Canadian Down Syndrome Week Celebrated in Simcoe County November 1-7

In Canada, we celebrate our loved ones who are living with Down syndrome a little extra throughout the week of November 1-7.

“Canadian Down Syndrome Week as a great opportunity to both raise awareness about Down syndrome and thank our communities for being inclusive and seeing the abilities of those living with Down syndrome,” notes Jennifer van Gennip, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County (DSASC).

Like everything 2020, Canadian Down Syndrome Week looks a little different this year. Instead of gathering for the annual Step UP for Down Syndrome Fun Walk at the Tiffin Centre, DSASC member families will walk separately to raise money and awareness. The association has also provided lawn signs to members, to help them mark the week from home.

The DSASC is a volunteer-driven charity supporting individuals living with Down syndrome and their families all across Simcoe County. They offer a broad range of social events, programs, and bursaries for their 75 member families. While many programs are on hold due to COVID-19 precautions, members enjoy participating in the Club 21 all-ages social club, the bowling and dance programs, the Young Adults Day Program, and events like the Christmas Party and the World Down Syndrome Day Dinner and Dance. The association also provides children’s therapy and recreation bursaries, as well as young adult independence bursaries.

About the Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County

The Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County (DSASC) is a charitable organization serving the county’s vibrant Down syndrome community. We work together to raise awareness and encourage the inclusion of people with Down syndrome, while also supporting our members and their families. Learn more at .

About Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always existed and that is universal across racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines. The effects from the extra genetic material (3 copies of chromosome 21 instead of 2) vary from person to person, and the degree of resulting developmental delay also varies. Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1 of 781 live births, and there are an estimated 45,000 Canadians with Down syndrome.

People with Down syndrome are people first. When children and adults with Down syndrome or other disabilities are given opportunities to participate, all children and adults benefit, and environments of friendship, acceptance, and respect are created.