Wear red shoes,
start conversations
Every September, Red Shoes Rock brings people across Australia together to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
how to take part
Whether you have five minutes or a whole team behind you, there is a way to get involved.
Wear red shoes
Wear red shoes or socks to help raise awareness.
Rally your workplace
Hold an event at your workplace, with friends, or in the community.
Visit a red landmark
Visit a red landmark, take a selfie, and share.
Learn about FASD
Find out about FASD, and start conversations with confidence.
FASD matters
FASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It is often hidden and misunderstood, which can make it harder for people and families to receive recognition, understanding and support.
By wearing red shoes or socks, sharing community stories and starting conversations, you can help make FASD more visible, reduce stigma and support alcohol-free pregnancies.
Led by lived experience
People living with FASD, their families and support networks are at the heart of the campaign. Their stories help communities understand what FASD is, how stigma affects people’s lives and why better recognition, diagnosis and support matter.
Supporting alcohol-free pregnancies
There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Partners, friends, families, workplaces and communities can all help support alcohol-free pregnancies by offering alcohol-free options, sharing clear information and backing someone’s decision not to drink alcohol.
For trusted information about alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit Every Moment Matters.
Australia lights up red
During September, including on FASD Awareness Day on 9 September, landmarks and institutions across Australia light up red. Visit a landmark, wear your red shoes or socks and share a photo using #FASD and #RedShoesRock.
Frequently asked questions
Red Shoes Rock is a global campaign raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, also known as FASD. The campaign encourages people to wear red shoes or socks, share stories and start conversations about FASD, alcohol-free pregnancies and better support for people living with FASD.
The campaign was started in 2013 by RJ Formanek, a Canadian man living with FASD. He decided to wear red shoes to stand out, be noticed and start a conversation about his invisible disability.
In 2014 Jodee Kulp, a graphic designer, stepped in to help him build visibility and get the word out. Jodee’s daughter Liz lived with FASD and was a passionate advocate working to create a world where FASD is better understood and prevented.
The campaign gained momentum and grew over the years, and Red Shoes Rock is now recognised all over the world!
The campaign gained momentum and grew over the years, and Red Shoes Rock is now recognised all over the world!
RJ Formanek, a Canadian man living with FASD, wore red shoes to stand out and start conversations about his invisible disability. Today, red shoes have become a visible symbol of awareness, support and community.
You can wear red shoes or socks, share a photo online, download a supporter kit, bring Red Shoes Rock into your workplace, visit a red landmark or start a respectful conversation about FASD.
Red Shoes Rock helps start conversations and connects people with trusted information. For FASD support, visit NOFASD Australia or FASD Hub Australia. For alcohol and pregnancy information, visit Every Moment Matters. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, visit NACCHO for resources and support.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD, is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
FASD can affect areas including learning, memory, attention, communication, sensory processing, planning, daily living skills and emotional regulation.
Every person with FASD is different and has their own strengths and challenges. FASD is one part of a person’s identity—it does not define the whole person.