Canadian Down Syndrome Society
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cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
Canadian Down Syndrome Society
@cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
81 followers 29 following 170 posts
Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is the national source of expertise promoting the abilities and contributions of people with Down syndrome. #SeeTheAbility
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cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
“My sister Natalie is my entire world. Our parents are no longer with us so I’m the one to advocate for her medical needs. I’m really grateful that I get to take care of my sister, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the future. " - Drew H. #Caregiver

Learn More: WeDeserveCare.ca
December 11, 2025 at 12:14 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
URGENT AISH UPDATE - Community members in Alberta, please take a few moments to sign the letter below and email your MLA + cabinet ministers asking them to vote NO on Bill 12 + halt the introduction of the ADAP!
win.newmode.net/barrierfreea...

#AISH #DisabilityPoverty #CanadaDisabilityBenefit #ADAP
A black woman wearing glasses and smiling with her mouth open holds a large pink poster with stickers on it that says "Disability Poverty is a Policy Choice!!!" She is standing outside at a protest with other people around her.
December 9, 2025 at 5:25 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
Celebrate the season with a cup that gives back! ☕

Our community says it best - this coffee isn’t just delicious, it’s meaningful. 21 Reasons: Extra Special Blend from Daymaker Coffee Roasters supports people with Down syndrome across Canada.

Order from the CDSS Gift Shop today: cdss.ca/gift-shop/
It tastes even better knowing that it supports a great cause
December 7, 2025 at 5:02 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
"I make a snowman and I sometimes have a snowball fight. Sometimes I have a sledding party with family and friends. When I was younger we used to skate. I still have fun with friends as we hang out, have snacks and watch movies" - Paul Sawka

What are some of your favourite winter activities?
December 5, 2025 at 5:05 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
In this special housing issue, we explore housing challenges along with the unique solutions that community members and organizations are implementing to improve affordability, availability, and in-home support.
cdss.ca/resources/pu...

Co-published with DSRF Canada

#downsyndrome #housingsolutions
December 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
Adults and seniors with Down syndrome deserve care. But we cannot improve healthcare systems without your support.

Learn more about the urgent initiatives that CDSS is leading to close this health equity gap in Canada: WeDeserveCare.ca

#disabilityrights #downsyndrome #nothingdownaboutit
A woman with Down syndrome is smiling as she looks into the camera. She is wearing glasses, a black shirt, and a red jacket.
November 28, 2025 at 10:06 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
Because the abilities of adults with Down syndrome vary, it's important to establish a cognitive baseline that you can use as a comparison if your loved one's behaviour starts to change.

Learn more about diagnosing Alzheimer's in adults with Down syndrome in our free resource: buff.ly/wll6ctf
Establishing an individual cognitive baseline can help to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
November 28, 2025 at 6:15 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
"Most technology these days is important for life. It can empower you even when things are hard. Having independence is important to me and technology helps with that. It helps me express who I am." - Paul Sawka

Read Paul's latest blog post: cdss.ca/using-techno...
November 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
The presentation of symptoms of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) can vary from person to person. It's important to consult a doctor to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Learn more about DSRD in Today and Tomorrow: buff.ly/optfW0r
DSRD may look different in each person.
November 20, 2025 at 6:45 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
Workplace ableism affects too many Indigenous workers with disabilities - over 60%.

This Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, we honour their resilience, contributions, and voices — and highlight the work needed to make workplaces truly inclusive.
61% of Indigenous workers with disabilities reported experiencing workplace ableism
November 18, 2025 at 7:15 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
Talking with your loved one about death before they experience loss can make the grieving process easier.

Although these conversations aren't easy, avoiding them can make an already challenging and emotional time even more difficult.

Find tips in Today and Tomorrow: buff.ly/optfW0r
Talking about death before someone passes away can help reduce fear and confusion.
November 14, 2025 at 6:45 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
"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
Paul stand in front of a field of crosses.
November 11, 2025 at 3:30 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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!
If you could teach every healthcare provider one thing about patients with Down syndrome, what would it be?
November 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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...
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.
November 6, 2025 at 5:04 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
"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
November 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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! 🎃👻
October 31, 2025 at 12:14 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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!"
Odin Made History by being the first non-speaking person to voice a character in a syndicated cartoon.
October 30, 2025 at 6:43 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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
Young woman with Down syndrome
October 29, 2025 at 4:05 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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.
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.
October 28, 2025 at 12:14 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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
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."
October 23, 2025 at 6:42 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
"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
October 23, 2025 at 11:14 AM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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...
Medical problems in people with Down syndrome may go undiagnosed until later in life.
October 22, 2025 at 10:15 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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
Laura LaChance and Nick Dixon
October 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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
October 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social
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
October 19, 2025 at 7:00 AM