PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Peer Groups

We offer four Peer Groups (Early Years: 0-7, Elementary: 8-12, High School: 13-19 & Graduate: 20+ to allow our members and their families to network, connect & socialize with peers of their own age. Peer groups are run by volunteers and offer monthly social events, programs and workshops to help develop skills and offer transitional support. To receive information about your Peer Group, subscribe to our newsletter.

Early Years Newsletter: https://form-can.keela.co/early-years-group-previously-new-parent-group-news

Elementary Newsletter: https://form-can.keela.co/elementary-school-group-newsletter

Highschool & Grad Newsletter: https://form-can.keela.co/high-school-group-newsletter

Online Parent Community

A group of parents in the Halton community started a closed Facebook group a couple of years ago which has proven to be a successful form of support for many families. Although this group is not run by HDSA, it is a great resource for parents and caregivers. To access this group, the button below.

Join Online Parent Community

Library Resources

In 2012, HDSA partnered with the four Halton library systems and donated funds that went toward the purchase of authoritative, up-to-date resources to benefit the Down syndrome community. Please click the button below to find out what is available near you.

Library Resources

Family Social Events

Throughout the year, we offer several social events that bring families together and create a sense of community for our members and their children. Become a member of HDSA & sign up to our e-mails to receive invitations to these events. You can see past events here: View past HDSA events

Join HDSA Newsletter

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

Every Ontario school board is mandated by the Ministry of Education to have a Special Education Advisory Committee. Halton Down Syndrome Association has representation at both the Halton public school board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic school board (HCDSB).

SEAC Information

Affiliations with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Society of Ontario

HDSA is very fortunate to be one of a handful of local Down syndrome associations that has strong links to both its federal and provincial groups, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Society of Ontario.

Canada Down Syndrome Society

Become A Member

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Halton Down Syndrome Association offers many different programs and services for its members in the Halton community and beyond, including:

  • Social events, such as our annual barbecue, holiday party and World Down Syndrome Day Dance

  • Zoom meet ups, hang outs and classes 

  • Peer support

  • Home visits to new parents

  • Play dates for young children with Down syndrome

  • Meetings and fun events for young adults with Down syndrome, our “Graduate Group”

  • A tween group for moms and tweens

  • Access to our private Parent Facebook page

  • Monthly newsletters

  • Eligibility for our bursary programs which help offset the cost of therapies, camps and conferences

  • Resource materials in partnership with local libraries

  • Optional membership to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society

  • Being apart of a community who cares for one another and much more!

MEMBERSHIP TYPES

Choose Your Plan:

  • Family/Individual Adult Membership
    $35 Annual

  • HDSA Associate
    $35 Annual

  • HDSA Services
    $35 Annual

  • HDSA Extended Family
    $35 Annual

  • Graduate Membership
    $10 Annual