Down Syndrome International (DSi) are a global network of organisations that work with people with Down Syndrome.
They have started a network of organisations across the world that have a self-advocacy group. This group is called the Self Advocacy Group Network.
In September 2024 Chris Bunton from Down Syndrome Australia’s (DSA) Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) was appointed to the Self Advocacy Group as the Down Syndrome Australia representative.
Chris says of his appointment,
I hope to learn about different cultures and the issues in different countries. Together with collaboration, I hope to learn about different approaches and solutions and how to self-advocate in varying circumstances.”
“It is a great feeling to be selected to be part of Down Syndrome International’s Self Advocacy Group Network, and I cannot wait to start being an advocate.
I look forward to connecting with individuals from different countries and improving my self-advocacy skills. I hope I can strengthen my networks, work alongside self-advocates, and help raise awareness within the Down syndrome community.
DSi also have another program called the Ambassador Program this is where they work with a group made up of people with Down syndrome who are called Ambassadors.
The Ambassadors represent the member organisation in their country.
You can read more about the Ambassador Program here: https://ds-int.org/ambassadors/
In September 2024 Eoin Gibson was appointed to the role of the Australian Ambassador where he will be representing DSA.
Eoin says of his appointment,
“I am delighted and excited to be selected for this international role as an ambassador for Down Syndrome. I cannot believe this is happening. This is an amazing opportunity and I thank you all. I love talking about being an Ambassador because I love helping people.”
Past ambassadors to DSI
Michael Sullivan
2017 – 2021
Michael was invited directly as the Australian representative for Down Syndrome International (self-advocacy group) and provided an excellent link between our work and work at the international level. Michael was an experienced and seasoned advocate for people with intellectual disability. He was Chair of NSW Council for Intellectual Disability from 2015–2017. He previously served on the National Disability Advisory Council in Canberra and on the National Disability Insurance Agency Intellectual Disability Reference Group. Michael was also the Healthy Ageing Ambassador for the UNSW Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, and a member of Down Syndrome NSW.
Andrew Domahidy
2021 – 2025
Andrew has been a representative for Down Syndrome Australia on Down Syndrome International. Andrew attended these meetings with his colleagues from around the world via zoom.
Andrew lives independently and is very involved in community activities. He is interested in graphic design, designing logos, doing pamphlets and newsletters, as well as having good committee skills. Importantly, he is interested in other people and always asks how people are, especially if he hasn’t seen them for a while. Andrew is also very interested in all things military and is a seasoned traveller. Andrew is learning parkour and Italian.