What is Down Syndrome?
“Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always existed and is universal across racial, gender, and socio-economic lines. One in every 781 babies born in Canada has Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is associated with chromosome 21 and there are three types: Trisomy 21, Translocation, and Mosaicism.” Source: CDSS
How to Talk About Down Syndrome
It is Down syndrome
Down syndrome is named after John Langdon Down. He did not have Down syndrome, so it is not possessive (as in Down’s). Outside of North America, some countries still refer to it as Down’s syndrome.
Use Person-First Language
A person should not be defined by their disability. Emphasize the person first. For example, ‘my friend has Down syndrome’ or ‘the child has Down syndrome, NOT ‘the Down syndrome child.’
Be Positive
A person has Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome can lead fulfilling lives; they can go to university, get married, and have careers.
End the R-Word
The R-word is often used in every day speech in a derogatory, offensive, and hateful way. If you stop using it, you help promote the acceptance of people with all disabilities, including Down syndrome. Source: CDSS
FAQ About Down Syndrome
Do you have a question about Down Syndrome?
The CDSS believes in providing as much clear and correct information about Down syndrome as possible, in order to help prevent common misconceptions or offensive language. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions with current facts and statistics about Down syndrome.
March 21st - World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) , March 21st, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day.
Health & Medical Resources
There are many characteristics commonly associated with Down syndrome. There are also health issues that are related to those characteristics. Early intervention strategies are helpful to develop important skills.
Learn more about the health of individuals with Down syndrome.
Education
People with Down syndrome are life-long learners.
There are many opportunities for integrated educational experiences starting in infancy and lasting well into adulthood. Once a child starts his or her journey into school, there are many situations that one will encounter when navigating education in Ontario.
Learn more.
Employment
Employment gives people with Down syndrome the opportunity to improve their skills, knowledge and self-worth, while being appreciated by others…
Most importantly, being employed can help improve mental and physical wellness, inclusion and independence. Source: CDSS
Community Resources
There are a number of resources in the community available to people with Down syndrome.
Check them out here.
Financial Assistance
DSAH has bursaries available for members. Funds can be used towards the cost of therapies, recreation and technology devices.
Learn more about this and other assistance programs available to people with disabilities.
Community Partners
Learn about other related organizations, supports and online groups.
Financial Assistance
DSAH Technology, Therapy & Recreation Bursary Program
This program is designed to allow members of the association who have a family member with Down Syndrome or the member themselves with Down syndrome, to access bursary support on an annual basis.
Eligible families will be expected to pay for approved services and in turn, will be reimbursed pending approval, with submission of receipt(s), and the bursary application form. Where it is not possible for a family to pay up front for a qualifying service, upon receiving the bursary application form, the Board will consider assistance in advance of purchase.
Funds accessible under this program are $750.00 for Therapeutic and $500 for Recreation programs per fiscal year.
(April 1st to March 31st of the following year).
NEW! FILL OUT ONLINE APPLICATION
DSAH Bursary for Conference Guidelines
Conference bursaries are designed to encourage Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton (DSAH) members to attend Down syndrome related conferences with the goal of developing relationships, learning and sharing, and celebrating accomplishments. For details on this policy, please click the link Bursary for Conference Guidelines.
Government Services and Financial Information
Financial Help
- Ontario Tax Credit – Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance
Help with your child’s needs:
- Ontario Child Benefit – Source: Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
- Paying for child care – Source: Ontario Ministry of Education
- Dental care – Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
- Help with Medication Costs – Trillium Drug Program (TDP) – Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Help with your child’s disability:
- Special Services at Home (SSAH) – Source: Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP) – Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) – Source: Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Government of Canada Benefits for Families
- Canada Child Tax Benefit – Source: Government of Canada
- Child Disability Benefit – Source: Government of Canada
- Canada Learning Bond – Source: Government of Canada
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) – Source: Government of Canada
Help for People with Disabilities
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – Source: Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Hamilton – Niagara – Adult Developmental Services – Source: DSO
- Adult Down Syndrome Centre – articles and resources
- Friendly Connections is an interactive social service for individuals of all ages with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities run by ConnectABILITY.