Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton

Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton DSAH is a not for profit organization that serves families of children and adults with Down syndrome

World Down Syndrome Day is tomorrow! This years theme is 'Together Against Loneliness'. We welcome all of our friends, ...
03/20/2026

World Down Syndrome Day is tomorrow! This years theme is 'Together Against Loneliness'. We welcome all of our friends, old and new, to join us tomorrow for our Spring Fling Dance! Please RSVP here: https://dsah.ca/event/spring-fling-world-down-syndrome-day/

What Everyone Needs to Feel Connected and Belong
To stop loneliness, every person needs:

1) REAL INCLUSION - To be truly included in schools, jobs, and community life. Not just “being there,” but taking part.

2) WELCOMING SPACES
To feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from stigma.

3) MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
To have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners.

Our dance has all of these things - so let's combat loneliness together!

03/15/2026

Teach inclusion early. Connection starts on the playground. 🤝✨
Children with Down syndrome are often "known, but not chosen". They might be physically in the classroom or at the party, but they are often socially absent—sitting alone at lunch or waiting for an invitation that doesn't come. This "quiet loneliness" can begin in early childhood when social worlds start to narrow.
On 21 March, we are using to start a conversation that isn't always easy to have with children: the subject of loneliness.

Why talk about this in schools and at home?
💛To build empathy: Loneliness is the sad feeling of wanting to be more connected to others. Children can understand this feeling and learn that they have the power to change it for someone else.
💛 To move past "being there": Inclusion isn't just sharing a space. It’s about "everyday gestures"—inviting someone to join a game, welcoming them into a conversation, and recognizing their value.
💛 To create safe ecosystems: When children learn to include others genuinely, they create a "big family" atmosphere where everyone is safe from stigma and everyone belongs.

Ask children to wear their brightest, boldest socks! 🧦 When they ask why, tell them: "We wear these to remind us that everyone should be invited to join in."

Let’s stand and teach the next generation that no one should have to walk their path alone.

Learn more: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/lots-of-socks-campaign/





Wow! Check out all these fun things to do in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara this March Break. Then on Saturday March 21st ...
03/11/2026

Wow! Check out all these fun things to do in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara this March Break.

Then on Saturday March 21st - Join us for our Spring Fling!

03/10/2026

We are currently accepting applications for our Opportunities Program. If you self-identify with a disability and are looking for employment support and training, contact us.

03/08/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 💡

This month is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the strength, contributions, and resilience of individuals with developmental disabilities.

It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges many people face when accessing care and support. At , we remain committed to breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and empowering individuals with the opportunity and resources to belong and thrive.

Throughout this month, you can take action by:
💙 Learning about developmental disabilities and challenging stigma
💚 Advocating for accessibility and inclusion in your community
💙 Celebrating the achievements of individuals with developmental differences

Let's make a difference this month, and every month, by working together to create strong, inclusive, and diverse communities!

03/02/2026

When a baby with Down syndrome is born, parents are presented with an alarmingly long list of potential medical conditions their child might face.

It’s enough to send many of us into a panic.

The good news is, any individual person with Down syndrome is likely to encounter only a small fraction of the potential co-morbidities throughout their life.

Nevertheless, their medical journeys usually entail some extra complexities – even if it’s just additional tests to rule out the most common health issues.

That brings us to the newest edition of 3.21 Magazine: The Healthcare Issue.

We start at the very beginning, by presenting guidelines for doctors on delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis. The Doctor’s Visit Checklist for Caregivers outlines annual tests, screenings, and symptoms to keep an eye on, so you can ensure nothing is missed.

Tending to mental wellness is also an essential part of healthcare. We cover this angle with a pair of articles filled with insight from mental health professionals.

Healthcare for our loved ones with Down syndrome is best managed one step at a time, by focusing on what’s directly in front of us. Keep this issue handy so you can refer back to it in the future as needed!

Read the new Healthcare Issue of 3.21 Magazine:
https://cdss.ca/resources/publications/321-magazine/

3.21 Magazine is co-published with Down Syndrome Resource Foundation

02/20/2026

We started 2026 & our new program 321Go! With some Movement, Magic & Memories made by all!!! Big shout out to RBG Burlington & DJ Chris Briscoe this was truly a special evening 🌷🪻🫶🏼

02/15/2026

Real Inclusion vs. Just Being There
Being in the same place as other people is a start, but it is not enough. You can be in a classroom or a job and still feel left out. Real inclusion means being valued and having real friends. Stand with us as we ask for a world where we truly belong.
Our theme, , is a call to action to move past just "being there" and start truly including everyone in our communities.
Learn more about the theme: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-the-2026-theme

02/11/2026

Families play an important role in inclusive education.

Your child has the right to learn with their peers and be part of their school community.

Parents should feel free to ask questions, share your child’s needs, and work with the school to make sure the right supports are in place.

Find family friendly resources here: https://www.sourceforinclusiveeducation.ca/content?title=Empowering+Parents

What tips can you suggest to help promote inclusive education?

Address

420 Crerar Drive
Hamilton, ON
L9A5K3

Telephone

905-628-4141

Website

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