Health and Community Services
November 2, 2015

Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Residents and Families

Down Syndrome Awareness Week Celebrates Valuable Contributions

Down Syndrome Awareness Week is being recognized from November 1 to 7 in Newfoundland and Labrador. The week is an opportunity to spread public awareness and focus on the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

"As we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Week, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to reflect on the valuable contributions that people with Down syndrome have made, and continue to make, to their individual communities and the province as a whole. We continue to ensure the full inclusion and participation of persons with Down syndrome, because every single one of us deserves the opportunity to grow, develop and succeed in achieving our dreams and goals for the future."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The Department of Health and Community Services will establish a working group comprised of parents and other key community stakeholders representing children with Down syndrome to further explore service needs and work towards an enhanced early intervention model for children diagnosed with Down syndrome.

"On behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society, we are a volunteer group of parents, friends, and families committed to raising awareness and understanding of Down syndrome, and to removing societal barriers that place limits on our children's ability to be valued and contributing members of our community. Down Syndrome Awareness Week provides an opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to acknowledgeand celebrate theunique strengths, abilities, and contributionsof people with Down syndrome, and to recognize that everyone has the right to be included in society."
- Jennifer Brien, Public and Media Relations, Board of Directors, Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society

As part of its week-long celebration, the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society will hold a free pancake breakfast on Saturday, November 7 at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre, 68 McNamara Drive. Everyone is welcome and breakfast will be served at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, call 738-3336, toll free 1-877-738-3336 or visit //nldss.com/ .

QUICK FACTS:

• Down Syndrome Awareness Week is being recognized from November 1 to 7 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The week is an opportunity to spread public awareness and focus on the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
• The Department of Health and Community Services will establish a working group comprised of parents and other key community stakeholders representing children with Down syndrome to further explore service needs and work towards an enhanced early intervention model for children diagnosed with Down syndrome.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society will hold a free pancake breakfast on Saturday, November 7 at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre, 68 McNamara Drive.
• For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society, call 738-3336 or toll free 1-877-738-3336 and visit //nldss.com/ .

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2015 11 02                              3:50 p.m.