The 2012 Conference Breakout Session Schedule has been posted! Use the timetable to plan what sessions you will attend at the conference. It is not necessary to register for any of the Breakout sessions - they are drop-in only! The schedule also has information on our welcome reception, evening activities and banquet!

Self-Advocate Friendly and Self-Advocate Only sessions are also indicated on the schedule.

Remember to register for the conference if you haven't yet - spots are filling up fast. We hope to see you there!

The Early Bird Registration deadline has just been extended!

From now until April 30, members of the CDSS can register for the conference for $225 and non members can register for the conference for $275. Membership is only $20 a year.

Please register ASAP as seats are filling up fast.

Check out our Conference Sessions page for more information on who will be speaking or Register today to take advantage of the early bird rates.

We are pleased to announce that there will be an Inclusive Education Pre-Conference on Friday, May 18, 2012. This will be co-hosted by Inclusive Education Canada. The session will be led by Gordon L. Porter, C.M., Director of Inclusive Education Canada and Editor of Exploring Inclusive Educational Practices Through Professional Inquiry—a book of 25 case studies examining the experiences of Canadian teachers, principals and parents. Michael Fullan called it a book, “...that leaves you with hope and ideas for action. It takes a very difficult and highly charged topic and demonstrates that it is possible to see both the trees and the forest.”

Attendees who have already registered for the Conference will be able sign-in and add this Pre-Conference to their registration.

For more information, including how to register, click here.

We're pleased to announce that registration for the 2012 Canadian Down Syndrome Conference begins TODAY!

Online: Register here

By Phone: 1-800-883-5608

You can also download the 2012 Conference Preview brochure. Included in the brochure is more information about the conference, including a short list of sessions!

Download it here: 2.3 MB (PDF file)

We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions or concerns please email

The CDSS will once again be accepting Aeroplan Miles for this year's conference!

Who: The CDSS, Aeroplan, and YOU!
What: Aeroplan has generously agreed to allow individuals to donate Aeroplan Miles to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society
When: February 15 - March 15, 2012
How: Download and complete the Aeroplan Pledge Form.  Then send it back by:
Email or
Fax to 403-270-8291 or
Mail to #103 - 2003 14 Street NW Calgary AB T2M 3N4
Why: To offset the cost of flights for speakers and special guests to the event.   Donated Aeroplan Miles will greatly assist the conference.

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society is pleased to announce the Keynote and Endnote speakers who will be part of the CDSS 25th Anniversary National Conference in Toronto, May 18-20, 2012.

• Marlee Matlin, Academy Award winning actress, author, mother, and advocate, will join us as our Keynote speaker.
  
• Dr. Dave Williams, astronaut, doctor, and father of a child with Down syndrome, will join us as our Endnote speaker.

We are honoured to have these two inspiring advocates join us for our celebration!

For more information about these speakers, please visit our Speakers page.

More news about the conference will be released soon.

Submission Deadline: February 1, 2012 The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is Canada’s national voice for people with Down syndrome. We are a non-profit organization providing information, advocacy and education about Down syndrome. The CDSS supports self-advocates parents, families and professionals through all stages of an individual’s life

Our Mission: 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 as everyone else.

Our Vision: A proud Canada, where ALL are welcome, we embrace diversity and we value everyone’s genes equally.

CDSS 25th National Conference: Toronto, Ontario - May 18 to 20, 2012

We are looking for accomplished speakers willing to share their knowledge, experience and skills to a diverse group of delegates from across Canada. Delegates attending the conference will include people with Down syndrome, parents and family members, professionals and people who want to make a difference.

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society will be making a major announcement on Friday, December 9, 2011. This exciting message will unveil our Keynote Speaker, and some of the speakers and special guests that will be part of the CDSS 25th Anniversary National Conference in Toronto, May 18-20, 2012.

Keep an eye out on the Canadian Down Syndrome Society's Facebook page - we will be posting some hints until we make the big announcement on this site!

Another exciting part of the 2011 conference are the many exhibitors that have come from all over North America to share their services, products, and expertise.  This is a great way to discover some of the new and exciting things that are happening with Down syndrome these days.  So swing by the booths to learn all about what they have to offer.