Down Syndrome Advisory Network

Down Syndrome Advisory Network thumbnail.

“It means a lot to me being an ambassador for people with Down syndrome. I will keep on trying to the very best of my ability along with the support and training I receive through the network, to support and advocate for people with Down syndrome; this is something that I am very passionate about.”

Claire Mitchell

What is DSAN? 

The Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) help Down Syndrome Australia to be the leading voice for people with Down syndrome in Australia. 

Who we are  

We are a group of people from across Australia with Down syndrome. 

We have a member is from each state and territory of Australia. 

We meet online twice a month. 

We stay on DSAN for 2 – 3 years. 

What we do 

As part of DSAN we work on two things.  

These are: 

  1. Building leadership and advocacy skills 
  1. Giving advice to Down Syndrome Australia. 

In 2025, this advice will be on Down Syndrome Australia’s six key advocacy areas. 

Our Vision  

Our Vision is for a world where: 

  • we are valued for who we are as people 
  • we can choose to live independently  
  • we can have a connection with ourselves and have friendships 
  • we can make our own choices and supported decisions 
  • we are all treated equally 

Our Mission 

Our Mission is to: 

  • break down barriers 
  • challenge people’s views  
  • create opportunities for inclusion nationally. 

We want to have a voice and help others to have a voice. 

We want to create a positive and meaningful impact. 

Our Values 

We value being: 

  1. Respectful 
  1. Honest 
  1. Kind 

Our Goals 

Our Goals are to: 

  1. Become better advocates 
  1. Develop leadership skills 
  1. Speak up about rights 
  1. Advocate and promote inclusion 
  1. Work as a team 

Contact 

Inclusion Lead, Alison Richardson 

0438 926 035  

alison.richardson@downsyndrome.org.au 

Find out more about DSAN members and work

Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN)

Down syndrome Advisory Network members stand together outdoors

The Down Syndrome Advisory Network is also called the DSAN.

Down Syndrome Australia chose some people with Down syndrome to become a group called the DSAN.

A member of the DSAN gives a talk

DSAN members learn skills to be leaders and advocates. This is speaking out for people with Down syndrome.

They get together to talk about things that are important to people with Down syndrome. Then they tell Down Syndrome Australia what they think.

A man thinks about something with a thought bubble appears above his head

This helps us to understand things that are a problem for Australians with Down syndrome.

The DSAN helps us to make good decisions and do work that will help people with Down syndrome.

They also help us write good information for people with Down syndrome.

A man and member of the DSAN

You can find out more about the members of DSAN and their work here.