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For over a decade, photographer Hilary Gauld has been dedicated to capturing honest and powerful images of the Down syndrome community. What started in 2014 as a small project with the Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society (WWDSS) has grown into a meaningful effort to change perceptions and promote inclusion through authentic storytelling.

This journey inspired DECADE, the 10th installment of Gauld’s collaboration with WWDSS, which was released on October 27th, 2024, during Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The DECADE documentary highlights the profound impact of Gauld’s work, featuring 62 individuals aged 1 to 36 and showcasing their diverse life experiences. Produced by Gauld and Digital Sabbath Film Company, it captures the journey of Gauld, WWDSS, and three families across three generations, reflecting on the progress made in media representation and the growing visibility of the Down syndrome community. For this article, we have collected 24 photographs from the series to share with you.

More info: Instagram | hilarygauld.com | decadedocumentary.com | x.com

"DECADE is the celebration of a photo series with the same individuals with Down syndrome every year for a decade. This series was created to mark this incredible milestone and the impact our community project had on the world," Hilary Gauld told Bored Panda.

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    According to Gauld, when she began this series years ago, there was very little imagery of people with Down syndrome available online. What did exist was often low quality and reinforced harmful stereotypes. "I recognized the gap and committed my time alongside this community group to help build better imagery online with those who have Down syndrome to better represent their lived experiences."

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    #4

    Evan

    Smiling young man with Down syndrome sitting confidently on a chair, promoting inclusion and changing perceptions.

    © Hilary Gauld Report

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    JK
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He seems like he would be a great guest with a lot of stories to tell.

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    "Each year, we took on a different stereotype and created a photo series around it to help educate our local community. This quickly grew and spread worldwide. Today, things look much different, and there is a far better representation of people with Down syndrome. We are proud of the work we did and will continue to do in this space."

    #6

    Faye

    Young girl with Down syndrome wearing a light pink dress and white hair bow against a green background, celebrating inclusion.

    © Hilary Gauld Report

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    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah, a fellow ginger! She, of course, carries it off much better than I ever did!

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    #8

    Noelle

    Young girl with Down syndrome in a black dress holding a sunflower, symbolizing inclusion and changing perceptions.

    © Hilary Gauld Report

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    JK
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Future fashion designer. Ms Noelle is going to take us by surprise on a catwalk.

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    #14

    Lucy

    Young girl with Down syndrome wearing a flower crown and holding a corsage, symbolizing inclusion and celebration.

    © Hilary Gauld Report

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    JK
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another good choice of dress, matches her shoes too! Unforgettable face with the flower crown.

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    #15

    Dadyar

    Young man with Down Syndrome smiling, wearing traditional clothing against a green backdrop, celebrating inclusion.

    © Hilary Gauld Report

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    #19

    Ella

    Young girl with Down syndrome in a pink dress smiling confidently against a green background, promoting inclusion.

    © Hilary Gauld Report

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    JK
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like her choice for a dress, it really shows her personality and fashion sense. :)

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    #24

    Russell

    Young man with Down syndrome in a black suit and floral tie, promoting inclusion and changing perceptions of Down syndrome.

    © Hilary Gauld Report