Up About Down - Windsor Essex Down Syndrome Association

06/02/2026

Congratulations to Jasmine Ankamah on being casted in this national Down Syndrome Awareness documentary and showcasing our community!

Enjoy the documentary here: https://www.unifiedvoices.ca

05/31/2026

Way to go Jazzy! Jazzy was featured in the Windsor Star yesterday and our community is so proud about the national documentary that she’ll be part of. Thank you for your advocacy Jasmine, we can’t wait to watch Unified Voices!

05/22/2026

How paw-esome is this?!

A huge thank you to Janet for her extremely generous donation of hand made teddy bears, hats and blankets! Families who welcome a baby with down syndrome into their lives will be gifted these ❤️

05/16/2026

Chillin' by the water is what the long weekend is all about! Are you doing anything fun with your friends and family? ☺️

05/11/2026

Jigsaw Casting is seeking Various Individuals living with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) for a Safe Relationship and Your Rights Public Service Announcement in Toronto!
Looking for those who are living with IDD, someone with a physical disability living with IDD or someone who is a member of 2SLGBTQIA+ living with IDD.

The series consists of 13 short scenario-based videos designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in understanding healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics across topics: including consent, communication, grooming, abuse, s*xual health, and online safety.

Please also read these very important provisions:
https://bit.ly/SRimportantprovision

Seeking the following individuals living with IDD:
1. The role of ‘Ziggy’, talent living with IDD. Age 30 to 45. Open Gender, age: 30-45.
Estimated Shoot Days: 3–4 days (TBD)

2. The role of ‘Bri’, talent with a Physical Disability Living with IDD. Age: 30-45. We are seeking a performer with a physical or mobility disability for this role.
Female. Estimated Shoot Days: 4–5 days (TBD)

3. The role of ‘Sarah’ - 2SLGBTQIA+ role Living with IDD. Age: 25-40. Female.
This role will be part of a same s*x couple with the Madison Character. Must be Comfortable in a 2SLGBTQIA+ role. Estimated Shoot Days: 3–4 days (TBD)

4. The role of ‘Madison’ 2SLGBTQIA+ role Living with IDD. Age 25-40. Female.
This role will be part of a same s*x couple with the Sarah Character. Estimated shoot days: 5-6 days (TBD)

*For ALL role details, go to: https://bit.ly/SRRoledetails

**For the roles of ‘Sarah’ and ‘Madison’ - Both must be comfortable in a 2SLGBTQIA+ role - TALENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO KISS/MAKEOUT WITH FEMALE SCENE PARTNER FOR SHOOT. *Open to any real same s*x female partners - Please note if talent has a real partner she would like to audition with.

*Honorarium Pay is $500.00 per performer, per working day. This is a non-union PSA.

The deadline to submit is ASAP or before May 22 at 11am.

Must be available for these key dates in Hamilton:
Recalls: May 29th all Via Zoom
Wardrobe: TBD if needed
Shoot Date: July 6th - 16th (specific days TBD) - shoots in Hamilton, ON.

*Arrangements will be made by Production and our partner Willowbridge Community Services for talent's travel & accommodation if required.

If interested, you must apply and submit a self tape to:
https://saferelationships.castingcrane.com/
Self tape instructions:
https://bit.ly/SRYRselftapeinstr

05/11/2026

The Down Syndrome Association of Ontario - DSAO is taking a Canadian delegation of self-advocates, families, caregivers, educators, medical professionals, and community leaders to the World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC), taking place September 2027 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This event takes place every 3 years and the 2027 group will travel from September 17th–26th, 2027.

If you are interested in more information or have any questions, please email: [email protected]

Join us in Argentina, 22-25 September 2027 for the World Down Syndrome Congress, hosted by Síndrome de Down - Argentina - ASDRA Fiadown and Down Syndrome International

In recent years, real advances have been made in the rights, participation and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. But the world is changing rapidly and we must consider how these changes impact our community.

The Congress is an opportunity for people with Down syndrome and their families, along with other experts, to open a discussion about our futures. We will share learning, discover new research, hear lived experiences, and build new insights together.

This is the first time that the Congress will be held in Latin America.

Find out more: https://worldcongressds2027.org/

04/17/2026

Activity day was a slam dunk for our Teen group! Everyone looks like a superstar!

04/10/2026

Fun with friends! Our 6-12 group love their gym days!

04/06/2026

Did you know that GoodLife Kids offers a free year-round virtual physical activity and fitness program for youth ages 12-21 with intellectual disabilities and autism?

For more information check out their website: https://www.goodlifekids.com/the-move-program/

04/04/2026

Who needs Easter candy when we have the sweetest and most supportive community?

A huge thank you goes out to Andrew and Oskar who helped to organize a Rock Your Socks fundraiser at Huron Lodge long term care home! They graciously sold socks and raised $285 to help us support our programs!