Government Proclaims Canadian Down Syndrome Week in Saskatchewan

Released on November 1, 2016

Saskatchewan has joined all of Canada in proclaiming November 1-7, 2016, as Canadian Down Syndrome Week.  Canadian Down Syndrome Week was created by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society to show the world that Canada is a place where all people are valued and have the opportunity to be fully participating citizens.

This year’s theme is “See the Ability” and is meant to encourage the inclusion and celebration of people with Down syndrome and to dispel myths and stereotypes.

“I am pleased that Saskatchewan will once again join the rest of Canada in celebrating Canadian Down Syndrome Week,” Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said.  “Each year, this week encourages Canadians to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families, and I hope that all Saskatchewan citizens will ‘See the Ability’ in each other as we work toward becoming a more inclusive and supportive province and country for everyone.”

In 2002, a group of parents whose children experienced Down syndrome began offering support to other parents who faced similar challenges and opportunities.  The Saskatchewan Down Syndrome Society (SDSS) was later founded by these same parents.  Today, SDSS aims to enhance the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, awareness and education to ensure full participation in their communities.

“SDSS believes that decisions, policy and values can only be made with direct representation of the people we support,” SDSS Chairperson Miranda Klinger said.  “Because of this, we are proud to have self-advocates hold positions on our Board of Directors who contribute to all decisions made.  This fully embodies our values of ‘nothing about us, without us.’  We encourage the people of Saskatchewan to use Canadian Down Syndrome Week as an opportunity to recognize the diverse abilities of Canadians with Down syndrome in their communities and to #seetheability with us!"

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to individuals experiencing disability so they can fully enjoy their rights and freedoms and participate in their communities.

In June 2015, a comprehensive Disability Strategy was released which includes six priority areas: transportation, respite, accessibility legislation, residential services, service co-ordination and navigation, and awareness/understanding of the rights of people experiencing disabilities.

For more information about National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, visit www.cdss.ca/community/events-activities/down-syndrome-awareness-week/.  To learn more about SDSS, please visit www.skdownsyndrome.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca