Self Advocate Blog Archives - Canadian Down Syndrome Society

Making Independence Possible: Why Support Matters

I have had many people support me in the past and in the present in lots of different ways. These are the types of support that I have received over the...

Federal Election 2025: Key Issues for Canadians with Disabilities

Make These Issues a Priority in the Upcoming Federal Election1. Income Security and the Canada Disability Benefit Increase payments so recipients are above...

Building, Singing, and Dreaming Big: My Creative Hobbies

One of my favourite hobbies is woodworking with my Dad. I started a long time ago when I was still in my teenage years and I did a woodworking class when I...

Paul’s 2024 Year in Review

Holiday Greetings!Hey Friends, I would like to tell you what I have been up to this year. I have been continuing with my ukulele lessons in person and my...

Supportive Roommates: Paul and Winnie’s Story of Independent Living

What is it like living with a supportive roommate? Through this interview, CDSS Awareness Leader Paul Sawka and his new roommate Winnie share their...

Changes: Navigating Mental Health

Hey everyone, my name is Paul Sawka. I am the Awareness Leader for CDSS. I have been thinking and writing a lot about feelings and changes lately. I really...

A Golden Opportunity: Building Friendships with People with Down Syndrome

Many people do not have a personal connection to a person with Down syndrome. This often contributes to misconceptions about the abilities and lives of adults...

Meal Planning and Nutrition as an Adult with Down Syndrome

I have a system of meal planning with my roommate because we must know what to have for our meals every day. We always sit down and we discuss what to have...

Changes: Making Your Own Decisions

Hey everyone, my name is Paul Sawka. I am the Awareness Leader for CDSS. I have been thinking and writing a lot about feelings and changes lately. I really...

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