EDSS is proud to partner with GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation to focus on elongating life and improving health outcomes for our loved ones with Down syndrome! I would like to highlight some of GLOBAL’s recent important work and for our Down Syndrome Community. 

• Publication of the GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome 

• Free distribution of the Prenatal Testing & Information About Down Syndrome pamphlet 

• Publication of the new and updated COVID-19 & Down Syndrome Resource 

• 319 life-changing GLOBAL Education & Employment Awards – over $1,112,816 invested in local Down syndrome member organizations, reaching 20,100+ families reached in 45 states and 6 countries  

• GLOBAL-led advocacy resulting in a quadrupling of the National Institutes of Health’s Down syndrome research budget in just 4 years! 

• Discovery of one of the most important scientific breakthroughs allowing us to categorize Down syndrome as an immune system disorder 

• Launch of the first NIH-funded clinical trial to treat immune conditions in patients with Down syndrome  

• Funding of the first NIH-funded clinical trial to treat young adults with Down syndrome with the potential Alzheimer’s drug, Leukine 

• Establishment of the first NIH National Data Coordinating Center for Down Syndrome Research 

Reminders

We are excited for the fall programs to get started so please read more about the upcoming registrations for the new Literacy and Communication Pilot Program, Musical Theatre, Jr. Basketball and Dance programs starting soon. 

We have launched a new Literacy and Communication Pilot Program this fall.  It will be based on the Natalie Hale’s Whole Child Reading approach and be delivered through our Speech Therapy professional service providers.  Read further on the Family Support page here to learn more and let us know your thoughts.   

Our advocacy committee has begun our work and we are working on developing our advocacy strategy. There is a lot to process in this space for our families so keep watching for more information as we continue our strategy development.  Please visit this site to learn more about your Government’s request for input. Your voice matters: Transforming disability income support in Alberta | alberta.ca 

Uniquely Me planning is well underway and we would like to share a few highlights of the upcoming event on Thursday, October 9th.  

Step in the world of high fashion with "La Dolce Vita" and experience the exclusive event that will transport you to the runways of the iconic Milan Fashion Week.  

Uniquely Me is a gala evening of music, entertainment, fashion and a full-scale celebration that will highlight the many talents of our participants born with Down syndrome and collaborations with local artists.

 We are looking forward to seeing our newest models and a new co-host this year, Alana Gersky.

After a huge response to our local entertainers, Martin Murphy and the Pre-Tenors will be returning this year.  We are looking forward to all our local celebrity models and partners who will be joining us for our premiere fundraising event of the year.  If you would like to get involved, there are partnership opportunities available, and we are also looking for donations of auction items.  This is a great opportunity to promote your local business or products.  Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets now.  Bring your guests for a wonderful night out and help us raise funds and awareness about Down syndrome and the endless possibilities our community has to offer. 

30th Anniversary - History Photobook

We are still working on a history photobook and we would love to feature your family!

Whatever your journey has been, I would like to invite you to share with us a bit about your experiences – sharing your favorite memories and your family photos – both “then” and “now”. If you have a baby/toddler photo and then a current family photo that would be great to include in our 30th Anniversary photo album project.

We are loving the snapshots we are getting into the families that have contributed so far. Please add your families history to our book. Share your memories with us!

Please share your memories and photos with us at guest@edss.ca as soon as possible.