September 9th is International FASD Day
First celebrated in 1999, FASD day is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.
Countdown to FASD Day!
FASD Awareness Month
Throughout the month of September, events are held across Canada and around the world in recognition of FASD Day. But FASD awareness initiatives deserve more than one day of focus.
The Government of Canada officially recognized September as FASD Awareness Month in 2020. At CanFASD, we celebrate both FASD Day and FASD Month and encourage communities to continue to work towards increased awareness of FASD throughout the whole month of September and beyond.
2024 Theme is Everyone Plays a Part
The theme for this year’s FASD awareness month is Everyone Plays a Part.
Every single person in the community can make a change to support a society that is both supportive of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and supportive of healthy pregnancies. These changes can range from having a conversation with a neighbour, to taking a profession-specific online course to advocating for FASD rights in parliament! These steps, big or small, come together to shape a more equitable future for everyone.
Let’s encourage the people in our lives to take actionable steps to support people with FASD. Reflect on what you can do personally to support this movement on a wider scale. Taking time to do training, spreading awareness in your community or discussing healthy pregnancies with your loved ones can make a real difference in someone’s life. When many of us take these steps, society will change for the better.
Our theme, Everyone Plays a Part, goes beyond framing FASD as an individual issue, as the impacts of FASD matter to the whole community. How can you play a part? Check out our interactive webpage to find out.
We invite you to celebrate and share your innovations this FASD Month using the hashtag #FASDMonth2024! Share how you and your community are working together!
Everyone plays a part in supporting healthy pregnancies. Everyone plays a part in shaping a society that is inclusive of people with FASD. Everyone plays a part this FASD Awareness Month!
History of FASD Day
FASD Awareness Day was first started by three parent advocates from Canada and the United States. They wanted to bring attention to FASD and the impact prenatal exposure to alcohol has on fetal development. They chose to recognize FASD Day on the ninth day of the ninth month to highlight the importance of going alcohol free for the full nine months of pregnancy. The first day was celebrated on 9/9/99. Since then, FASD Day has become a global movement, with countries from all around the world participating.
Red Shoes Rock
Red Shoes Rock is an incredible grassroots movement that has gained international recognition. The idea behind Red Shoes Rock is simple: wear red shoes at FASD events to bring attention to this disability.
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 were critical to my narrative, they were the key to it all. They were all about being different… They spoke of speed, of freedom of thought and being different, and red running shoes with the power suit sent a message out there to the world.”
– RJ Formanek
The Red Shoes Rock movement started in 2013 and grew as more community members got involved to increase visibility. Dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, the organizers continue to collaborate with organizations and communities around the world. Read more about Red Shoes Rock here.
This FASD Month, wear red shoes and help bring attention to FASD. Don’t have red shoes? No worries! Add a red shirt or pants to your outfit instead. Be sure to share on social media using the hashtag #RedShoesRock.
GET INVOLVED
Attend an Event
Many community members host awareness walks, community lunches, and/or virtual and in-personal events in honour of FASD Awareness Day. Check out your local or regional FASD organization to find an event near you or take a look at our list of events!
Are you hosting an event in Canada? Tell us what, when, and where. We will share it on our channels to help community members get involved.
Rock Your Red Shoes
Wear your red shoes on FASD Day, throughout FASD month, and at local events. Be part of a global community that is bringing a voice to those impacted by FASD. Share your red shoes on social media using the hashtag #RedShoesRock.
Watch Canada Light Up Red for FASD
Monuments and landmarks across Canada will be lighting up red on September 9th in honour of FASD Awareness Day. Grab your friends and family members to go see the lights. Share with the hashtag #FASDMonth2024.
Learn
Whether you’re an expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or just you’ve just heard the term “FASD” for the first time, there’s always more to learn. Here are a few key resources to look at this FASD Month:
Donate
Donate to CanFASD or other FASD organizations that are working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of Canadians. If you are unable to make a financial contribution, donate your time and attention to this cause. Volunteer with local organizations and attend FASD month events in your community.
2024 FASD MONTH TOOLKIT
These resources were last updated on August 23, 2024.