30 June 2026
We’re thrilled to share a 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. This month, we hear from Lisa.
Hi, my name is Lisa Tiernan, I am 37 years old and live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
DSAN have been very busy. Recently, we met with Jessie Spence, DSA’s Advocacy and Policy Officer, and we talked about the DSA’s Position Statement on Health.
Jessie reminded us that a Position Statement says what a group thinks about a topic and what they think should happen – it is a written document. DSAN also provided input in DSA’s Position Statement on Employment. It’s important that DSAN is involved, we can help to explain what we think is wrong and share ideas on what we think should change.
We discussed our top Health concerns, some of these included: obesity, oral health, eye health, low muscle tone, anxiety and depression, heart problems, spinal issues and sleep apnoea.
We also participated in a health position statement survey.
One of the survey questions was – If you had an opportunity to ask the Prime Minister a question on health care, what would you ask? I would ask the Prime Minister to make access for important health care better, and free. Some important scans, ultrasounds are not covered by medicare, concession card holders or private health and costs lots of money. You have no choice, as you need to have the scan to help the Drs see what’s wrong with you and how to make you better.
Jessie is coming to another meeting soon to discuss our survey results and ideas that will be part of the new DSA Health Position Statement. DSAN looks forward to being part of the Statement.
We are also planning to have a meeting with other self-advocacy groups. We shared our ideas of what we could do, like sharing our resources, networking, ask the other groups what are the focus areas they are working on.
At our last meeting, we worked with Alison to finalise our presentation when we meet with the ACT and Qld self-advocacy groups. We will all practice the slides we are talking about.
Our next video is for Disability Pride Month. Jack, Issiah and I are all going to share what we are proud of. I will share my video of myself at the National Disability Tenpin Bowling Championships delivering the Athlete Oath and I also was awarded the Jason Belmonte Sportsmanship Award (Female) during the Championship. That makes me very proud, as I love bowling. I like to support other bowlers and cheer them on and encourage them.
We look forward to seeing the final Health Position Statement and meeting and networking with other self-advocacy groups
Thank you
Lisa Tiernan
