Fall 2003: Down Syndrome

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The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS)

Submitted by: Carol Johnson, Information Manager for CDSS.

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The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) was formed in 1987 to enhance the quality of life for all individuals who have Down syndrome through advocacy, education and providing information. CDSS is recognized as the official national Canadian organization representing individuals with Down syndrome. The vision of CDSS is that society understands and respects the dignity, worth and equal rights of all people regardless of ability. The Society is membership-driven and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The CDSS believes that people with Down syndrome are people first and advocates locally and nationally by publishing and publicizing position statements on relevant issues such as education, health care, immigration, Human Genome Project, pre-natal and genetic testing. Position statements are posted on the website for public viewing.  CDSS issues news releases on topical issues and provides media interviews and/or expert information that impact the disability community and people with Down syndrome.

The CDSS is a national organization that advocates on behalf of people with Down syndrome through networking, collaborating   and partnering with regional, national and international organizations that pursue common objectives.  The CDSS Board of Directors is elected from the members across Canada to reflect the broad diversity of people within Canada.  The Board endeavours to perform all of its functions within the broad principles of professionalism, valuing diversity, working cooperatively, and with honesty, strong ethics, confidentiality, and respect for others.

CDSS offers up-to-date information about Down syndrome to families and professionals across Canada and abroad through direct contact or through the website at www.cdss.ca.  Daily, people contact CDSS with questions or concerns that are responded to on an individual basis with reading material, web site contacts or helpful suggestions.  Staff is supported by professionals from across Canada who volunteer on the Resource Council. A National Newsletter is distributed to all members on a quarterly basis.

Partnerships and Intersectoral Collaborations

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society engages in a number of partnerships and strategic alliances at the local, provincial, national and international level.  At a national level, CDSS is a founding member of the Health Charities Council of Canada (HCCC) and is an active participant at joint roundtables.  CDSS is a partner with the Canadian Association for Community Living and the Roeher Institute to respond with a strong and united voice on issues regarding supports for families of a child with a disability, policies and practices impacting people with disabilities, news items on human rights and the rights of citizenship.  CDSS promotes, encourages and supports research that has the potential to enhance the quality of life for persons with Down syndrome.

A Health Canada supported project by CDSS, The National Volunteer Leadership and Capacity Building Initiative, is strengthening local volunteer Down syndrome organizations across Canada to develop leadership, advocacy skills and volunteer programs. CDSS with various partners produces information about medical care and education issues, public education and awareness posters and other print material relevant to Down syndrome. Groups across Canada celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, held Nov. 1-7 with the support of CDSS.

National Down Syndrome conferences:

October. 2-4, 2003
Vancouver, B.C.
Canadian Assoc. of Comm. Living &
BC. Assoc. for Comm. Living
Transforming Community Together
Contact: info@bcal.org

October 24-26, 2003
Orillia, Ontario
Down Syndrome Assoc. of Ontario
2nd Annual Conference

November 3-5, 2003
Mississauga, Ont.
Canadian Assoc. of Comm. Living
Inclusion and Diversity in Education Conference
Contact:  info@cacl.ca

November 5, 2003
Calgary, Alberta
Adults With Down Syndrome Symposium
With a focus on development of an Adult with Down Syndrome Clinic
Contact:  kennedee@shaw.ca

May 20-24, 2004
St. John's NFLD
More Than Meets The Eye
16th Annual CDSS National Conference
Contact:  yvonnestanley@nf.net

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