Brother-sister duo from Windsor, Ontario are behind national ad about aging with Down syndrome

For filmmaker Drew Heitenrauch, it was the chance to create the creation of a lifetime and highlight a growing need in the Down syndrome community – one that he and his sister face together.

“I live with my sister. I’m her primary caregiver,” Heitenrauch said, sitting next to Natalie.

Earlier this month, the two were surrounded by actors, lights and cameras in Windsor, Ontario, creating a commercial spot for the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) campaign marking Down Syndrome Week.

“In 1950, only one per cent of Canadians with Down syndrome reached the age of 40,” said the narrator.

“We deserve to be taken care of,” Natalie says in the ad.

This slogan is meant to bring awareness to what people with Down syndrome face as they age.

“Today, 30 percent of the population is over 40, but the health care system remains the same,” the ad says.

CDSS is raising funds to create an accredited curriculum that will “provide Down syndrome-specific training” and close the “health equity gap.”

The CDSS states that Down syndrome is a “naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement” linked to chromosome 21.

According to the CDSS, there were more than 22,000 people with Down syndrome living in Canada in 2020; Individuals with Down may face certain health concerns, including congenital heart conditions, gastrointestinal problems, thyroid problems, and respiratory infections.

Drew and Natalie Heitenrauch, both in their 30s, have health and aging at the forefront of their minds.

“It was the most meaningful and fulfilling project I have ever done.”-Drew Heightenrauch

“Having a sister with Down syndrome means a lot to me and is a big part of my life,” she said.

“This is something I’m going to have to deal with as I get older, so this ad really appealed to me and I felt like in my 18 years of doing this, it was the most meaningful and gratifying project I’ve ever done.”

Drew owns a production company in Windsor and makes commercial videos for a living.

Earlier this year, he appeared on the CDSS website to talk about his experience as his sister’s caregiver. Then the idea of ​​doing something else came to his mind – and he agreed.

“I just wanted to make it the best I could, and create a really meaningful campaign video that could really connect with people and get that message across.”

The actors came from across Ontario, but the crew was local. Still, Drew said the ad had the feel of something produced in a big city.

“It was amazing to see all the businesses come together,” he said.

“We found the best crew to come together in Windsor and film a national campaign spot here.”

out for coffee

The advertisement depicts people with Down syndrome in everyday situations.

“They’re out having a drink, they’re going to work or enjoying a coffee at a coffee shop with friends,” Drew said.

“The ad shows people with disabilities just reacting and being surprised by it, but also happy to see that people with Down syndrome are thriving.”

Look Advertisement from the Canadian Down Syndrome Society:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkwoOPOYE3c

Natalie agreed, saying that she often went out for coffee with friends. But acting is not a daily job for him.

“It was a little embarrassing,” she said.

Drew said he was proud of his sister, however, for her performance.

“Good job nut, woo!” Drew tells her as they hug after watching the video together again.

Natalie Hall works with Natalie Heitenrauch as a personal support worker (PSW).

Hall said there are PSWs who are moving from working with elderly patients to assisting adults with Down syndrome.

“I think more PSWs should explore this area of ​​health care.”