Down Syndrome Australia provides 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.
Systemic advocacy seeks to influence and change a ‘system’ such as legislation, government policy and community attitudes.
All our work is informed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
We work in partnership with the Down Syndrome Advisory Network in all of our advocacy work.
We are working on issues which are important to people with Down syndrome and their families and communities. Our advocacy work addresses key issues like:
- NDIS
- Prenatal screening
- Access to appropriate health care
- Inclusive education
- Employment
- Migration
In 2019 we developed an advocacy platform called Leave No One Behind. We identified the priorities by talking to people with Down syndrome and their families. An easy read version is also available: Leave No One Behind – Easy Read.
You can have a look at some of our submissions to Government. We also have policy position statements on key issues.
Individual advocacy
- Individual advocacy is one-on-one support provided to a person to prevent or address instances of unfair treatment or abuse. Individual advocacy helps make sure the voice of the person with disability is heard on a particular issue that matters to them. Individual advocacy supports people to express their views and concerns, access information and services, and explore choices and options.
- If you are having difficulties and need individual advocacy, you can contact your state or territory association to find out more about what is available.
- There is a national network of disability advocates who can provide advice and assistance. You can find a contact for your local advocacy organisation here.
