1 September 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 Anna.
Hi my name is Anna and I live in Perth.
Some of my favourite activities include going to the beach, doing pilates, hanging out with my dog Miley, ballroom dancing, exercising at the gym and going for runs. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I recently represented WA at the Special Olympics in Melbourne for Ballroom Dancing, and I had a great time and am proud with how I went!
I enjoy being a representative and advocate for DSAN as I get to stand up for people with Down Syndrome and make sure that their ideas and needs are heard. I enjoy doing the work and discussing important topics at our meetings and deciding how we can best advocate for people with Down Syndrome. I really enjoy the opportunity to be a role model for people in my community and help them to have a voice and I like to stand up for their rights and make sure everyone is treated fairly.
During October, it was Down Syndrome Awareness Month and for DSAN some members made a video called “Talk to Me” and some members made another video called “Let Me Show You”. I was involved in the video called Talk to Me where I was asking a Doctor to speak directly with me at my appointments and not to whoever is supporting me at the appointment as if I’m not there. I really enjoyed making the video as it sends an important message and creates awareness in the community that everyone wants to be treated with respect and treated equally.
I think the videos that we create at DSAN and having videos with people with Down Syndrome are important because it shows everyone how amazing, capable and strong we are and helps to get our message across. I had lots of fun creating the video for Down Syndrome Awareness Month and I think Down Syndrome Awareness Month is really important because it helps to promote our vision and values and gives us some recognition for our voices to be heard and for us to be strong. It helps spread awareness to build supportive communities, spread messages about inclusion and equal rights with opportunities for everyone and celebrates our achievements.
We have been preparing our presentation for the Down Syndrome Australia Face to Face meeting on November 19th in Melbourne. Jack will be our representative at the meeting. The rest of us will be presenting a video. We said in our video why DSAN is important, the best thing about being on DSAN and what we would like to see changed for people with Down Syndrome. In the videos I made, I spoke about DSAN being important because it gives people with Down Syndrome the platform to have a voice and be heard and to be able to stand up for our Human Rights. I think the best thing about being on DSAN is being able to be a role model in my community to help people in need and make sure people are included and have equal rights. What I would like to see changed for people with Down Syndrome is equal opportunities in everyday life which includes open employment which I’m very passionate about advocating for.
Kind Regards, Anna
