Here in Canada, media representation of individuals with Down syndrome has continued to improve over the past decade. While we work primarily with youth, we find it important and meaningful to share and showcase adults with Down syndrome who thrive in their chosen pursuits and careers.

Today we’re going to celebrate ten Canadian influencers and professionals, all of whom have achieved incredible things within their industries, from fine arts to human rights.

Joey Moss

Joey Moss was a well-known Canadian dressing room attendant for both the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League and the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League.

He held this position for over three decades until he passed away in 2020. Back in 2003, he was honoured with the Seventh Man Award by the NHL Alumni Association for his service to the league, and in 2015, he was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

In honour of his memory, a bronze sculpture of Joey was unveiled in the Edmonton Oilers locker room.

Dylan Harman

Dylan is a Toronto screen and stage actor who has been employed in the industry since the age of 5. During his career, he’s appeared in several films including For Dorian (2012), The Memory Keeper’s Daughter (2008), and Rainbow Connection (2012).

Dylan landed the lead role, Eugene, in The Rainbow Kid (2015), which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.

His one-page resume can be viewed here.

Nicholas Herd

Image from CTV News; Nick featured in an interview on Canada AM.

Since 2007, Nicholas has been working with L’Arche Toronto Sol Express as a performer, visual artist, and Creative Advocacy Director. He was also part of the award-winning play RARE, which was co-created and directed by Judith Thompson during the 2012 Toronto Fringe Festival.

Nicholas can also be followed on his Twitter and Instagram. Sol Express, a performance arts program with L’Arche Toronto, focuses on developing the talents and skills of artists with intellectual disabilities.

Madison Tevlin

The internet has allowed more people than ever to share their talent, and Madison Tevlin is a great example.

The Canadian singer and content creator became a sensation on YouTube after receiving over eight million views of her cover of John Legend’s All of Me (above, on her own Youtube account), when she was 13 years old. Madison works on vocal techniques to improve the range and tones in her voice.

Now entering her 20s, Madison has also created other content on her channel, including interviews, discussions about Down Syndrome, and other slices of life like baking apple crisp.

Keep up with her on social media as @madisontevlin on Twitter and Instagram.

Niall McNeil

A passionate actor, playwright, and director, Niall McNeil has been involved with theatre for decades, once an ensemble member of Leaky Heaven Theatre’s shows in Vancouver since 1999. He has also acted as a member of the English Acting Company of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, performing in A Christmas Carol (2010). Niall has also co-written two plays, Peter Panties (2011) and King Arthur’s Night (2017).

As well as appearing in live productions, Niall teaches at the Down Syndrome Research Foundation in Burnaby.

Niall McNeil discusses Deaf and Disability Arts in this conversational video from the National Arts Centre.

Marie Webb

Marie Webb is a fashion and textile designer from Nova Scotia. During her career, she’s hosted runway shows and also displayed her work in an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Her fashion label, Lemonade Stand Designs, has been part of gifting suites at the Emmys in LA and the Toronto Film Fiestival.

Marie’s colourful creations can be purchased at Necklings: Accessories for Color and Joy.

Marie’s art can be featured at her namesake website, mariewebbart.com.

Jane Cameron

Jane with her pen and ink artwork, “House Landscape”. Image from National accessArts Centre

Jane Cameron is a celebrated Canadian artist who was diagnosed with Down syndrome at the age of four months. Along with her work as an artist, she was a keen sportswoman and played an integral part in the 1979 New York Special Olympics Team.

The above picture was taken by In-Definite Arts (now National accessArts Centre), Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization, and in 2020, the country’s first multidisciplinary arts organization.

Meg Oshada

Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, Meg Oshada is a 26-year-old figure skater, contemporary dancer, and rhythmic gymnast. She is known for her grace and strength both while performing and in her everyday life.

Meg won two silver medals in Figure Skating in 2013, at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and placed fourth in solo dance at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. Her artwork has also been featured through National accessArts Centre.

Darryl Andaya

In 2019, Darryl competed in the first-ever Special Needs Taekwondo World Championship. During the event, he made history by winning two gold medals, one silver and a bronze. Even competing as a one-man team for the country, he placed fourth while representing Canada.

Through his family’s studio in Burnaby, Darryl has dedicated over a decade of perseverance and hard work to hone his Taekwondo skills.

Teresa Pocock

Image from Vancouver Foundation: Small Arts Grants

An artist and self-advocate, Teresa overcame many setbacks in her life to discover her artistic streak. After winning a grant from the Vancouver Foundation, she began sharing her love of art in her illustrated poetry book called Pretty Amazing: How I Found Myself in the Downtown Eastside.

Teresa Pocock has particular fame for advocating for her right to choose where she lives; in the past, Teresa has had to fight for her right to live outside of institutional care, before settling where she is now in Vancouver, along Gastown and Abbott Street.

Teresa is also a member of the BC Civil Liberties Association, Gallery Gachet, Inclusion BC, Family Support Institute of BC, and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.

Canadian Down Syndrome Week

November 1-7 is Canadian Down Syndrome Week. In previous years, we spoke more generally about Down Syndrome’s history, with recommended reads and other resources in this blog post.

Qi Creative is here to create and celebrate awesome with you, and help you thrive wherever you go. We honour the talents of these incredible individuals above, and thank you for taking the time to read and learn about them.

WOOSH!