Hello / Bonjour Canada and hello to the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) !
MANOA: First of all, I want to thank you for accepting our interview! It's lovely to be able to include Canada in our virtual world tour of Down syndrome! We have so many questions for you, but let's start by the beginning! Would it be possible to give us a quick introduction about your foundation and how things are going?
DSRF: The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) is based in Burnaby, BC. Our mission is to support people living with Down syndrome and their families with individualized and leading-edge educational programs, health services, information resources, and rich social connections so each person can flourish in their own right. Our vision is a Canada that values and empowers people with Down syndrome, fostering economic, social, and individual inclusion throughout their lives.
We offer a wide variety of programs, services, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages and their families. DSRF is a one-stop-shop for Down syndrome, or as one parent put it, “a boutique of supporting our son for success.”
At DSRF, we are proactive, evolving our programming and services based on our experiences working with clients and students, and the latest research and best practices. We take an individualized approach, tailoring our lessons to each person’s strengths, interests, and needs. As a result, students are empowered. They have opportunities to grow, learn, and step into whatever success means to them.
DSRF provides:
Group programs for youth and adults with Down syndrome
One to one services for individuals and families at all stages of life
Down syndrome resources to equip parents, caregivers, and professionals
MANOA: How is Down syndrome perceived by Canadians, especially by the younger generation?
DSRF: Down syndrome awareness in Canada has increased tremendously in recent years. The Down syndrome community has worked hard to have our voices heard. School inclusion is improving, and many parents of children with Down syndrome take the initiative to go into classrooms to teach their child’s classmates about Down syndrome. As a result, the youngest generation likely has a greater understanding of Down syndrome than any prior generation. And on a wider level, social media has provided a platform for families to share their experiences in a way that we never could before. Our society is waking up to the unique potential and contributions of people with Down syndrome. There is still a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction!
Increasing numbers of people with Down syndrome are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work on their own businesses.
MANOA: People find it hard to believe when I tell them that my sister speaks perfect English and French! I am sure that many Canadians with Down syndrome do too! What stereotypes still remain and what can be done to avoid them?
DSRF: The majority of Canadians (with or without Down syndrome) speak only one language fluently, but about 19% of the Canadian population being bilingual in English and French (with smaller numbers being bilingual in other languages). People with Down syndrome are fully capable of learning multiple languages, and many of our students do. In many cases, they speak their native language at home and learn English at school. For more information on second language learning for people with Down syndrome, see this article: https://www.dsrf.org/resources/blog/the-wonder-of-words/
MANOA: Does the educational system allow children to be in contact with children with special needs? If yes, how do you think it can benefit others? If not, why and what needs to change?
DSRF: Inclusion is an increasingly important value in the Canadian school system. Many schools are fully inclusive, with students with Down syndrome and other disabilities taking all or most classes with their typical peers. However, the level of inclusion can vary greatly across school districts and in individual schools. In many cases, it depends on school leadership and their level of commitment to inclusion and to meeting the needs of students with disabilities. This is another sphere in which we’ve made great progress but still have a long way to go.
Here’s an article for more info on school inclusion: https://www.dsrf.org/resources/blog/inclusion/
MANOA: We absolutely love your "Minding My Own Business: Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome" ! Could you tell us more about that and about how you are helping young adults enter the professional world? What are the most common jobs? Are companies generally open to hiring someone with Down syndrome?
DSRF: Increasing numbers of people with Down syndrome are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work on their own businesses. DSRF is proud to support entrepreneurs with Down syndrome. Our short film Minding My Own Business: Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome takes viewers inside three small businesses owned and operated by entrepreneurs with Down syndrome.
In Minding My Own Business, we go behind the lens with photographic card maker Andrew Bingham (Through Andrew’s Eyes), glam up with Anu Sarma (Lovebirds by Anu), and discover the recipe to Zamaan Jivraj’s success (The Granola Kid). Andrew, Anu, and Zamaan, along with those who support them in their endeavours, provide both inspiration and practical tips for getting a thriving small business up and running.
At DSRF, we strongly promote our students who have their own businesses, and give them opportunities to sell their goods at DSRF events throughout the year.
Support them – provide them with the personal support and resources they need to thrive.
In terms of employment, it’s another area where we’ve made progress but have a long way to go. More than 50% of Canadians with Down syndrome are unemployed or under employed.
We recently launched an Employment Support service to help adults with Down syndrome develop employment skills and to help connect them with employers. Many of our adults work in the service industry, whether in front-of-house or behind the scenes roles at restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores.
MANOA: At MANOA we are convinced that having a colleague with Down syndrome can bring a lot to the team. How do you see it and do you think our generation is more open to integrating people with Down syndrome?
DSRF: Employees with Down syndrome can bring so much to a team! Generally speaking, they tend to be very loyal, with lower absentee and turnover rates than typical employees – reducing costs for the business. They contribute positively to team morale and create goodwill with customers.
MANOA: What are the main goals of the association and how are you planning on achieving them?
DSRF: Our primary goal is to ensure that every person with Down syndrome receives the support they need to flourish and thrive throughout life. We are dedicated to providing the best Down syndrome-specific programs, services, and resources available for people with DS and their families, and to removing any barriers that prevent people from receiving these supports.
MANOA: DSRF works for a "Canada that values and empowers people with Down syndrome, fostering economic, social and individual inclusion" and we love that! What would be your three recommendations to someone who would like to make a difference with people with Down Syndrome?
DSRF:
Believe in them – see the potential.
Listen to them – follow their lead.
Support them – provide them with the personal support and resources they need to thrive.
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