September 9th, 2023

September 9, 2023 marks Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day

First celebrated in 1999, FASD day is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve the prevention of FASD, as well as diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD.

Red Shoes Rock

Red Shoes Rock is a grassroots movement begun by FASD advocate, RJ Formanek, that has gained international recognition. The idea behind Red Shoes Rock is simple: wear red shoes to bring attention to this often under-recognized disability.

The aim of Red Shoes Rock is to:

  • Turn invisibility into visibility
  • Create conversation
  • Change stigma into understanding and acceptance

You can wear your red shoes on FASD Day, throughout FASD month, and at local events. Be part of the global community that is bringing a voice to those impacted by FASD. Share your red shoes on social media using the hashtag #RedShoesRock.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month

Throughout the month of September, the work to raise awareness and understanding of FASD continues in line with this year’s theme, Uniting Our Strengths: Finding Solutions Together.

About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is a common and often under-recognized disability that affects 4% of people.

Learn more about FASD on the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) website: What is FASD?