Diffabilities YEG looks to push away stigma on World Down Syndrome Day

Community members from Diffabilities YEG take part in an event for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2025. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)

A local organization invited Edmontonians to learn more on Friday in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day.

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Diffabilities YEG provides adult day programming, behaviour consulting, therapy aide support and respite services for people with developmental disabilities.

It held a special event to mark the holiday, including tours and information sessions, and games and activities like T-shirt printing and making your own Play-Doh.

Sarah Dewhurst, founder and CEO of Diffabilities, said it was a day to empower people with disabilities and spread awareness.

“We really like to push (away) social stigma here at Diffabilities, and we really like to help individuals in the community understand just how many skills and what capacity our friends with disabilities have,” Dewhurst said.

Visitors Friday could also shop for products made by Diffabilities adult program members, which Dewhurst said members create on their own and regularly sell at markets.

“Very often, people at the markets will say, ‘Did they really make all this stuff? And I go, ‘I don’t know. Ask them. Don’t talk to me. Talk to them.’

“It’s their business. These are their products. They’re the ones in charge. And so we’re really trying to elevate society’s understanding of just how independent our friends can be,” she said.

Dewhurst said Diffabilities members will be selling products at the Hazeldean Market on Saturday and Sunday. Products can also be purchased through the Diffabilities website.

Money from sales is put back into programming at Diffabilities, which can include nights out to restaurants, concerts, parties and social events.

“One of our friends is trying to convince us that we need to take a group trip to Jamaica,” Dewhurst said. “So, you might be able to catch us that side of the ocean.”