support...

Young woman with Down syndrome

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) is a rare neuropsychiatric condition often characterized by the loss of previously acquired skills.

Due to overlap in symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed. Learn more about DSRD symptoms and treatment options: buff.ly/1Y0zfw5

Please talk to us, not about us.

We should be involved in the understanding of our own health.

Especially when I'm seeing a health care provider.

Everyone deserves to be included in conversations about their own health. Thank you for sharing this important reminder and example of respectful, person-centred care!

Reposted from Grace Strobel.

'We Deserve Care' campaign: Closing the care gap for adults with Down syndrome

Thank you to Healthing for sharing why better training for healthcare professionals is essential to improving care for adults with Down syndrome.

Learn more about our We Deserve Care campaign and how we're working to improve training for healthcare professionals:
buff.ly/xeuNz2C

Canadian filmmaker and his actor sister behind national ad about aging with Down syndrome | CBC News For Windsor, Ont., filmmaker Drew Hyttenrauch, it was the chance to do the production of a lifetime and highlight the issue of a growing need in the Down syndrome community — and one he and his sister...

Did you know the filmmaker behind We Deserve Care has a personal connection to the Down syndrome community?

Huge thanks to Natalie, Drew, and HYTT Films for bringing this story to life.

We’re grateful to collaborate with such passionate members of our community.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Thank you for sharing!

An Inclusive Halloween! - Developmental Disabilities Association Spooky Season is here! And you know what that means? Candy, Chocolate, Costumes and Trick-or-Treating!

We are almost a week away from All Hallows' Eve....Mwaahahahahahaa!!!😈😱

Let's pull together as a community and make sure every little ghoul and goblin is considered and included. 🎃🍬🍭

#trickortreat #halloween2025 #community #inclusionmatters

www.develop.bc.ca/an-inclusive...

ID: Brandon, an older man with Down syndrome, kisses his mother Paula on the cheek. White text reads "I'm just worried that I won't be here for him."

Laura LaChance joined Global News with Brandon, a self-advocate, and his mom Paula to discuss our call for equitable healthcare for adults with Down syndrome.

For parents like Paula, knowing their children’s healthcare needs will be met offers peace of mind.

Watch the full segment: buff.ly/6kO6N9I

"We are always educating the professionals instead of getting help from them." Caregiver response, 2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey

Canada’s healthcare systems need to evolve to meet the needs of the growing adult and senior population with #DownSyndrome. Learn more at WeDeserveCare.ca

Medical problems in people with Down syndrome may go undiagnosed until later in life.

Did you know that medical problems in people with Down syndrome often go undetected until later in life?

Regular checkups and preventative screenings are essential to supporting your loved one’s health as they age.

Learn more our Guide to Aging with Down Syndrome: cdss.ca/resources/he...

Laura LaChance and Nick Dixon

This morning, Executive Director Laura LaChance spoke with CP24 about how our care system must evolve to better serve adults with Down syndrome.

Help us close a critical gap so adults with Down syndrome can access the care they deserve.

Watch the full interview: buff.ly/3zNcfA5

Adults and seniors with Down syndrome deserve care. Donate today to address the urgent gap in current healthcare systems and create the Canadian Down Syndrome Course for Healthcare Professionals at WeDeserveCare.ca

#WeDeserveCare
#CanadianDownSyndromeWeek
#DownSyndromeAwareness

Canadian Down Syndrome Week 2025 | How to Get Involved Canadian Down Syndrome Week is October 19th – 25th, 2025! Learn how you can help to spread awareness and make an impact in your community.

In the 2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey, healthcare professionals reported that they felt they lacked the specialized training required to confidently and adequately care for aging Canadians with Down syndrome. Learn more at WeDeserveCare.ca #CanadianDownSyndromeWeek

In 1950, only 1% of Canadians with #DownSyndrome lived to 40 years old. Today, 30% of the population is over 40. This dramatic shift has left aging Canadians with Down syndrome without the healthcare support they deserve. Learn more at WeDeserveCare.ca. #CanadianDownSyndromeWeek

A middle-aged woman with Down syndrome: Menopause occurs at a median age of 46 for women with Down syndrome.

Did you know menopause often begins earlier for women with Down syndrome, around age 46?

Caregivers may notice symptoms years before menopause actually starts. Our updated guide to aging with Down syndrome will help you provide the right support.

Learn more: buff.ly/Dec3Kji

Did you know that 30% of Canadians with Down syndrome are over 40 years old? A new study released this summer shows a dramatic demographic shift that has serious implications for our healthcare systems and aging Canadians with Down syndrome.

Learn more at WeDeserveCare.ca #CanadianDownSyndromeWeek

Caleb ran the Chicago Marathon this past weeked, becoming the youngest person with Down syndrome to earn an Abbott Star for completing one of the original six marathons!

Congratulations, Caleb! 🎉

#DownSyndromeAwareness
#ChicagoMarathon

Fall for All Community Entries

Our Fall For All Community Contest is in full swing!

There’s still time to join in:
📸 Post a photo of your favourite fall activity
🏷️ Tag @CdnDownSyndrome on Facebook or Instagram

You could win our Advocacy Action Kit filled with items from incredible businesses in the Down syndrome community!

Older man with Down syndrome with the stat "50% of people with Down syndrome will face a mental health concern in their life".

At least half of all adults with Down syndrome will experience a major mental health concern in their lifetime.

This #WorldMentalHealthDay we're helping caregivers support mental wellbeing at every stage of life through our new resource. Learn more: cdss.ca/resources/he...

Canadian Down Syndrome Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness in your community, educate others, and show your support for your friend or family member with Down syndrome! Learn how you can take action at cdss.ca/canadian-dow...

#CanadianDownSyndromeWeek #DownSyndrome #DisabilityRights

New! Today and Tomorrow: A Guide to Aging with Down Syndrome

Introducing the new edition of Today and Tomorrow: A Guide to Aging with Down Syndrome!

This updated resource is designed for caregivers, with expanded information, real community stories, and practical advice.

Explore the new resource today: cdss.ca/resources/he...

Caregiver Webinar Series October 2025

📢 NDSS is hosting a free Caregiver Webinar Series this month!

Sessions will cover career support, workplace accommodations, mental health, financial planning, Alzheimer’s care, and more. A great opportunity for caregivers to learn and connect!

Register here: buff.ly/o0J3GS2

What did we learn from the 2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey? Employment gaps persist. Only 21% of individuals with Down syndrome are currently employed.

See the more results from the survey that will guide future advocacy work: CDSS.ca/Ds-Collaborative

#DownSyndrome #DisabilityEmployment #DEI