5 June 2025
We’re thrilled to launch a new monthly update from the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) – a national group of people with Down syndrome who meet fortnightly to build their skills and share their views. First up is Chris!
I am proud to be a DSAN member, under the Inclusion Leader Alison Richardson.
I appreciate DSA giving me this platform to raise awareness and work towards breaking down the preconceived perceptions of people with Down Syndrome.
What’s New in DSAN
Recently, DSAN went through a few changes.
We now meet twice a month and the meetings are longer.
We thanked and farewelled Tasmanian and South Australian representatives Matt and Bella, it was tough to say goodbye.
DSA also made changes that mean that DSAN members are now paid employees.
I think these changes show that DSA is taking the group seriously.
The longer meetings help us get more things done, and being paid shows our work is valued.
Overall, it feels like we are growing and moving forward.
Working on Our Vision, Mission and Values
I feel passionate and positive about the ideas that we have been working on in the meetings.
Each team member has come up with individual responses, and now we are collaborating as a team to finalise the Vision, Mission, and Values.
We had a big list and condensed it to focus on who we are and what we want for our life in the future.
I am proud of how well we worked together, under Alison Richardson, the Inclusion Lead.
Our Vision and Mission are nearly finished and we are still deciding on which Values we need to guide us forward.
I am super excited to see that our ideas, thoughts, and opinions come together!
My ideas for the Vision, was to live in a world where people with disabilities are given the chance to show our talents, abilities and skill sets.
I want to change perceptions and create a future where everyone is given the chance to show what they can do.
Making Rules for Our Group
We also have been working on our group rules.
These rules are set and they will help us become more efficient and ensure the meetings are structured so we can fulfil our Mission.
This also means we can make these meetings more inclusive.
Setting Our Goals
We have also been working on our group and personal goals.
I think the goals that we have decided fit well with our Vision, to further develop in advocacy and leadership skills and promote inclusion.
Now we have to make the effort to find our sub-goals and make action items to achieve these goals.
It is important to me because I believe being an advocate means that we are speaking up about the 6 problem areas for all people with Down Syndrome:
Pre-natal support
NDIS
Good Health Care
Education
Employment and
Migration.
What We Learned from the Advocacy Team
I found interesting when we met with the DSA’s Advocacy Team.
We learnt about the 6 problem areas in advocacy.
It was interesting to hear how to approach advocacy by identifying the issue, making a plan to approach it, so that we can learn the skills to make the changes.
I am looking forward having a seat at the table and having a voice, where decisions are made about us.
