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News Release Celebrate National Down Syndrome
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 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. -30- For further information: Lindsay Heintz Sources |