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Canadian Down Syndrome Society

@cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social

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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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Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Jun 2

📣 New issue of 3.21 Magazine is out now! 💛👶

Made for new parents in the Down syndrome community—packed with tips, reflections, and real talk to guide you from day one.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.

Read now: buff.ly/x00Tynd

Co-published with @dsrfcanada.bsky.social‬

#DownSyndromeAwareness

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Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 1d

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

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Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 1d

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

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 2d

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 5d

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 8d

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!

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 9d

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...

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 10d

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

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Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 10d

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...

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 14d

📢 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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 15d

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 19d

Our community deserves patient-centered, accessible care.

CAMH @camhnews.bsky.social · 20d

Adults with #IDD make up 1 in 5 long-stay #psychiatric inpatients in Ontario. New ICES Ontario & CAMH study calls for urgent improvements in care. Full story: https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/patients-with-intellectual-and-dd-substantially-over-represented-among-long-stay

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 27d

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

Yale Nursing School has started using a manikin with Down syndrome to train students.

In addition to the manikin, an initiative for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities spearheaded by Christine Rodriguez will educate nursing and midwifery students in care for patients with Intellectual Disabilities.

"We can all agree that excellence in halth care for persons with a diagnosis of IDD is not optional. But professional training is needed to guide providers of the future." - Susanna Peyton, program funder

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · 28d

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 17

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. 👏

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 15

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.

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 14

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 12

"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

Reposted by Canadian Down Syndrome Society

Developmental Disabilities Association @dda604.bsky.social · Sep 9

💡 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

Tips for Teaching: PROMPTING

YouTube video by Developmental Disabilities Association

youtu.be

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Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 8

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 6

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

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 5

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.

What's one thing your child's teacher does that makes back to school easier?

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 4

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

Reposted by Canadian Down Syndrome Society

Developmental Disabilities Association @dda604.bsky.social · Sep 2

🌟 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

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Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 2

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.

Canadian Down Syndrome Society @cdndownsyndrome.bsky.social · Sep 1

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