Released For Publication - October 1, 2023 

October marks what is broadly recognized as Down Syndrome  Awareness Month, with Canadian Down Syndrome Week capping it off this year on October 22- 28. WWDSS has collaborated with local photographer, Hilary Gauld, for the ninth year in a row on a photo series with this year’s theme focusing on the communication skills of children and  adults with Down syndrome (DS). 

Through a series of portraits of 62 people with Down syndrome from Waterloo Region, Guelph,  and Wellington County along with thought-provoking quotes from participants and caregivers,  this year’s series "Just Ask Me" centres around communication - including the associated challenges people with Down syndrome may face. 

For social interactions as an example, many don’t realize that people with DS fall across a huge  spectrum of communication capabilities. It is common for their comprehension to exceed their  production of language which can cause miscommunication and even frustration. As members  of this photo series remind us, a person with DS may need more time to answer when someone  asks them a question, despite understanding the question perfectly. Compassionate  understanding is key since there could be several reasons for this communication challenge.  

For instance, according to research, a person with DS needs to use almost twice as much  energy to initiate speaking. Recognizing this imbalance can improve understanding and  patience on both sides. 

Turn-taking and clarifying are the foundations of any good social interaction. As members in  these photos highlight, these are even more important when barriers and imbalances exist. 

Even in creating this “Just Ask Me” campaign, caregivers often spoke for their loved ones with  DS to help them communicate their messages. It can be helpful to clarify with the support of  others, but priority should be given to the voice of the person with Down syndrome whenever possible. 

Photos from the “Just Ask Me” series are released daily through WWDSS’s social media  channels and are collected into a 2024 calendar that is available for preorder now at www.wwdss.ca. 

Follow the social media campaign throughout the month of October and join in  by sharing the photos. WWDSS’s annual advocacy projects have attracted worldwide attention  and have made a lasting impact on our local community and beyond. This series has a powerful  yet simple message to listen with compassion and truly value the voice of people with Down  syndrome. 

Follow the Photo Series on WWDSS’s social media: 

Twitter: @WWDSS_WWDSS 

Facebook: @WaterlooWellingtonDSS 

Instagram: @WWDSS_WWDSS 

About the Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society: 

The Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society (formerly the Waterloo Regional Down  Syndrome Society) is a charitable, non-profit organization created in 1988 by parents of children  with Down syndrome. Entirely run by volunteers, every dollar raised goes towards helping fund  the various programs and services provided to our members. The Waterloo Wellington Down  Syndrome Society supports and informs individuals, families, and the community on issues  related to Down syndrome. We advocate for persons with Down syndrome to lead healthy and  active lives, enabling them to contribute their unique gifts to our community. 

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