Canadians with Down Syndrome Are Living Longer Than Ever — But Healthcare Systems Haven’t Kept Up
As life expectancy rises, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society launches “We Deserve Care” to raise awareness, funding, and action toward a nationally accredited healthcare training course on the needs of aging adults with Down syndrome.
In 1950, only 1% of Canadians with Down syndrome lived to 40. Today, more than 30% are over 40 and thriving, but healthcare systems have not kept pace. Most healthcare systems and training programs do not focus on aging issues, leaving adults and seniors with Down syndrome without the specialized care they need. As life expectancy continues to rise, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is drawing attention to this urgent gap and announcing a nationally accredited course for healthcare professionals to help address it.
Titled “We Deserve Care,” the campaign spotlights an emerging but overlooked issue: while advances in medicine and inclusion have dramatically extended life expectancy, Canada’s healthcare systems have not evolved to meet the needs of the growing adult and senior population with Down syndrome, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
According to the 2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey, many healthcare professionals feel unprepared to support the needs of aging individuals with Down syndrome, leaving caregivers to educate medical professionals about the unique health needs of their loved ones, rather than receiving informed care. To address this gap, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society is developing a nationally accredited training course for healthcare professionals to ensure adults and seniors with Down syndrome receive the quality care they deserve.
Designed to raise awareness and drive donations, the campaign features Canadians with Down syndrome aged 40 and older thriving in their communities—at work, on a date, and out with friends. Each vignette challenges misconceptions and highlights the need for healthcare systems that make an active, fulfilled lifestyle possible throughout aging.
“The ‘We Deserve Care’ campaign reflects a major shift in our community. People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever, but healthcare systems haven’t kept up,” said Laura LaChance, Executive Director of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. “This campaign is both a celebration of longevity and a call to action to ensure that the next generation of adults with Down syndrome receives the care and respect they’ve earned.”
Directed by Drew Hyttenrauch of Hytt Films, the campaign carries a deeply personal touch and unique perspective, featuring his own sister Natalie, who has Down syndrome, among many other individuals from the community. It launches nationally on October 19, 2025, across social and digital platforms, inviting Canadians to support the creation of the new accredited training course.
For more information or to donate, visit WeDeserveCare.ca.
About the Canadian Down Syndrome Society
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is a national non-profit organization that empowers Canadians with Down syndrome to live fulfilling lives. Through advocacy, education, and awareness initiatives, CDSS promotes inclusion and works to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Learn more at CDSS.ca.
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