Annual Inclusion Awards

CDSS Awards 2009

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society Awards are given annually at the CDSS National Conference. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations who support the vision and mission of the CDSS and work to enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome and the communities where they live and work.

Self-Advocate of the Year Award
This award is given out to encourage and help promote self-advocacy in Canada. The CDSS wants to honour the work and accomplishments of one self-advocate with Down syndrome each year.

Inclusive Education Award
This award is designed to recognize a local teacher, support worker, school, or school district who has shown outstanding support for the full inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Employer of the Year Award
This award is designed to recognize a local employer who has shown ongoing support of an employee with Down syndrome as well as supporting a local Down Syndrome Society.

Spirit of Inclusive Community of the Year Award
This award is designed to recognize a local community group in Canada that has shown outstanding support for the full inclusion of people with Down syndrome through special projects, or group  activities.

CDSS One Voice Award
This award may be presented annually to an individual, family, group, or organization that best exemplifies and furthers the vision and/or mission of the CDSS.

Print Media Award
This award is presented to an individual or individuals, in the case where there is a shared byline, or a newspaper publisher who have shown Down syndrome in a positive fashion, demonstrating the vision of the CDSS.

Broadcast Media Award
This award is presented to an individual or individuals, a company or a broadcast outlet, who has shown Down syndrome in a positive fashion and has therefore, demonstrated the vision of the CDSS.

How to Make a Nomination:

• Submit the full name, address, and phone number of the individual or organization that you believe meets the award criteria for the CDSS 2009 Awards.
• Provide a brief description as to why you feel the individual or organization is a worthy recipient of this award.
• Inform the individual or organization that you have nominated them for a CDSS award.

All nominations will be considered by a committee made up of Canadian Down Syndrome Society board members, staff, and self-advocates.

Deadline: April 15, 2010

Submiting Your Award Nominations

By Mail:

Stephanie Mamayson
Membership Coordinator
CDSS Awards
#283 - 5005 Dalhousie Drive NW
Calgary, AB T3A 5R8
Fax: (403) 270-8291

By Email:

Jane Cameron Award 2009

Are you an artist with Down syndrome? Do you like to make art, like drawings, photos or paintings? Do you like to sing, dance or perform drama? Do you make videos, write stories or poems? Enter the Jane Cameron Award, an award for artists with Down syndrome!

Jane Cameron was an artist with Down syndrome. She liked to make tapestries, paint and write poems. In 2001, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and the Jane Cameron Archives at In-Definite Arts, decided to give an award in her honour. To be eligible for the award you must live in Canada and have Down syndrome.

You can learn more about the award or get a copy of the form on Jane’s website: www.janecameron.com or by calling 1-800-883-5608.

The prize is $500 just for you, and a medal based on Jane Cameron’s art made by Jeff deBoer, a Canadian artist.

Submitting for the Jane Cameron Award

Send a sample of your art and a submission form before April 15, 2010 to:

Jane Cameron Award
c/o CDSS
#283 – 5005 Dalhousie Drive  NW
Calgary, AB T3A 5R8