Canadian Down Syndrome Society Calls for Action
Urging Support to Ensure a Better Future for Canadians with Down Syndrome
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) has launched It Was Never Okay: Forward Not Backward, a national awareness initiative calling on Canadians to address the systemic barriers that continue to affect people with Down syndrome.
In collaboration with photographer Hilary Gauld, who has spent the past decade documenting individuals with Down syndrome, the initiative features a striking photo series showcasing five side-by-side images, each highlighting a critical advocacy issue affecting people with Down syndrome in Canada.
Designed to capture public attention, the series also aims to engage in the political conversation ahead of the upcoming election—ultimately urging Canadians to take action by signing a petition in support of these advocacy efforts.
“With recent cutbacks to essential services and DEI initiatives making headlines, advocating for people with Down syndrome is more urgent than ever,” says Laura LaChance, Executive Director of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. “This initiative is a call to action—these barriers persist, and we cannot afford to lose the hard-won progress achieved over the years. It was never okay, and in 2025, we refuse to go backward.”
“I believe deeply in the power of a photograph—to change and shift perceptions, to tell stories,” adds Gauld. “This series captures the reality of the barriers that still exist for people with Down syndrome, but more importantly, it challenges Canadians to do something about it. These individuals deserve more than awareness—they deserve action.”
A Call to Action: Sign the Petition
CDSS is calling on all Canadians to sign the petition to ensure the rights of people with Down syndrome are not ignored. Canadians with Down syndrome deserve equal access to basic rights and opportunities—it’s time for action, not excuses. Through this campaign, CDSS urges government leaders to prioritize the following initiatives:
The Five Advocacy Priorities:
Education: Co-design a new funding model for provinces to increase classroom support for students with Down syndrome.
Healthcare: Launch a national initiative to expand specialized training and research for healthcare professionals working with individuals with Down syndrome.
Employment: Implement a national strategy to protect people with Down syndrome from losing disability benefits when they seek work.
Housing: Establish a national housing benefit to allow individuals with Down syndrome to access living arrangements that support their independence.
Recreation: Create a Self-Advocate Advisory Council to increase participation for people with Down syndrome in sports, recreation, and the arts.
A future where Canadians with Down syndrome have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else must be a priority. Progress depends on collective action to move forward—not backward—in 2025.
To support the campaign:
Sign the petition ItWasNeverOkay.ca
Share this message with friends, family, and your community.
Raise awareness about the barriers faced by people with Down syndrome.
Learn more at ItWasNeverOkay.ca
About the Canadian Down Syndrome Society
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome by advocating for inclusive policies and programs, as well as providing support to families and individuals.
https://cdss.ca/
About Hilary Gauld
Hilary Gauld is an award-winning Canadian commercial and family photographer in Hamilton, Ontario. Hilary believes strongly in the power of a photograph and its ability to invite people into deeper conversations. For the last decade, she has dedicated her time and talent each year to help spread awareness in the Down syndrome community and beyond, by creating authentic imagery of those living with Down syndrome.
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