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1300 344 954

We are the National peak organisation for people living with Down syndrome and their families

About us

We are the National peak organisation for people living with Down syndrome and their families.

People with Down syndrome are at the centre of all the work that we do.

We work with the Down Syndrome Advisory network to get their ideas and suggestions about our work.

We work to create change in social and public policy.

We want to make sure people understand the experiences of people with Down syndrome and their families. All our work is informed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

We work together with state and territory organisations to achieve our vision.

Our Vision

People living with Down syndrome are valued and have full access to social and economic inclusion in order to achieve their full potential.

Our Values

We are committed to achieving our vision through demonstrating our values of:

  • Inclusion
  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Empowering

Our collective purpose is leading change through the power of people with Down syndrome and the community.

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Down Syndrome Australia

Down Syndrome Australia logo

Down Syndrome Australia is the national peak organisation for people with Down syndrome in Australia.

A map of Australia and the Down syndrome Australia logo

This means bringing together and working with the other Down syndrome associations around the country.

A man and woman stand next to each other

People with Down syndrome are at the centre of all the work we do.

Down syndrome Advisory network group photo

We work with the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN). This is a group of people with Down syndrome who give us their ideas and suggestions about our work.

A mother, father and daughter stand together outdoors

We want to make sure people understand the experiences of people with Down syndrome and their families.

A board meting with people sitting around a meeting table

Our work helps the government and the community to make changes that help people with Down syndrome.

United National logo

We use the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities to guide us in our work. This tells us all about the rights of people with disabilities.

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Taking on the world together!

Late last year, Hugo Taheny, Ethan Parry and Sam Le Feuvre competed at the Virtus World Athletics Championships.They’ve spent years competing together and have built a strong friendship along the way. Sport is a big part of their lives, but so is backing each other, having a laugh and sharing the experience.In the latest edition of Voice, Hugo, Ethan and Sam talk about competing on the world stage, supporting each other and what sport means to them.Read the full story, in their own words, in the latest edition of Voice: #Downsyndrome #Voice #Virtusgames ... See MoreSee Less

16 hours ago
Taking on the world together!

Late last year, Hugo Taheny, Ethan Parry and Sam Le Feuvre competed at the Virtus World Athletics Championships.

They’ve spent years competing together and have built a strong friendship along the way. Sport is a big part of their lives, but so is backing each other, having a laugh and sharing the experience.

In the latest edition of Voice, Hugo, Ethan and Sam talk about competing on the world stage, supporting each other and what sport means to them.

Read the full story, in their own words, in the latest edition of Voice: https://buff.ly/K7g9wTd 

#Downsyndrome #Voice #Virtusgames

Accessible Communications is one of our current projects.

We’re looking at how easy NDIS factsheets are to understand. For many people, they’re still hard to read and harder to use.People with Down syndrome and intellectual disability are reviewing the factsheets and sharing their feedback. They talk about what makes sense, what’s confusing and what would help.The NDIS is using the feedback to improve current and future information.Ally, a member of the Expert Review Panel, shared this:“I hope our lived experience helps make a difference so Easy Read documents are actually easy to read and not long and complicated. I really like having a glossary to help me understand words I don’t know.”This project is about making information clearer, so people can understand it and use it.Learn more about the project: #accessiblecommunication #NDIS #livedexperience #Downsyndrome ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Accessible Communications is one of our current projects.

We’re looking at how easy NDIS factsheets are to understand. For many people, they’re still hard to read and harder to use.

People with Down syndrome and intellectual disability are reviewing the factsheets and sharing their feedback. They talk about what makes sense, what’s confusing and what would help.

The NDIS is using the feedback to improve current and future information.

Ally, a member of the Expert Review Panel, shared this:

“I hope our lived experience helps make a difference so Easy Read documents are actually easy to read and not long and complicated. I really like having a glossary to help me understand words I don’t know.”

This project is about making information clearer, so people can understand it and use it.

Learn more about the project: https://buff.ly/VJJYvGU 

#accessiblecommunication #NDIS #livedexperience #Downsyndrome

DSA is proud to have two people with Down syndrome on our Board.

Their lived experience helps guide our work. It helps make sure our decisions reflect what matters to our community.We spoke with Board member Michael Cox, who joined the Board in 2025, about what being on the Board involves and why it’s important.Michael, in his words:“I’ve always wanted to create a better world and a better society. Now that I’m on the Board, I can contribute to making life better for people with disabilities, particularly Down syndrome.”“I attend quarterly Board meetings and prepare by reading all the papers. Being prepared helps me contribute fully. I’m also part of the Nominations and Governance Committee.”“It’s extremely important that Boards and Governments hear directly from people with lived experience. Decisions should be made with people with disabilities, not just for organisations.”“I believe in working together. We’re stronger together.”Michael’s experience shows why people with lived experience belong at the decision-making table. #DSA #livedexperience #Downsyndrome #disabilityadvocacy ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
DSA is proud to have two people with Down syndrome on our Board.

Their lived experience helps guide our work. It helps make sure our decisions reflect what matters to our community.

We spoke with Board member Michael Cox, who joined the Board in 2025, about what being on the Board involves and why it’s important.

Michael, in his words:

“I’ve always wanted to create a better world and a better society. Now that I’m on the Board, I can contribute to making life better for people with disabilities, particularly Down syndrome.”

“I attend quarterly Board meetings and prepare by reading all the papers. Being prepared helps me contribute fully. I’m also part of the Nominations and Governance Committee.”

“It’s extremely important that Boards and Governments hear directly from people with lived experience. Decisions should be made with people with disabilities, not just for organisations.”

“I believe in working together. We’re stronger together.”

Michael’s experience shows why people with lived experience belong at the decision-making table. 

#DSA #livedexperience #Downsyndrome #disabilityadvocacy

Get In Touch

Down Syndrome Australia

Level 8, 805/220 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 

1300 344 954

info@downsyndrome.org.au

Media inquiries: media@downsyndrome.org.au

Pre-natal and New Families

1300 881 935

Contact your state or territory Down Syndrome Association to speak to a parent of a child with Down syndrome.

Send an enquiry

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About us

We are the National peak organisation for people living with Down syndrome and their families

Find out more