For filmmaker Drew Hyttenrauch, it was the chance to do the production of a lifetime and highlight a growing need in the Down syndrome community — one he and his sister face together.
“I live with my sister. I’m her primary caregiver,” Hyttenrauch said while sitting beside Natalie.
Earlier this month, the two were surrounded by actors, lights and cameras in Windsor, Ont., producing a commercial spot for a Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) campaign marking Down Syndrome Week.
“In 1950, only one per cent of Canadians with Down syndrome reached 40 years of age,” the narrator states.
“We deserve care,” Natalie says in the commercial.
The slogan is meant to bring awareness about what people with Down syndrome face as they age.
“Today, 30 per cent of the population is over 40 but health-care systems have remained the same,” the ad notes.
The CDSS is fundraising to create an accredited course that would “provide Down syndrome-specific training” and close the “health equity gap.”
The CDSS says Down syndrome is “a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement” associated with chromosome 21.
According to the CDSS, over 22,000 people with Down syndrome were living in Canada in 2020; some health concerns individuals with Down may face include congenital heart conditions, gastrointestinal issues, thyroid problems and respiratory infections.
Drew and Natalie Hyttenrauch, both in their 30s, have health and aging concerns top of mind.
“Having a sister with Down syndrome, that means so much to me and is a huge part of my life,” he said.
“This is something that I’m going to face as we grow older as well, so this commercial really resonated with me and just felt like over the 18 years of doing this, this was the most meaningful and fulfilling project I’ve ever done.”
Drew owns a production company in Windsor and creates commercial videos for a living.
Earlier this year, he appeared on the CDSS’s website to talk about his experience being a caregiver for his sister. It was then that he brought up the idea of doing something more involved — and they agreed.
“I just wanted to make it the best I could possibly make it, and make an actual meaningful campaign video that could actually resonate with people and getting that message across.”
Actors came from across Ontario, but the crew was local. Still, Drew said the commercial has the polish of something produced in a big city.
“It was amazing that all the businesses came together,” he said.
“We got the best crew in Windsor to come together and film a national campaign spot here.”
The commercial shows people with Down syndrome in everyday situations.
“They’re out having drinks, they’re going to work or just enjoying coffee in the coffee shop with friends,” Drew said.
“The ad just showcases neurotypical individuals just reacting and seeing this, and being surprised but also being happy to see that people with Down syndrome are thriving.”
Natalie agreed, saying she is often out with friends for coffee. But acting is not an everyday activity for her.
“It was embarrassing a little bit,” she said.
Drew said he’s proud of his sister, though for her performance.
“Good job Nat, woo!” Drew says to her as they share a hug after rewatching the video together.
Natalie Hall works with Natalie Hyttenrauch as a personal support Worker (PSW).
Hall said there are PSWs who are branching out from working with elderly patients to assist adults with Down syndrome.
“I think more PSWs should explore this sector of health care.”
