We asked the Down Syndrome Victoria Advisory Network their thoughts on the 2025 World Down Syndrome Day theme: “We call on all governments to improve our support systems”. Here are their reflections.
Equality for everyone
A consistent response from the Advisory Network was that equality is for everyone. All systems should consider, include and support everyone.
The Advisory Network believe that we all have the right to support that meets our needs and gives us choice, control and dignity.
Emily Porter said we would benefit from, “People being more supportive and treating people with Down syndrome equally by being respectful and kind to each other. ”
It’s up to all of us in our parliaments, workplaces, industries and communities to enact and advocate for equality.
Listen to us
The Advisory Network think that one way that organisations and systems can better support people with Down syndrome is to have advisory groups like ours as part of governing or decision-making bodies.
Our Advisory Network share valuable, thoughtful expertise and insights that deeply enrich our approach and programs. Groups like the DSV Advisory Network mean that the irreplaceable knowledge of people with lived experience can shape more effective decisions, programs, legislation and funding.
Matt O’Neil shared, “In our community we should all be equal. Hear us, feel us, no matter what.”
If you want to make systems more supportive, consider how you or your organisation or our governments can better listen to the voices of people with Down syndrome.
Include us
In addition to listening, our Advisory Network also believe that being included is a vital way that governments and other systems can better support people with Down syndrome.
The Advisory Network collectively agree: “Respect and include our experience and opinions.” People with Down syndrome should be an active part of teams and decision-making and included at all stages of design, implementation and monitoring.
Kath Mansour said, “Government should improve our support systems so that we can have equal rights and be part of the team and the decision making, with a to do list!”
Strong supports help us thrive
DSV’s Advisory Network staff and our program participants embody the idea that strong supports help us thrive. We have advocates, athletes, employees, partners, artists and more in our community.
The DSV Advisory Network call for greater education, training and funding to support all people with Down syndrome to plan and live out their futures and careers the way that they want.
Jenny Bowden thinks that education and training should extend to workers, GPs, NDIS workers and education providers. She also sees that DSV has an important role, “in advocacy for improved training, education and funding. ”
Keziah Glenane said, “For people with Down syndrome to be equal and have a say over what we want to do, for our plans for the future, for our careers and what paths we take, we need to work on rights.”
Thank you to the Down Syndrome Advisory Network for sharing their thoughts on this year’s World Down Syndrome Day theme, and for the invaluable advice and expertise that they provide all year round.