World Down Syndrome Day 2026
Together Against Loneliness
Inclusion is essential to empower people to fully participate in all aspects of society, from education to employment to recreation and beyond. This year, we are asking everyone across Canada and around the world to stand together against loneliness and encourage inclusion in your community.
Loneliness is a serious problem. Everyone feels lonely sometimes, but for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, it can be a more common and painful experience. It is not just a sad feeling – it is bad for our health and happiness, making people feel anxious or depressed, and even having negative impacts on physical health.
A study found that 39% of people with intellectual disabilities often feel lonely, compared to 14% of people without disabilites.
Bishop, Llewellyn and Kavanagh, Austrailia 2024
Loneliness happens when people are not supported to build and maintain connections with others.
How do we solve this problem? The answer is real inclusion.
Real Inclusion
To be truly included in schools, jobs, and community life. Not just “being there,” but taking part.
Welcoming Spaces
To feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from stigma.
Meaningful Relationships
To have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners.
We cannot create truly inclusive communities without you.
Take the Pledge to Create Inclusion in Your Community!
Please take the pledge to be the change you wish to see. Invite others to join you, make everyone feel welcome in all spaces, host an event to meet new people, and always choose kindness.
Join the Celebration
Host a CDSS Fundraising Event in Your Community
Encourage inclusion in your community by hosting a CDSS World Down Syndrome Day fundraising event this March! Register your event below to receive a 321 Funds Advocacy Grant up to $500.00 CAD, a Fundraising Kit with instructions, ideas, and print materials, and one-to-one support from our Team.
WDSD 2026 Event Registration
Show Your Support This World Down Syndrome Day
Rock Your Mismatched Socks
Help raise awareness and start conversations at school, work, and everywhere you go on on March 21st! You can get a pair of CDSS mismatched socks from Friday Sock Co. and 100% of the profits will go towards programs for individuals with Down syndrome at CDSS.
Brew Change, One Cup at a Time!
21 Reasons: Extra Special Blend makes the perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life, and they’ll feel great with every pour knowing they’re helping to support essential programs at CDSS.
Resources for Teaching Others About Down Syndrome
Share Videos About Down Syndrome
The best way to learn about Down syndrome is by listening to self advocates! Please watch and share these videos that answer the most common questions people ask about Down syndrome.
Teach About Down Syndrome in the Classroom
This will help you lead a discussion focusing on awareness, acceptance and celebrating Down syndrome in the classroom and the community. Our teaching plan includes classroom and individual activities and includes printable handouts.
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Présentation À propos de la trisomie 21 (Francais)
Share Information about Down Syndrome in a Presentation with Your Peers
A great resource for World Down Syndrome Day and throughout the year to learn about Down syndrome and how we are more alike than we are different!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stand With Us Against Loneliness and Support Real Inclusion
Make a gift to support life-changing CDSS programs and help create truly inclusive communities across Canada. Canadians with Down syndrome look to us every day for answers, resources, and support. Help us to provide the programs they need to succeed at every stage of life.