Canadian Down Syndrome Society

09/02/2026

All students deserve to feel like they belong.

When we teach children about differences and disabilities, we help to foster respect, thoughtfulness, and an inclusive learning environment in every classroom.

CDSS is proud to partner with Maistorybook to bring you this curated collection of picture books to help make school communities inclusive for all.

Everyone who makes a donation to CDSS during September will be entered to win this new collection for their home and school library! Just our way of saying thank you for your support.

To learn more and to find resources for welcoming students with Down syndrome into the classroom, please visit: CDSS.ca/Resources/Education

09/02/2026

CDSS is proud to support local organizations like DSRF who are making a difference in the daily lives of our community members.

Through our Momentum Grants Program, we are funding organizations across the country, empowering them to enhance or launch much-needed programs for adults with Down syndrome.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, DSRF is expanding our Forever (3)21 Program!

Adults with Down syndrome can enjoy a good quality of life as they age. Participants will learn about lifestyle factors and behaviours that contribute positively to healthy aging, such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, engaging in a variety of activities and social connection. This program gives adults over the age of 30 the chance to connect regularly with others, focusing on the social connection that can be harder to come by as people age, and yet is highly important to maintaining cognitive and mental health. Sessions will include education about healthy behaviours and home practice assignments about how to age healthfully, with heavy emphasis on encouraging social interactions amongst participants.

From Sept 15 - June 8, DSRF will offer 3 separate Forever (3)21 Programs. Two will take place online, weekly on Tuesdays (10:30-11:30 OR 4:30-5:30); the other will take place in person, bi-weekly on Fridays (10:00-11:00).

The online programs are facilitated by Registered Clinical Counsellor Christine Hoos and/or Aideen Sweeney, RSLP. The in-person program is facilitated by Susan Fawcett, PhD, RSLP.

Both online and in person participants will receive a baseline dementia screener for free, courtesy of CDSS. All programs also include 3 guest speakers and 4 outings/special event meetings.

Details + Registration: https://bit.ly/3Uujdii

09/01/2026

One of the biggest milestones of a child’s life is starting high school. As a parent and caregiver, you naturally want the transition to be as smooth as possible.

What is the #1 thing you can do to make their new school a success?

Help them prepare.

Reading our annual Back-To-School issue of 3.21 Magazine is a great place to start! This year’s issue is dedicated to preparing families for the unique challenges and opportunities that the teenage years bring.

Inside this issue, you'll find:

🍎Getting Started with Sexual Health Education
🍎Helping Your Child Navigate Conflict and Bullying
🍎Success in a New Space: Preparing for the Transition
🍎UDL: An Introduction to Universal Design for Learning
🌟Self Advocate Q&A: High School Days

Read the full issue and subscribe to receive them every quarter to your inbox at: https://cdss.ca/resources/publications/321-magazine/

3.21 Magazine is co-published with Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.

08/26/2026

September is just around the corner, and so is the annual Back-To-School issue of 3.21 Magazine!

This year, we explore the transition to high school and help both students and caregivers prepare for the changes and challenges ahead. Inside this issue, you'll find:

🍎Helping Your Child Navigate Conflict and Bullying in High School

🍎Getting Started with Sexual Health Education

🍎Success in a New Space: Preparing for the Transition to High School

🍎UDL: An Introduction to Universal Design for Learning

🍎Self-Advocate Q&A from Current and Former Students

Subscribe for free to receive the new Back-To-School issue in your inbox next Tuesday! https://cdss.ca/publications/321-magazine/

3.21 Magazine is co-published with the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.

08/22/2026

CDSS Awareness Leader and self-advocate Paul Sawka shares how he tries to take care of his mind and body during the busy summer months with sports, nutrition, and making time for friends and family.

Read Paul's reflection on a great summer: https://buff.ly/3oxUxTo

08/19/2026

Young Rosalie gives a look into her life on her horse farm in episode 3 of I Love Being Me. This is a great show for helping children gain awareness about differences & teaching respect. (Thank you to Rosalie's mother, Josée, for sharing this video with us!) https://buff.ly/HnDIEFn

We’re headed to the country for a fun day on the farm with Rosalie ...

08/17/2026

Every student deserves to feel valued, respected, and safe. Help foster inclusion in your school community by sharing this resource for welcoming students with Down syndrome into the classroom: https://buff.ly/UBJUvFe

08/12/2026

“Sometimes it is hard to really stay active. I can get too busy with other stuff, or sometimes it is because I don’t feel like it. But we all have to stay in shape for the things that we do and for ourselves. I often feel good after I do sports or exercise. My goal is to be healthy and happy!”

Learn more about how Paul stays healthy and active during the summer in his latest blog post: https://cdss.ca/staying-healthy-and-active-in-the-summer/ (you can follow the link in our bio: )

08/07/2026

We have a very exciting announcement to share with you all! We have expanded our Community Learning Centre to include online courses for caregivers and healthcare professionals!

Caregivers can use the code CDSS26 to take any courses free of charge, such as Mental Wellness for People with Down Syndrome, Relationships and Sexuality for People with Down Syndrome, and Dual Diagnosis: Down Syndrome and Autism.

Visit the new Community Learning Centre and browse the courses, webinars, and resources: https://cdss.ca/Community-Learning/