News Release

Celebrate National Down Syndrome
Awareness Week, November 1-7, 2006

October 25, 2006

CALGARY (Oct. 25, 2006) - The Canadian Down Syndrome Society is proud to announce National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, Nov. 1-7, 2005. Citizens with Down syndrome are going to school, working and getting married - making important contributions to society.

Across the country, over a dozen Canadian communities will be hosting second-annual Buddy Walks. These walks will raise awareness about Down syndrome in local communities.

A key issue facing families is prenatal testing. As revealed in a 2005 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, Down syndrome can now be detected as early as 11 weeks into a pregnancy. Prospective parents do not receive accurate information about the potential of children with Down syndrome. The CDSS is committed to making sure that up-to-date and appropriate resources are available to help parents make the best decisions for their families.

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society and the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors are partnering to develop these materials, ensuring a future for people with Down syndrome. Local CDSS groups contacts
across the country are available to share their experiences in raising a child with Down syndrome.

Members of the CDSS Voices at the Table Advocacy Committee, a group of 12 adults with Down syndrome from across Canada, are also available to voices their stories about the realities of Down syndrome. National Down Syndrome Awareness Week is an opportunity to showcase the abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome to Canadian society, and "Celebrate Being" a Canadian with Down syndrome.

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is a vital resource linking individuals, parents and professionals through advocacy, education and providing information. The mission of the CDSS is to ensure equitable opportunities for all Canadians with Down syndrome. This means, to make sure all Canadians with Down syndrome have the right supports to give them the same opportunities that everyone else has. Our vision is a proud Canada where ALL are welcome, we embrace diversity and we value everyone's genes equally.

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For further information:

Lindsay Heintz
Marketing and Communications Manager
Canadian Down Syndrome Society
(403) 669-2832

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