DSAN members get involved in advocating for change in lots of different ways. They speak at conferences, get involved in government campaigns, and speak to health professionals.
Submission on Support for Decision making
The Down Syndrome Advisory Network provided the NDIA with a submission on their consultation on support for decision making.
Here are examples of some of the work of our DSAN members and past members.
Michael Sullivan
In Melbourne on 22 October 2018, Michael Sullivan spoke at a forum organised by the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.
The next piece by Michael Sullivan is entitled I thought I would. It holds a powerful message about community inclusion.
Michael wrote the following piece to explain advocacy and the important role of being an advocate.
Michael has also delivered this speech on advocacy:
Claire Mitchell
In 2021 Claire spoke to the Human Movement students about support from therapists and other services.
Read Claire’s presentation in PDF
In April 2019, Claire spoke to psychology students in Brisbane about her life as a person with Down syndrome.
You can read Claire’s lecture here in PDF format.
In October 2018, Claire spoke to ABC Radio Brisbane about her role in the Employ their Ability campaign, her job at Lady Cilento, and her role on the Down Syndrome Advisory Network. Listen to Claire’s interview here.
In August 2018, Claire featured in the Department of Social Services new campaign, Employ their Ability.
- Claire’s story was key in helping spread awareness to employers about the range of skills, abilities and qualifications people with disability bring to their organisation.
- You can view the video on the Job Access website.
In March 2018, Claire attended the 2018 World Down Syndrome Day Parliamentary Morning tea in Canberra, and wrote a piece for us on her experience.
- Read about Claire’s Parliamentary morning tea in PDF
- Read about Claire’s Parliamentary morning tea in Word
In July 2018, Claire wrote a message about the upcoming World Down Syndrome Congress.
- Read Claire’s message about the World Down Syndrome Congress in PDF
- Read Claire’s message about the World Down Syndrome Congress in Word
Kylie Scott
August 2018 – NDIS: Kylie’s Story
Kylie is a part of our DSAN but is also an inspiring public speaker and a passionate advocate for people with disability. She is also a member of Sydney Local Health District’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Governance Group, and is happy to talk about her experiences with the scheme in the hope that it will assist others.
Matt O’Neil
2019 Down Syndrome Victoria Inclusive Education Conference
At the Down Syndrome Victoria Inclusive Education Conference in 2019, Matt O’Neil gave a speech to 100 teachers.
October 2018 – Down Syndrome Victoria AGM
At the Down Syndrome Victoria AGM in 2018 Matthew was invited to give a speech to the Board and members.
Ebony Beveridge
As a past member of DSAN, Ebony presented to Down Syndrome Tasmania at the AGM about her work with DSAN.
