PAYING OUR RESPECTS TO A CHAMPION FOR THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY
By Communications Team | April 11,2014
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The Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton (DSAH) extends their sincerest condolences to the family & friends of the former Finance Minister, the Honourable James M. Flaherty.
While the Association does not endorse any political views, it is important for us to recognize the impact that Mr. Flaherty had on our community. As it has been noted in many of the tributes following his passing, Mr. Flaherty was a strong voice in Parliament Hill for social policy activism to help the disadvantaged, and especially the disabled. The cause was dear and near to him as the father to a young man with a learning disability.
In 2007, Mr. Flaherty introduced the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families to save, ensuring a secure future for people with disabilities. In addition, Mr. Flaherty was a strong supporter of the Special Olympics movement. “The former finance minister implemented several tax changes and supported events like the Special Olympics in his last budget with a nearly $11-million grant.” (http://www.660news.com/2014/04/11/disability-community-mourns-flaherty/)
If you would like to read more about Mr. Flaherty’s commitment to the Special Needs Community, please visit the links below:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/disability-community-has-lost-a-true-champion/article17927703/
http://www.cacl.ca/news-stories/press-releases/canada-loses-champion-people-disabilities-and-their-families
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
By DSAH Communications Team | March 31st, 2014
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World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2014 was an amazing celebration for DSAH. We accomplished much thanks to the support and assistance of our members & their families! A special Thank You to the parent volunteers who helped us distribute posters at different schools and Early Years Centres in our Awareness Campaign.
To mark WDSD, we asked families to send in a quote to express what this day, and thus Down syndrome, means to them. Here are the submissions:
“My daughter Taylor was 6 when Jeremy was born. I listened to her tell her friend about how her new brother has Down syndrome and how that means he has an extra chromosome. She then told her friend “the extra chromosome makes him extra cute”, her friend agreed.” Laura Rudolph
“It was 2 years ago this week that Bill and I found out Max would have Down Syndrome and this article [Down Syndrome-A year of Joy & Grief] hits so completely home for me! Down syndrome is not to be feared but something that makes Max and what he accomplishes every single day all the sweeter!!” Alyson Thom-Kowalchyk
“What Down syndrome means to me? It means stopping and enjoying the everyday accomplishments that we so often take for granted.” Sylvia Vaughn
“ I cannot explain all the emotions this day brings. We are now part of amazing community of committed, strong, compassionate parents. We have met amazing people that perhaps we may have not known, if it wasn’t for the fact that Alex was born with Down syndrome. My darling husband has said best- it is the journey that Alex has brought us into that makes his existence so special. He has taught us so much in just 3.5 years.” Ingrid Muschta
“What an honour it was to visit Crisina’s Tortina Shop on WDSD! Many of us had heard about this cupcake shop opened by Mary Iusso – Cristina’s (whom the store is named after) mother. Mary had a vision to open a business where the capabilities of people with Down syndrome, Autism, and other special needs were recognized and where equal employment opportunities were possible. Her daughter Cristina provided the inspiration for this business – she has Down syndrome. I could not think of a better place to visit on March 21st – so when a road trip was suggested by DSAH members, I was ALL over it. A group of us decided to meet there when the shop opened – we took over the small shop and were welcomed by Mary and her employees and of course, the beautiful Cristina. Mary’s energy and vision for this small business was in evidence all over the shop – with inspiring quotes on the wall, to the employees working hard in preparing the yummy cupcakes and selling them to us – the eager customers.
On behalf of DSAH and personally, I applaud Mary for her vision and her commitment to showing the ability of people with special needs”. Jennifer Crowson
There were many activities that marked such a special occasion for our association. The video below showcases some of our members celebrating WDSD. Community & Unity -those are some of the feelings that are portrayed in these pictures, we think you will agree as well. Enjoy!
YouTube Video – DSAH Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2014