It's not too late to sign up for the conference, May 17 to 19! Click here to register.

Early Bird registration rates extended to April 28!

Click the image below to register:

Hey Canada! The Canadian Down Syndrome Conference is fast approaching, and we couldn't be more excited. We have lots of new announcements and updates to share our excitement with everyone! It's shaping up to be one of our best conferences ever, so register before the Early Bird ends! It's easy to register - just click here.

Have you watched Lauren Potter's message? If you haven't, click here. She's excited to come and meet all of you!

Early Bird ends April 15!

Take advantage of our Early Bird deal! Members of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society can register for the conference for $225 and non-members can register for the conference for $275. Early Bird ends April 15! Register here.

Full Day Pre-Conference on Supported Employment 

Join Sean Wiltshire, CEO of Avalon Employment Inc. who will facilitate a day of information and strategies on Supported Employment. Since 1992, Avalon Employment has had one mandate, to assist individuals in the community to make long term employment connections. Supported employment provides persons with developmental disabilities equal opportunity to find meaningful and rewarding employment.

Friday May 17, 2013 8:30AM - 3:30PM  
Lunch will be provided.
Register here

Conference Schedule and Updates

We have updated the session schedule! Plan your weekend in advanced. We have also added and updated sessions, including For Dads Only and For Moms Only, so check out the session summaries.

Endnote Announcement: See the Ability - Self-Advocacy in Canada

We are proud to have CDSS’s VATTA and Paul Sawka end the conference with their presentation titled “See the Ability”, about their advocacy efforts in their communities across Canada. Their perspectives and stories will inspire your own efforts, as self-advocates, parent & sibling advocates, and community members.

Read their bios here.

The Hangout

We've heard you! Due to popular demand, we will be offering a social space for self-advocates attending the conference! When you need a break from sessions, come to The Hangout! There will be games, activities, and tons of opportunity to meet other self-advocates. More details will be announced soon!

You must be registered for the conference to visit The Hangout, so register today!

Early bird ends on April 15 - register soon!

www.downsyndromeconference.ca

Hey Canada! We have updated the website with all the conference information you'll need to know - and more is coming! Here's what we've added:

• Breakout info: We've updated our breakout session speakers, session summaries, and if this is your first conference, some information on what the breakouts are all about!
• Special guests: We all know that Lauren Potter is coming - but now we're proud to announce that Dr. Brian Skotko will join her as co-Keynote! Closing the conference as our Endnote speakers is Canada's own VATTA. We're also excited to welcome Country star Jerry Sereda as our Banquet Performer. Jerry has also been planning something special...but more on that soon!
• Activities: There's so much to do outside our breakout sessions! Plan to attend these great activities - they're great for meeting other people and getting to know the community.
• Programs: Did you know that we offer programs for kids, teens, and self-advocates? We have some options so everyone can get the most out of the conference!
• Pre-Conference: We're hosting a Supported Employment Pre-Conference led by Sean Wiltshire of Avalon Employment!
  

Keep checking back - we still have more sessions to announce and much more!

Are you over 6 years old and want to be part of the Conference? We're looking for people with Down syndrome to represent their province at the Conference during our Saturday morning Opening Ceremony.

Rules:

• Must be over 6 years old (or able to carry a standard flag and flag pole)
• Must be in Winnipeg, MB for the conference - specifically on May 18, 2013
• Must wear black trousers (or skirt) and a white shirt
  

Interested? Email Corrine Grieve, Information Coordinator, at the following:

• Your name
• Your age
• Your province
• Your parent's name
• If you are attending the conference, let us know!

Based on availability, some people may be asked to represent another province.

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2013.

We are looking for accomplished speakers in the following areas:

• Aging
• Sexuality
• Technology
• Co-parenting
• Learning Through Play
  

Submission Requirements
Speakers are invited to submit a detailed summary (maximum 500 words) of their presentation accompanied by a brief biography (maximum 250 words). Summaries must identify major objectives and methods used during your session. Please identify the major conclusions that will be discussed as part of your presentation. Your submission must be sent by email or by mail. The title of the presentation along with the name and the complete contact information of the speaker should be clearly indicated. Plain language format for all speaker presentations would be preferred.

To celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society are announcing this year's Keynote Speaker: Lauren Potter, actress on Glee and self-advocate!

We had the honour of welcoming Lauren to the 2011 Canadian Down Syndrome Conference in Vancouver and are very excited to have her join us again. Let Lauren know we’re all excited to welcome her back to Canada by tweeting her @TheLaurenPotter!

Here's some info on Lauren:

An inspiration to all, Lauren Potter has proven herself a young woman of strength and of character. When Professionals told her she ‘couldn’t’ or ‘wouldn’t’, she worked herself harder- sometimes to the point of exhaustion. Barriers and limitations put before her became a personal challenge to let people know she is worthy of high ideals and capable of great expectations.

Born into a family of three boys, she was blessed to have the playful and gentle guidance of loving brothers. Competing with them for attention and time, she proved herself superior to the task. As she grew, their influence stayed with her, making her a social genius and a skilled comedian.

She made her acting debut in the film Mr. Blue Sky, playing the part of young Andra Little. Her acting skills impressed the producers and casting directors of Glee enough that they cast her on the hit Fox television program. Playing the recurring role of Becky Jackson since the second season continues to open doors for Lauren, and she hopes they will open wider still!

Lauren is currently serving as the spokesperson for AbilityPath.org to “Disable Bullying”, and is also working with the Special Olympics on their “Spread the Word to End the ‘R’ Word” campaign.

Lauren has benefitted from and is committed to a simple ideal: that she shares in the rights and privileges of all citizens and has much to offer. By simple extension, she believes these rights belong to all people.

We are also opening registration early: Registration begins TODAY! We are expecting the Winnipeg conference to be the best yet, so register soon!

Click here to register!

The CDSS would like to thank the Bank of Montreal, the Whyte Family, all of our other sponsors, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Dave Williams, The Honourable David C. Onley, delegates, speakers, and volunteers for the exceptional weekend we had at the 25th Canadian Down Syndrome Conference. We had a wonderful time and met so many great people. We hope the conference was fulfilling for all those who attended.

We can't wait to see everyone again next year in Winnipeg! More details coming soon.