Free local calendar celebrates people with an extra chromosome

NEWS RELEASE SAULT STE. MARIE DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY ************************* From November 1 to 7, Canadians across the country will be celebrating the 45,000 people with Down syndrome in Canada for National Down Syndrome Awareness Week (NDSAW).

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY

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From November 1 to 7, Canadians across the country will be celebrating the 45,000 people with Down syndrome in Canada for National Down Syndrome Awareness Week (NDSAW).

During National Down Syndrome Awareness Week we, the Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society are distributing our free calendar for 2015 titled, Full of Life.

It was designed and photographed by Michaela Duguay, a White Pines media studies high school student.

Special thanks to Mr. Calvano (White Pines teacher)

Miss Duguay stated that she choose the title Full of Life because she, “really wanted to show our community that even though someone has a disability like Down syndrome, that doesn’t make them any less special."

"I really wanted to celebrate the kids differences by coming up with photo shoots that captured the kids doing what they like to do in order to get their unique personalities to come through and to try and break some of the stereotypes that come along with someone having Down syndrome, So keep calm - It’s only an extra chromosome”.

About Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society

The Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society's mission statement is to promote the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome so that their lives may be enriched and that they may reach their full potentials as members of society in Sault Ste. Marie.

As a group we have produced awareness calendars, which have had a positive direct impact within the community.

They show local children who portray the fact that they have very many abilities and many varied interests.

It helps to educate and lessen the stigma and fear of Down syndrome and acts as a daily advocate.

Ultimately everyone benefits when society is encouraged to learn more about individual exceptionalities.

Our calendar reaches out to all community members.

As advocates for individuals who have Down syndrome, we feel the calendar is a tool that shows that our children are capable learners who will profess with appropriate supports, attitudes and opportunities.

We would like to thank everyone in our community who enjoys getting our calendars each year.

We appreciate all members of our community who open doors for all people and celebrate diversity. If you wish to receive a calendar please contact:

Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society c/o Community Living Algoma
99 Northern Avenue, East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6B 4H5
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society

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(PHOTO: Provided by Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society shows Michaela Duguay - Photographer and designer of the 2015 Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Calendar)