canadian down syndrome week: the friendship campaign aims to foster meaningful connections
this year’s campaign for canadian down syndrome week – the friendship – aims to disrupt misconceptions that drive social isolation for people with down syndrome.
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adults living with down syndrome often rely on their families and support groups for social connection. the common misconceptions held about people living with intellectual disabilities, such as views about their abilities and maturity levels, often hinder people from seeking out or forming meaningful friendships with those outside of their current inner circle.
the canadian down syndrome society (cdss) aims to change these views and how people with down syndrome are perceived to help knock down these barriers and encourage social connection for those in the down syndrome community and beyond.
this year’s campaign for canadian down syndrome week, aptly titled “the friendship,” brought together people living with down syndrome and those who had little to no contact with the down syndrome community to show just how damaging perceived notions can be and how seeing people for who they truly are can spark new friendships among those with and without intellectual disabilities.
social isolation and loneliness in people living with down syndrome
people with down syndrome are unique in the way they have to navigate the world, but there are common misconceptions about what they are and aren’t able to do or participate in.
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according to the global down syndrome organization, the general public’s views of those with down syndrome are heavily marred with misconceptions. people believe that those with the condition cannot lead relatively “normal” lives and participate in work, school, and romantic or platonic relationships.
these misconceptions couldn’t be further from the truth. in fact, regarding work and contributions to society, people with down syndrome who are employed or volunteer contribute just as much – if not more – to the organizations they are involved in than those without it.
still, many people hold onto damaging notions that see people with down syndrome as less than able. because of that, they are often limited in their social interactions with people from other communities.
according to the cdss, “many adults with down syndrome struggle to build social connections outside of their families.” when social support is imperative in solidifying a good quality of life in people with intellectual disabilities, this level of social isolation can be damaging and lead to an increase in mental health disorders and feelings of loneliness.
connection at the heart of “the friendship” campaign
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to bring together people living with down syndrome and those who haven’t had the privilege of socializing with those– living with intellectual disabilities, the cdss chartered the sailboat kajama for a three-hour excursion around the toronto harbour.
on the sailing trip, 13 adults with down syndrome and 20 adults without the condition were brought together to have fun on the water in a unique socialization experience. the trip was designed to give people a more authentic perception of what it’s like to live with down syndrome.
along the journey, the guests shared life stories with one another, connected over shared interests, and built lasting friendships that went beyond the constraints of their differences.
the idea of the campaign wasn’t simply to call on people to seek out new friendships but rather create a unique opportunity to do so for those who may not come across each other in everyday life.
“when we started working with the team at cdss, we knew that the last thing we wanted to do was just make an ad,” adds paul little, executive creative director of daughter creative, in a press release. “we wanted an idea that would make a difference—that would show moments of real connection, and we’re passionate about making this campaign a lasting movement so down syndrome associations worldwide can join us in spreading this message.”
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the sailing trip, which lasted one day, took place on september 26. however, the hope is that the connections made can start a movement of change that allows people who have not yet had the chance to interact with someone living with down syndrome the opportunity to do so without a biased perception based on falsehoods.
“at the heart of this campaign is the belief that true friendship transcends differences,” said laura lachance, executive director of cdss, in a press release. “we hope that by encouraging more people to step outside their comfort zones and engage with others who are different from themselves, we can start to change how society views friendships with people with down syndrome.”
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