October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month, held each October, is a time when we celebrate people with Down syndrome and grow understanding, inclusion, and support together. The Canadian Down Syndrome Society, Children’s Down Syndrome Center, Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, Down Syndrome Australia, Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, Down’s Syndrome Association (UK), Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Congress, and National Down Syndrome Society are sharing live webinars, workshops, and support groups along with recorded webinars, podcasts, and a documentary.
Canadian Down Syndrome Society
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society is the national source of expertise promoting the contributions of Canadians with Down syndrome, offering tools, initiatives, and networking for people with Down syndrome and those who support them. Canadian Down Syndrome Week runs October 25–31, 2026.
On-Demand Resources
Unified Voices
Type: Documentary
Duration: 45 minutes
A documentary about six families across Canada, directed by Moses Latigo Odida and premiered on June 1, 2026. It is free to watch on the film page, and a French version is available.
Access: https://www.unifiedvoices.ca/
Children’s Down Syndrome Center
The Children’s Down Syndrome Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, provides medical care for people with Down syndrome. Its medical director, Kishore Vellody, MD, hosts the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania Podcast.
On-Demand Resources
Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania Podcast
Type: Podcast
Duration: 42 episodes available; episode lengths are not listed by the host
Kishore Vellody, MD, hosts conversations about health and everyday life with Down syndrome, with episodes on exercise, vaccinations, mental health, sleep apnea, and more.
Access: https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/down-syndrome-center-pa-podcast/
Down Syndrome Association of South Texas
The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas provides lifelong services and support to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families in South Texas. It offers programs, events, and resources for learning, social connection, and play.
On-Demand Resources
Texas Down Syndrome Chat
Type: Podcast
Duration: 32 episodes available; episode lengths are not listed by the host
A monthly podcast hosted by Magaly Diaz, the association’s Education Director, that shares information and resources for people with Down syndrome and their families.
Access: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/texas-down-syndrome-chat/id1664223247
Down Syndrome Australia
Down Syndrome Australia and its state and territory associations provide support, information, and resources to people with Down syndrome and their families across the country. Its mission is to be the national voice for people with Down syndrome and their families.
On-Demand Resources
Free Webinars
Type: Recorded webinars
Duration: 34 recordings available; lengths vary
Free recorded webinars to watch at your own pace, with topics that include sleep, regression, communication, school transitions, and inclusion support funding.
Access: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/resources/webinars/
Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas
The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas works to engage the Down syndrome community and to advocate, educate, and enable the fullest lives possible. It serves people with Down syndrome, their relatives, and the wider community in the Dallas metropolitan area.
On-Demand Resources
Past Seminar Recordings
Type: Recorded seminars
Duration: 4 video recordings; lengths are not listed by the host
Recordings from the Guild’s free educational seminar series, including sessions on research, Chaos to Calm, hearing challenges, and aging.
Access: https://www.downsyndromedallas.org/educational-seminars
Down Syndrome Resource Foundation
Based in Burnaby, British Columbia, the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation supports people with Down syndrome and their families with specialized education and therapy services, information resources, and social connections. Its programs serve youth and adults with Down syndrome, along with parents, caregivers, and professionals.
Virtual Events & Meetings
Optimizing Mental Wellness in Students with Down Syndrome
A session of the 2026 Educator Webinar Series on supporting students with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, with a focus on grades 8–12. It is designed for classroom teachers, resource teachers, education assistants, and other school-based professionals, and costs $40 per session or $140 for the full series.
Time: Thursday, 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM PDT
Date(s): Thursday, October 8, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom — https://DSRF.org/EducatorSeries · https://dsrf.org/events/2026-educator-webinar-series/
Top Communication Support Strategies by Stage (Kindergarten to Grade 7)
A session of the 2026 Educator Webinar Series with a focus on kindergarten through grade 7, for classroom teachers, resource teachers, education assistants, and other school-based professionals. The fee is $40 per session or $140 for the full series, and recordings are available to registered participants for 30 days.
Time: Tuesday, 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM PDT
Date(s): Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom — https://DSRF.org/EducatorSeries · https://dsrf.org/events/2026-educator-webinar-series/
Top Communication Support Strategies by Stage (Grades 8–12)
A session of the 2026 Educator Webinar Series with a focus on grades 8–12, for classroom teachers, resource teachers, education assistants, and other school-based professionals. The fee is $40 per session or $140 for the full series, and recordings are available to registered participants for 30 days.
Time: Thursday, 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM PDT
Date(s): Thursday, October 22, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom — https://DSRF.org/EducatorSeries · https://dsrf.org/events/2026-educator-webinar-series/
On-Demand Resources
The LowDOWN: A Down Syndrome Podcast
Type: Podcast
Duration: 118 episodes available; episode lengths are not listed by the host
A free podcast from the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, with new Season 12 episodes airing on October 14, 21, and 28.
Access: https://dsrf.org/resources/the-lowdown-podcast/
Down’s Syndrome Association (UK)
The Down’s Syndrome Association supports people with Down’s syndrome from birth to old age, along with their families and professionals, through its Information Centre, online support sessions, and training. It also runs WorkFit, an employment programme that helps people with Down’s syndrome find work.
Virtual Events & Meetings
Well-being Wednesday for Parent Carers
A free online session of guided meditation or gentle movement for parent carers.
Time: Wednesday, 2:30 AM – 3:00 AM PDT
Date(s): Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Online session — https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/well-being-wednesday-for-parent-carers/
Common Eye Conditions in Children and Eyecare
A free webinar with Professor Maggie Woodhouse for parents and family carers about common eye conditions in children and eyecare.
Time: Wednesday, 4:00 AM – 5:15 AM PDT
Date(s): Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Webinar — https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/common-eye-conditions-in-children-and-eyecare/
Regression Support Group
A free online support group for parents of people who have experienced rapid regression.
Time: Thursday, 2:30 AM – 3:45 AM PDT
Date(s): Thursday, October 15, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Online support group — https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/regression-support-group/
Early Reading Strategies to Support Speech and Language Development
A free online session for parents and professionals about early reading strategies that support speech and language development, for children aged about 3 to 4½. This is the last of three listed dates.
Time: Thursday, 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM PDT
Date(s): Thursday, October 15, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Online support group — https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/early-reading-strategies-to-support-speech-language-development/
DSA Pregnancy and Baby Support Group
A free online support meeting for expectant parents and parents of babies up to 18 months old.
Time: Tuesday, 5:30 AM PDT (the host does not list an end time)
Date(s): Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Online support meeting — https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/baby-and-pregnancy-support/
Online Support Group for Families of People with Down’s Syndrome Aged 40+
A free online support group for parents and siblings of people with Down’s syndrome who are aged 40 and over.
Time: Tuesday, 3:30 AM – 4:45 AM PDT
Date(s): Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Online support group — https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/support-group-for-families-of-people-with-downs-syndrome-aged-40/
On-Demand Resources
Free On-Demand Training Recordings
Type: Recorded webinars
Duration: 20 recordings available; lengths vary
Free recordings on topics such as the dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and autism, well-being for adolescents and adults, ageing and dementia, and sleep for children and teenagers. Viewing uses a free registration form.
The Shifting Perspectives Podcast
Type: Podcast
Duration: 20 episodes available; episode lengths are not listed by the host
A free podcast from the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Access: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/the-shifting-perspectives-podcast/
Down’s Syndrome Scotland
Down’s Syndrome Scotland is a charity that supports families and people with Down’s syndrome to reach their full potential through its services, by influencing public policy, and by changing attitudes. It serves people with Down’s syndrome, their families and carers, and professionals in health, social care, and education.
Virtual Events & Meetings
Annual Health Checks Workshop for Parents and Carers
A free Zoom workshop for parents and carers about annual health checks. Booking closes one working day before the session.
Time: Tuesday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Date(s): Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom — https://dsscotland.org.uk/dss_events/grab-a-cuppa-and-zoom-in-with-us-for-an-annual-health-checks-workshop-for-parents-carers-2/
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. It also works to correct misconceptions about people with Down syndrome.
Virtual Events & Meetings
The Latest Research & Medical Care: Promising Results from the First Down Syndrome Regression Disorder Clinical Trial and Upcoming Clinical Trial Opportunities
Joaquín Espinosa, PhD, shares promising results from the first clinical trial for Down syndrome regression disorder and the clinical trial opportunities coming next. The webinar is free for GLOBAL members and $10 for non-members.
Time: Tuesday, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM PDT
Date(s): Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Webinar — https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-webinars-registration/ · https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-webinars/
National Down Syndrome Congress
The National Down Syndrome Congress provides information, advocacy, and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome. It supports anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome, from diagnosis through adulthood.
On-Demand Resources
Ages & Stages Webinar Archive
Type: Recorded webinars
Duration: 17 recordings available; lengths vary
A free archive of Ages & Stages webinars from 2023 to 2026, including a September 2026 session on AI tools for inclusion and independence at school.
Access: https://ndsccenter.org/resources/webinars/english/webinar-series.html
National Down Syndrome Society
Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society works to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive, through resources and support, research, advocacy and policy, and community engagement. It serves individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers, and the public.
Virtual Events & Meetings
Skin, Hair, and Nail Conditions in Individuals with Down Syndrome
Jillian Rork, MD, leads this webinar about skin, hair, and nail conditions in people with Down syndrome. Registration is required, and NDSS describes its webinars as free.
Time: Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT
Date(s): Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Zoom webinar — https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T6Ek0EndRvqBGxvPSRpzmg#/registration · https://ndss.org/ndss-webinars
On-Demand Resources
NDSS Recorded Webinar Library
Type: Recorded webinars
Duration: 40 recordings available; lengths vary
Free recordings on advocacy, education, employment, health and wellness, caregiving, and research, including recent sessions on clinical trials for Down syndrome–associated Alzheimer’s disease, vaccines, and federal advocacy and policy updates.
Access: https://ndss.org/ndss-webinars
Disclaimer: This listing is shared for community information only. The offerings are organized and hosted by the listed organizations, not by PeerGalaxy. Details such as dates, times, availability, and access links are subject to change — please confirm with the relevant organization before attending or applying.