One of the goals of the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS) is to provide access to accurate and up-to-date information on Down syndrome and related topics. To help reach that goal, the EDSS provides a number of programs and services to its members.

General Meetings
Held the second Saturday of each month at Community Options from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. For meeting dates please see our calendar. The Main focus of the meetings is to provide members with the opportunity to network and share information with other members. We also spend a small portion of the meeting discussing current EDSS business. Snacks and childcare are provided. These meetings are a great place to meet other families and make new friends.

Seminars & Workshops
A wide variety of seminars and workshops have been offered in the past based on requests by the EDSS membership. Examples of past seminars are: Wills & Estates, common Down syndrome medical issues, speaker from CDSS, etc. Examples of past workshops are child/infant CPR, Hanen-speech program and sign language.

The date and times will be provided, as the seminars are booked, please see the news and calendar sections for updates.

New Parent Packages
Hospitals in Edmonton are suppled with New Parent packages containing information about a baby's developmental needs and focuses on what new parents need to know until their baby is about six months old. If you did not receive a New Parent package you can request one by e-mailing us at newparents@edss.ca.

Visiting Parents Team
Upon request to EDSS, a member of the Visiting Parents Team will be happy to visit you to provide support and information and to help you sort through your New Parents package. Visits can take place in the hospital or at home (in Edmonton and close surrounding areas), and parents, family members or health care staff can contact the Visiting Parents Team to arrange a visit.

To request a visit please E-mail us at: visitingparentsteam@edss.ca. If families live out of town, contact will be made by telephone or E-mail.

Newsletter
A bi-monthly newsletter is provided to EDSS members. All members may provide submissions for the newsletter.

EDSS Therapies Support Program
This program provides financial support to EDSS families for the provision of speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy for children the age of 6 or over.

To learn more about the program click here or to register click here.

Library Resources
The EDSS library contains a variety of resource materials, books, videos, etc. The library is available for our members at the monthly EDSS meetings. Resources can be borrowed for a month at a time.

EDSS Moms Group and Dads Group
These are fun evenings where EDSS parents get together to share advice and stories. It is an informal gathering of about 6-8 parents over coffee. The location changes monthly as the evenings are hosted by different EDSS members. This is a group for parents but babes in arms are welcome. For information on the upcoming EDSS Parents Group nights click here or you can e-mail your questions to momsgroup@edss.ca or dadsgroup@edss.ca.

Hospital Stay Program
EDSS sends a get-well gift to the EDSS members' children when they are in the hospital. If you are aware of a child in the hospital please click here to let us know.

Youth Group (13- to young adult)
A variety of outings are enjoyed twice per month. In the past they have gone skating, to the movies, the Whitemud Amusement park, etc.

Pre Teen Group (9-14 years)
A variety of outings are enjoyed twice per month. In the past they have gone to the Millwoods Wave Pool, the movies, Laser Quest, etc.

Bowling Group (4-17 years)
Every Saturday from 10:00 am to noon at the Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes (Bonnie Doon Mall, 83 Ave & 83 St).

Basketball (13 - young adult)
Some youth members of our Ds population play at St. Alphonsus School on 116 ave and 81 st on Tuesdays from 6 - 7pm. Enter from the door on 116 ave that is closest to 82 st.  We will take a break for Christmas and Spring Break or any other time when the school is closed due to concerts, open houses, etc.  We try to find ouit these times ahead of time. The players need to bring indoor shoes. For more information contact Diane (basketball@edss.ca)

Teachers Conference
An annual conference specifically designed to provide teachers and teachers' aids with strategies for maximizing the learning potential of their students' who have Down syndrome. Parents are welcome to attend.

Please watch the news section for more information. This conference is provided by EDSS with the assistance from CDSS.

Social Events:
EDSS social events give families an opportunity to meet and mingle with other EDSS members and friends. Some of the events we host include:

• Family Dance
• Christmas Party
• Oktoberfest (Also a fundraiser)
• Family Walk (Also a fundraiser)

Let’s Make Music CD
EDSS produced a CD of classic children songs with the music and lyrics slowed, making it easier for children to sing along. The CD is available for purchase at EDSS general meetings or via the order form. Click here.

Buddy Walk
The EDSS hosts the annual Buddy Walk during Down Syndrome Awareness Week. The event usually takes place on the last Sunday of Awareness Week at Hawrelak Park. The Buddy Walk promotes acceptance and awareness of people with Down syndrome.