Down Syndrome Resource Foundation
1409 Sperling Avenue V5B 4J8 Burnaby, BC, Canada

Coming next week: the Spring issue of 3.21: Canada's Down Syndrome Magazine, featuring an interview with Chris Nikic, the world's first Ironman with Down syndrome! 3.21 is published by DSRF and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Subscribe for free: http://DSRF.org/magazine

In light of scientific evidence that individuals with Down syndrome are at four times higher risk of hospitalization and ten times higher risk of death from COVID-19 than the typical population, the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation has appealed to the Government of the Province of British Columbia to prioritize people with Down syndrome in COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Read DSRF's full letter to the Province of BC: https://bit.ly/3ipVbOx

This year's World Down Syndrome Day Theme is "CONNECT." We're celebrating the unique connection we share as the worldwide DS community with three exclusive t-shirt designs, available in all sizes and a variety of colours. We've also got buttons! http://DSRF.org/WDSDswag

A huge congratulations to our friends at Canadian Down Syndrome Society for this well deserved honour!

In 2003 we added a 4th city to our Annual Up the Down Market Dinner series: Montreal, where the event is known as Action 21 and presented in partnership with Regroupement pour la Trisomie 21 - RT21. Tonight's virtual event will be unlike any of the previous editions, but it will be a wonderful night of investment in people with Down syndrome. #TBT #DSRF25 #DownSyndrome

Today we are pleased to introduce you to the newest smiling face on the DSRF staff team: Eric Bruneau. Eric recently joined us as an office assistant one day a week. Eric has been a DSRF student since 2010. He also works at a local seniors' residence, assisting with housekeeping. Eric has participated for many years in Special Olympics, bringing home medals three times, (including gold) for Speed Skating, in National Games across Canada. He enjoys working out at the gym and p...articipates in basketball, curling, Cardiofit, baseball and golf. He loves people, and surprises them by remembering and acknowledging their birthdays! Welcome to the team, Eric! DSRF has transitioned our office assistant positions to be an extension of our group education programs focusing on employment skills. This paid employment program, overseen by DSRF Teacher Aja Masters, is designed to challenge the team members, in a supportive way, to grow and enhance their skills, increase their independence as employees and broaden their contributions to the organization. It is expected that after a couple years working at DSRF, these workers will be equipped for employment with other businesses, opening space for future DSRF students to take their place in the program.

NOW PLAYING: Set the stage for a good night's sleep! Today on The LowDOWN: A Down Syndrome Podcast, Dr. Katie Frank gives us the lowdown on sleep hygiene and sleep routines for individuals with Down syndrome. https://bit.ly/36Ks4Qt #DownSyndrome #sleep

DSRF Speech Language Pathologist Marla Folden explains the role of parent coaching in the development of a child with Down syndrome.