International FASD Awareness Month is here!  

FASD Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, share knowledge and resources, celebrate those with FASD, and end the stigma around this disability. This year’s theme is Everyone Plays a Part. Each person in our community has a role in supporting healthy pregnancies and creating safe and equitable spaces for people with FASD.  

Read on how to find out how you can be a part of FASD Month 2024! 

Learn more about FASD  

Everyone has a part to play in addressing FASD.   

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the leading neurodevelopmental disabilities in Canada, impacting approximately 4% of people. Experts estimate there are more people with FASD than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined.  

FASD is a lifelong disability that impacts the brain and body of people that were exposed to alcohol while they were growing in the womb. You may interact with someone with FASD anywhere: in school, at work, in your community, on your local transportation. FASD is a hidden disability, so you may not recognize the person you are communicating with has FASD.  

It is important that everyone learns more about FASD so they know how to best help others in their community to live healthy and happy lives. People working in sectors like education, justice, child welfare, and social services have a high likelihood of interacting with clients with FASD. Now is the time to build your knowledge and skills so you are best equipped to support your community. Remember, everyone has a part to play.  

• Learn the basics of FASD 
• Find out how you can play your part 
• Take an online course to learn how to better support those with FASD in your work 
• Share what you know with others 

Join in the events in your community 

There are lots of events and activities this September to bring attention to FASD. Going to an event or hosting one yourself is a great way to get involved. Check out our list of FASD events happening across Canada. If you are hosting an event for FASD awareness, be sure to fill out this form and we will add it to our list to help others get involved.   

Canada is lighting up red in September to raise awareness of FASD. Last year there were 45 landmarks across Canada that joined in this movement, and we had international participation as well! Find out which of your local landmarks are participating this year and gather a group together to go see the lights. 

Wear Red 

Red shoes became a symbol for FASD awareness after Canadian educator and advocate, RJ Formanek, wore red shoes on an international stage to talk about FASD. For him, wearing red shoes are a symbol of power and strength.  

Red Shoes Rock movement has gained international recognition. The idea behind Red Shoes Rock is simple: wear red shoes at FASD events to bring attention to this disability. This is an easy way for you to show your support this September!  

Don’t have red shoes? No worries! Add a red shirt or pants to your outfit instead.  

Contact your local representatives 

Did you know there’s a bill under review in the senate to establish a national framework for FASD in Canada?  

Bill S-253: An Act respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is under review by committee in the senate. Contact your local member of parliament to express your support for this bill and talk to them about the need for their support to address FASD in your community.  

Donate to an FASD organization  

FASD is an underrecognized and underfunded disability. Donate what you can to support prevention, diagnosis, research, and intervention initiatives. Every amount, big or small, will help.  

Many local FASD organizations accept donations to support their operations or to launch specific initiatives. At CanFASD, we recently launched a new opportunity called the Lived Experience Leadership Fund (LELF).   

People with lived experience should have a say in FASD research, policy, and practice. However, the lack of financial support is often a barrier. The Lived Experience Leadership Fund helps cover the cost for people with lived and living experience to participate in research activities like attending meetings, conferences, and events.   

Chris Fillion, an FASD advocate and community leader, was the first beneficiary of this fund. Thanks to generous donors, Chris was able to travel from Manitoba to Seattle to share his experience with others from around the world by attending the international FASD Conference in April 2024. Your donation can help support people like Chris to share their stories.  

We can’t wait to see you join in on the celebrations!