What we do

The Down Syndrome Federation is made up of Down Syndrome Australia and the state and territory Down syndrome associations.

Down Syndrome Australia is the national peak organisation for people with Down syndrome in Australia. We provide systemic advocacy on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families. We work to create change and make sure people understand the experiences of people with Down syndrome and their families. All our work is informed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The state and territory associations provide a range of direct information, advocacy and support to people with Down syndrome and their families. They also provide training and information to other organisations such as schools and employers about Down syndrome.

mother and daughter in a field — Visit our State and Territory associations

Our collective purpose statement is: Leading change through the power of people with Down syndrome and the community.

People with Down syndrome are at the centre of all of the work that we do. The Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) is a group of people with Down syndrome chosen to work together to provide direct advice to the Down Syndrome Australia CEO and Board. A number of the state associations also have established advisory networks which provide advice on the services and supports provided locally. You can find out more about DSAN work here.

What we do

The Down Syndrome Federation is made up of Australian state and territory Down syndrome organisations working together.

The state and territory Down syndrome organisations and Down Syndrome Australia do different activities and work.

State and territory organisations give local help to people with Down syndrome, their families and other people.

Local is the area or state where you live.

A man with Down syndrome speaks in a meeting

Down Syndrome Australia does work to help people across the whole of Australia.

This includes giving out good information and advocacy. This is speaking out about things that are important to people with Down syndrome.

We use the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities to guide us in our work.

You can contact your local state or territory organisation to find out about their activities and services.

Members of the Down syndrome Advisory Network standing together

People with Down syndrome are at the centre of all the work we do.

The Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) is a group of people who give advice to Down Syndrome Australia to guide our work.