Canada Day was celebrated all week long at EDSS! We are pleased to welcome our 5 new staff and 4 new volunteers who are training, onboarding and making resources this week in preparation for 8 busy weeks of Summer Day Camp. This week, please read further to learn more about our newest Summer Program Assistants - Chantalle, Jeffrey, Jhun and Tori our Volunteer Coordinator. We are all set, ready to welcome our kids and adults to Summer Day Camp next week at the Meadows Recreation Centre! We have an exciting week planned and with the extra space we will enjoy even more fun! We are also excited to welcome Telus World of Science to our Day Camp program to offer their Robotics Program for our participants.
This weekend we will wrap up the 50/50 in support of EDSS and our programs, so if you have not yet purchased your ticket, this is your last chance. The draw takes place on Sunday – our 30th Anniversary! Good luck.
Meet Jeffery
Jeffery is a compassionate and dedicated nursing student at MacEwan University, who has a background in supporting individuals with diverse needs through his clinical rotations. He is currently an active volunteer with the Canadian Mental Health Association's distress line, where he provides supportive listening and crisis intervention. Jeffery also has experience volunteering with organizations focused on personal development, including Isha Foundation, where he supported rural children in India and Nepal.
Jeffery brings a calm and empathetic presence and is deeply committed to creating safe, inclusive and respectful spaces for children of all abilities. His training in healthcare and communication helps him support children's social-emotional needs while ensuring their safety and well-being. Jeffery is thrilled to help your child have a joyful and memorable summer with EDSS.
Meet Chantalle
Hi there! My name is Chantalle Larson, and I’m 23 years old. I grew up in the Netherlands and moved to Canada last year. I studied Psychology for my undergrad and I will be starting an after-degree in Education this September at the University of Alberta. I absolutely love working with kids. Helping them learn, laugh, and grow is something I’m really passionate about. I’m super excited to build new relationships this summer and make some amazing memories!
Meet Jhun
Hiii! My name is Jhun, and I am proud to serve as an Educational Assistant with the Edmonton Public School Board and a Support Home Operator. Originally trained as a Registered Nurse in the Philippines, I bring a heart for care and a commitment to growth into every role I take on. I am currently working toward becoming a licensed nurse here in Canada—a goal that reflects my lifelong dedication to helping others thrive.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with individuals who require extra support, whether in the classroom, at home, or in the broader community. I find deep fulfillment in being part of their journey, celebrating each step forward, and building trust along the way. I believe that support is not just about assistance—it's about connection, compassion, and believing in someone’s potential even when the road is challenging.
Canada has become my second home, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to learn, serve, and grow both personally and professionally. Whether I’m helping a student succeed in school, providing a safe and nurturing home environment, or preparing to return to the healthcare field, my mission is the same: to make a difference—one person at a time.
Reminders
Thank you to all that were able to attend our 2024 AGM.
2024 Annual report can be found here.
Strategic Plan Summary can be found here.
I was catching up with David Tolleson from the GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION about their adult immune skin conditions trial and the regression study. The pediatric JAK inhibitor trial is funded, but awaiting final Food & Drug Administration clearance. We’re hoping that it will launch before the end of the year and be as successful as the adult trial! If you would like to learn more about this trial, please click here to learn more about how you can get involved.
Calling all Self-Advocates: We want to hear from you. EDSS has an opportunity to be represented with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society on a new committee for self-advocates. If you are interested in learning more about this role, please reach out to me by email at janet@edss.ca. There will be an information session to learn more, so please indicate your interest in getting involved in this initiative.
CDSS has released part 1 of their video series titled: Unified Voices. (English CC is available) This is a new documentary film exploring the lives of Canadians with Down syndrome like never before, taking you across this vast country to tell the stories of our community. This federally funded film in celebration of National AccessAbility Week highlights the diverse voices within the Down syndrome community. In Part 1, director Moses Latigo Odida begins the story by introducing us to three Canadians and their unique challenges and triumphs with education, employment, and social inclusion.
How can we make healthcare fairer for people with intellectual disabilities?
Join the Down Syndrome International global webinar to hear real stories and practical solutions from people with intellectual disabilities and their families around the world.
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with the City of Edmonton that allows us to host our 2025 Summer Programs at the beautiful Meadows Community Recreation Centre!
In addition to being FSCD-approved for summer program respite hours, we’ll be bringing our dedicated program staff and volunteers to this fantastic new location. We’ll have exclusive access to a private space just for our participants and program supplies—plus full use of the facility’s gym, pool, and outdoor areas for daily activities and offsite fun.
Each week of camp will feature a unique and exciting theme, starting with our first week: July 7–11, which will be our kickoff week at the Meadows Recreation Centre.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait—Click here to register now.
FSCD billing available with an eligible contract. Don't wait...Please contact Julie to ensure you qualify or to learn how to apply for this benefit.
New: We are planning a year end wrap-up field trip to the Telus World of Science.
To be eligible for a complimentary full day field trip, participant will have to have completed 2 full-day weeks of summer program through the summer.
Join Our Team: Fund Development Manager
We’re also hiring a Fund Development Manager to help grow and sustain our vital work.
Learn more and apply here: edss.ca/careers
30th Anniversary - History Photobook
We are 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.
