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!

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

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...

📢 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

Our community deserves patient-centered, accessible care.

The Yale School of Nursing is taking a step towards equitable healthcare with diverse manikins and specialized training for students. The school will be launching a master's level IDD concentration and incorporating IDD content into all current specialites. Read the full story: buff.ly/w7eM8gG

Adults with Down syndrome face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, often at a younger age. This #WorldAlzheimersDay, we’re sharing caregiver tips and highlighting updates coming soon in our updated aging resource. #CaregiverSupport

Canada is home to so many talented artists with Down syndrome. Here are just a few: - Reegan Folkerts – Potter, 100+ Etsy sales - Rita Winkler – Watercolour painter - Marie Webb – Fashion designer featured at NYFW - Joel Jamensky – Visual artist Let's take a moment to celebrate these artists. 👏

Our Executive Director Laura LaChance recently caught up with Craig, age 62. Doctors said he wouldn’t live past 30, but Craig is staying active and thriving! This #HealthyAgingMonth, we celebrate seniors like Craig, living proof of the progress in life expectancy for people with Down syndrome.

Did you know that dual diagnosis is common? 41% of respondents to the 2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey reported a dual diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down Syndrome Regression Disorder. Learn more insights from the community survey: cdss.ca/ds-collabora... #DownSyndromeResearch

"Growing up is about leaving the past behind and learning from every single mistake. I am getting to be an old guy now and I am a very independent person." - Paul Sawka Read Paul's latest blog about childhood memories, and the challenges that come with being an adult. buff.ly/YIINy1p

💡 Teaching tip: When supporting someone with a developmental disability, prompting can make learning new tasks easier. Every small success builds confidence and independence. With patience and the right support, skills grow stronger every day. 🌟 #developmentaldisabilities youtu.be/xIxLsSHgeRo

The progress we have made with inclusive education in Canada is being threatened. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 this fall to make urgent advocacy initiatives and classroom resources possible: cdss.ca/double-your-donation/ #InclusiveEducation #DownSyndrome #DisabilityAdvocate

Curious about the Canada Disability Benefit? 🤔 We’ve got answers! From eligibility to whether the benefit affects earned income and provincial programs, our FAQ breaks it down so you can get the info you need: cdss.ca/canada-disab... #DisabilityAdvocacy #CanadaDisabilityBenefit

Checking in - how is everyone doing after the first week of school? We know #BackToSchool can be a big adjustment. What’s one thing your child’s teacher does to make it a little smoother? We’ll start: providing non-verbal options for communication makes it easier for every student to be heard.

This year, the Ds Collaborative asked 100's of Canadians with #DownSyndrome, #caregivers, and professional service providers to share their experiences and recommendations. After reviewing the results, many insights about our community emerged. Learn more: buff.ly/jWzVOmL #DisabilityAdvocate

🌟 Welcome back, students! 🌟 A new school year means fresh energy, curiosity, and possibility. Inclusive education helps every learner feel seen, valued, and supported — and that makes us all stronger. 💡📚✨ #BackToSchool #InclusiveEducation

Back to school already? We can't believe it either! But the calendar says it's September, and that means it's time for our 6th annual Back To School issue of 3.21 Magazine. buff.ly/EGtdhRV #InclusiveEducation #BackToSchool 3.21 Magazine is co-published with the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.

Reposted from Taylor Wheeler - an important reminder as students head back to school this week! Here’s to a year of growth, friendship, and belonging. Thank you to the parents who raise kind, inclusive kids and to the incredible special education teams who make the magic happen. #InclusionMatters

The first weeks of school set the tone for the year - especially when welcoming students with diverse learning needs. Here are some ways teachers can set students up for success! Find more ideas and inclusive strategies in our resource, Learning Together in the School Community: buff.ly/w6ScEdo

Albertans with disabilities deserve support and dignity.

Thank you to the Rexall Care Network for championing caregivers and families in the Down syndrome community! "The Rexall Care Network's investment allows organizations like ours to not only sustain but to grow programs that make direct and meaningful impact." - Laura LaChance

For anyone in need of back to school IEP info.

People with disabilities deserve to be a priority.

Keep an eye on your inbox - the new Back To School issue of 3.21 Magazine comes out next Tuesday, September 2nd! Not subscribed? Sign up to get your free quarterly issues: Subscribe.CDSS.ca 3.21 Magazine is a co-publication with @dsrfcanada.bsky.social #DownSyndromeAdvocate #InclusiveEducation

Back-to-school season can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and overwhelming for parents of students with an IEP. Here are a few tips to help you start the year off smoothly! Discover more inclusive education strategies in our resource Learning Together in the School Community: cdss.ca/resources/ed...

Congratulations to Xavier and his family for conquering the 75 km #WestCoastTrail this month! Known as one of Canada’s most challenging hikes, it takes several days and incredible perseverance to complete. What adventures have you taken on this summer? We’d love to hear your stories!

A new school year means new opportunities to create classrooms where every student belongs. Small changes in teaching methods can benefit the whole class. Find practical tips for building an inclusive classroom in our free guide: CDSS.ca/Resources/Education #BackToSchool #InclusiveEducation

Reposted from Misty Coy Snyder: "I see you, parent in the disability community. It’s ok to surrender sometimes. Sometimes our best has to be enough. Sometimes we can release our clenched palms and let someone know we need some help, some room to breathe. You’ve got this. One minute at a time!"

I’m live today at 2 PM MST — diving into ADAP, the Canada Disability Benefit, and how this gov is failing disabled Albertans. Come add your voice: www.tiktok.com/@zacharyweeks

Development is shaped not just by biology, but by a child’s interests, temperament, health, and the environment around them. This is why environment matters so much. A supportive and responsive setting helps children build skills over time. Learn more: buff.ly/csPGByg

We’re excited to share Kirby’s House, the first film in the A New Story mini-series. This powerful work by Outsideinside productions and director Rob Viscardis sparks important conversations about home, belonging, and the right to live independently. Watch Kirby's House: buff.ly/T5aWkoI

A child with Down syndrome walks into class, eager to learn — but without inclusive education, their seat at the table is never guaranteed. Government decisions are putting that seat at risk. Your gift can protect their place, amplify their voice, and show them they are valued: cdss.ca/donate-now/

Some great tips for fostering inclusion! Reposted from Amanda Owen: Reminder - you can’t just state your expectations in a way that kids don’t know examples of the actions they can take. Share those actions, tell them things they can do, and please don’t just have the conversation once!

How many Canadians are living with #DownSyndrome? Until recently, we worked with the rough and outdated estimate of 45,000. Now, a new population study released by Dr. Brian Skotko and his colleagues has applied a new methodology to give us more accurate data. cdss.ca/advocacy/ #DisabilityAdvocacy

We’re seeking Canadin families with adult children with Down syndrome who have planned future housing for when parents can no longer provide care. If you’re open to sharing your story in 3.21 Magazine, please email [email protected].

We’re proud to share Mind the Gap, a powerful new report from the Brainwell Institute. This work brings much needed attention to the gaps that our community continues to face when it comes to dementia care. 📖 Read the full report: buff.ly/Lsti4pT

Reposted from Grace Strobel: "Eternal children we are not. People with Down syndrome grow up, work hard and from our experience fight to prove our abilities and potential everyday . Please treat and talk to us like any other adult you come in contact with💕- it’s pretty easy!"

Children with Down syndrome experience the same stages of development as other children, though the timing may differ: 🔹 Sitting independently may occur between 8-11 months 🔹 Walking often begins between 18-36 months 🔹 First words usually appear between 18-24 months Learn more: buff.ly/csPGByg

Reposted from Kandace Lalande: "We cheer every tiny step, every quiet victory. We don't rush her. We support her. We celebrate her. Isla's teaching us how beautiful it can be when we slow down and walk alongside someone we love, meeting them at exactly where they are." - Kandace, Isla's Mom

Friendship means being seen, understood, and included. On this #InternationalDayofFriendship, remember the power of connection and small acts of kindness. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdH6...

When Alberta announced it would claw back the new Canada Disability Benefit from AISH recipients, people with disabilities were left feeling overlooked. In a heartfelt letter, CDSS Awareness Leader Paul Sawka shares how this decision could impact the lives of many Albertans: cdss.ca/aish-clawback/

Today marks 35 years since the ADA became law. CDSS Executive Director Laura LaChance reflects on the progress we’ve made — and the pushback we’re now seeing. Why is inclusion still a challenge? And what will it take to keep moving forward? Read Laura’s full message: cdss.ca/why-dei-stil...

Some things belong in the past. The R-word has been making a comeback in casual conversation. Let’s be clear: this word isn't edgy or funny. It's harmful. When we speak up, we move the conversation - and our community - forward. 📢 Share this post. Say clearly: there’s no place for the R-word.

Caregivers - you give so much. You hold so much. Pause. Breathe. Refill. Caring for someone else doesn’t mean forgetting yourself. You deserve support, rest, and compassion too. Today, take a moment for you. #InternationalSelfCareDay #CaregiverSupport #DisabilitySupport

What story took on new meaning for you as an adult? "Growing up, Dumbo was one of my favorite movies. Now, as a special needs mom, I see Dumbo’s story now through a new lens: a story of a mother’s courage to lift her child up when the world tries to clip their wings. " - Priscilla, Amira's mom

"Why target the disabled community in particular in the name of saving a buck? There's a lot of distress because the time frames are so tight." - Dr. Ginetta Silvalaggion, Edmonton family physician www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

You asked, and Paul answered! Check out CDSS Awareness Leader Paul Sawka’s thoughtful responses to your top questions about life with Down syndrome in his Q&A blog post: cdss.ca/life-with-do... 💬 Have more questions for Paul? Drop them in the comments! #DownSyndromeAwareness #SelfAdvocate