Canadian Down Syndrome Week 2025
“We Deserve Care”
In 1950, only 1% of adults with Down syndrome lived to 40 years of age. Today, over 30% of Canadians with Down syndrome are over 40. This dramatic demographic shift, confirmed by a recent 2025 population study, has created an urgent gap in our current healthcare systems and training.
Now, we need Canada’s healthcare systems to evolve to meet the needs of the growing adult and senior population with Down syndrome so they can receive the care they deserve.
Adults and seniors with Down syndrome deserve adequate healthcare. Your donation today will help make that possible.
Data-Lead Initiatives for Shaping 2026 and Beyond
In the 2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey conducted by the national Ds Collaborative, healthcare professionals reported that they felt they lacked the specialized training required to confidently and adequately care for aging Canadians with Down syndrome. The majority of caregiver responses agreed with this sentiment.
“We are always educating the professionals instead of getting help from them.”
2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey, Caregiver Response
CDSS is leading the initiative to close this health equity gap by working with national educational institutions and international Down syndrome organizations to establish an accredited course for Canadian healthcare professionals. This course will provide the Down syndrome-specific training needed to provide confident, informed, care, but we need your donations and support to make it possible.
Fall For All Community Contest Winner
A big congratulations to Candice Sampson, who is the winner of our Fall For All Community Contest! Thank you to everyone who shared their fall photos with us.
Candice will receive our Advocacy Action Kit packed with items from businesses and artists in the Down syndrome community:
– Mismatched socks from Friday Sock Co.
– 21 Reasons Extra Special Coffee Blend from Daymaker Coffee Roasters
– Mini handmade soaps from Simon’s Soapbox
– Wishlet bracelets from I Am Brave and Beautiful
– Indian-inspired lipchaps from Lovebird by Anu
– Handmade scrunchies from Sweet Spring Canada
– “What makes you different makes you beautiful” sweater and tank top from Happy Soul Project
– Greeting cards designed by artist Jessica Rotolo
Big thank you to our contest partners for donating these items to help put advocacy into action this season!
How to Get Involved
How can you get involved this Canadian Down Syndrome Week? Hosting a fundraiser, teaching others about Down syndrome, wearing mismatched socks to work or school, and making a donation to CDSS are all great ways to show your support for Canadians with Down syndrome and their loved ones.
Harness Your Community and Creativity to Make a Difference with 321 Funds
Show your support during Canadian Down Syndrome Week by hosting a fundraiser with 321 Funds! It’s a community fundraising program designed to help students of any age, ability, and location plan fundraising projects that benefit thousands of Canadians with Down syndrome. Use the 321 Funds Community Fundraising Toolkit: School Edition to plan your event!
Rock Your Mismatched Socks!
Ask your classmates, coworkers, friends, or family to help you raise awareness by wearing a pair of mismatched socks during Canadian Down Syndrome Week! Get yourself and your loved ones a pair from our friends at Friday Sock Co., proceeds from each purchase go towards life-changing resources and projects at CDSS.
Start Conversations on Social Media
Share information about Down syndrome on social media and help to spread awareness and get people involved in the conversation! Don’t forget to tag us, @CdnDownSyndrome, on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky, and LinkedIn.
Help Spread Awareness
Make the world a more inclusive place. Use the presentations, posters, and teaching plans below to educate others about Down syndrome in your class, school, and workplace.
PRESENTATIONS
POSTERS
TEACHING PLANS
