1 June 2026
We’re thrilled to share a monthly update from the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) – a national group of people with Down syndrome who meet fortnightly to build their skills and share their views. This month, we hear from Isaiah.
Hi, my name is Isaiah Caruso and I live in Adelaide on Kaurna Land.
Some of my hobbies are salsa dancing, going to the gym, and playing football for the Goodwood Saints. I will soon play my 100th football game, which I am very excited about.
I also enjoy cooking at church and helping my community. I like singing and playing guitar, and I often post videos on my TikTok.
I love romance movies, and my favourite singers are Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
I enjoy being part of DSAN because I get to help people with Down syndrome have better rights and stronger voices in the community. I also enjoy meeting new people, learning new things, and building my confidence. This work is helping me grow and become a better advocate.
During May, we spoke with Nathan, who is the editor of the Voice magazine. Together we shared ideas for the June issue and talked about speaking up and having a voice.
To me, having a voice means being able to speak up for myself and my community. It is important to ask questions and make sure people feel heard, respected, and included. DSAN is helping me build confidence and learn these important skills.
We also learnt about DSA’s Strategic Framework, which is a big plan for the work DSA will do from 2025 to 2028. We learnt about DSA’s vision, purpose, mission, values, and goals. We also talked about who is part of the community, how DSA works, and the changes we want to see for people with Down syndrome and their families. I enjoyed learning more about how DSA plans for the future.
I also helped make a video about dating and relationships. I enjoyed talking about this topic because it is something I want to learn more about myself.
My advice was:
- Meet new people
- Be brave
- Ask someone to dance
- Ask someone to have a coffee with you
This is how you can make new friends and connections.
I also enjoyed talking with Darryl DSA’s CEO who came to one of our May meetings. He was very kind and easy to talk to. I asked him what he is most proud of, and he said his family and the work he does. I also asked him what changes he wants to see in Australia, and he spoke about the important work DSA is doing for people with Down syndrome and their families.
When Gemma Namey one of DSA’s Board members visited, I asked her how I could become a better leader. She said being a good listener is very important.
Being a better listener is something I have been working on with my support worker. We do quizzes together to help me practise listening and remembering information. This is something I feel proud of because I know I am improving.
I also asked Gemma what she does when things feel hard. She said she talks to her family and friends. I do this too, and it makes me hopeful that everyone can have support like that in their life.
I have really enjoyed learning more about advocacy and speaking up for our rights. It makes me feel happy and proud. I am excited to read the next Voice magazine and be part of my first e-newsletter.
Thank you for reading my update!
