Released on November 1, 2017
Saskatchewan has joined the country in proclaiming November 1-7, 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. Their mission is to empower Canadians with Down syndrome and their families. This year’s theme is “See the Ability”.
“One of the priority areas government announced in December 2015 as part of our Disability Strategy was to raise awareness and understanding of the rights of people living with disabilities,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said. “This proclamation of Canadian Down Syndrome Awareness Week takes us another step closer in seeing the vision of the Disability Strategy become a reality.”
The Saskatchewan Down Syndrome Society (SDSS) was formed in 2002. It 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.
“Canadian Down Syndrome Week is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the diverse abilities of Canadians with Down syndrome,” SDSS Chairperson Miranda Klinger said.
“The SDSS encourages the people of Saskatchewan to use this week to learn more about Down syndrome and help us advocate that all people are valued, fully participating citizens.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to individuals living with disabilities so they can fully enjoy their rights and freedoms and be included in their communities. In June 2015, a comprehensive Disability Strategy was released and in December 2015, government announced its six priority areas: transportation, respite, accessibility legislation, residential services, service co-ordination and navigation, and awareness/understanding of the rights of people experiencing disabilities.
Saskatchewan residents and communities that have done work which aligns with the Disability Strategy are encouraged to share their accomplishments using the hashtag #SKDisability. The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/skdisability.
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
Cell: 306-519-7835