About
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is a national non-profit organization focused upon human rights, health, social participation, inclusive education, and employment for people with Down syndrome. For over 37 years, CDSS has supported self-advocates, parents, and families through all stages of life with professional resources, programs, community connections, and awareness initiatives that shape the perceptions of people with Down syndrome across the country and around the world.
As the national voice for people with Down syndrome, we collaborate with the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as many other organizations and people in the disability community, to unite our advocacy efforts and affect the lives of the thousands of Canadians.
We work to amplify the voices, contributions, and concerns of people with Down syndrome in Canada in order to dismantle the misconceptions that can unfairly keep people with Down syndrome from living full, engaged lives.
Our Impact
- Healthcare professionals and new parents across the country rely on our resource 21 Welcomes for critical information and the compassion found in the stories from mothers, fathers, siblings, and self-advocates in the community.
- Newcomers to Canada connect with other parents and caregivers who speak their native language through the Multilingual Caregiver Network. There are currently over 17 languages represented.
- Millions of people worldwide are reached each year through our awareness initiatives that educate the public about life with Down syndrome and contradict harmful stereotypes that can limit opportunities for people in our community.
- Thousands of Canadians find information and advice through 3.21 Magazine, a national co-publication with the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.
- CDSS supports and sponsors dedicated research for the Down syndrome community to close the current information gap and help to advance the care provided to Canadians with Down syndrome.
- CDSS is an instrumental member of the first-ever Ds Collaborative in Canada, a network of organizations and self-advocates, united by a common goal – to share, support, and impact the lives of those with Down syndrome and their families.