Down Syndrome Australia thumbnail.
Down Syndrome Australia Logo

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.

Follow Us

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.

Get Social

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Healthy habits do not have to be hard to follow.

Sandon from our Down Syndrome Advisory Network shares the everyday things he does to look after his body and mind.Sandon says: It’s important to look after yourself and live a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips that I do that helps keep me healthy and relaxed. — Make sure you get enough sleep (at least 8 hours) — Wash your hands before eating — Eat healthy food including fresh fruit and vegetables — Find 30 minutes a day to exercise — Find time to relax by: * Colouring in * Listening to music * Spending time with friends * Doing yoga and having quiet time on your own * Enjoying the sunset What do you do to stay healthy? Please share this with your friends and family or leave a ‘like’ in the comments below. #Downsyndrome #DSA #DSAN. ... See MoreSee Less

17 hours ago
Healthy habits do not have to be hard to follow. 

Sandon from our Down Syndrome Advisory Network shares the everyday things he does to look after his body and mind.

Sandon says: 

It’s important to look after yourself and live a healthy lifestyle.  Here are some tips that I do that helps keep me healthy and relaxed. 

— Make sure you get enough sleep (at least 8 hours) 
— Wash your hands before eating 
— Eat healthy food including fresh fruit and vegetables 
— Find 30 minutes a day to exercise 
— Find time to relax by: 

* Colouring in 
* Listening to music 
* Spending time with friends 
* Doing yoga and having quiet time on your own 
* Enjoying the sunset 

What do you do to stay healthy?  Please share this with your friends and family or leave a ‘like’ in the comments below. 

#Downsyndrome #DSA #DSAN.

Who we are. What we stand for.

This year, DSA has increased our focus on putting the voices of people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability at the centre of our work. We now employ more than 35 people with lived experience to help run our projects, programs and advocacy. Watch the video below to learn more about our mission, vision and values. It shows what guides us every day and why this work matters.Want to see more stories, videos and highlights from the year?Read our 2024 to 25 Annual Report: buff.ly/d49PLp0#DownSyndromeAustralia #Downsyndrome #AnnualReport ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

The NDIS is changing. Some changes are happening now. Others will happen later.

In the news this week, people have been talking about how funding decisions may work and how funding can be used.DSA has joined other Disability Representative Organisations to call for a planning process that is fair, safe and trusted.We also want people to be able to ask for a review easily if their plan doesn’t meet their needs.Read the full statement: If you have questions, email advocacy@downsyndrome.org.au and we can help.Please share this post to help keep our community informed. #ndis #advocacy #disabilityrepresentation #downsyndrome ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
The NDIS is changing. Some changes are happening now. Others will happen later.

In the news this week, people have been talking about how funding decisions may work and how funding can be used.

DSA has joined other Disability Representative Organisations to call for a planning process that is fair, safe and trusted.

We also want people to be able to ask for a review easily if their plan doesn’t meet their needs.

Read the full statement: https://buff.ly/fw4QMTw 

If you have questions, email advocacy@downsyndrome.org.au and we can help.

Please share this post to help keep our community informed. 

#ndis #advocacy #disabilityrepresentation #downsyndrome

We recently had a productive day at Australian Parliament House advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families.

We met with:- Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister- Dr Mike Freelander MP, Chair of the Committee for the inquiry into the proposed Thriving Kids initiative program- Libby Coker MP, Chair of Joint Standing Committee on the NDISWe shared what we're hearing from our community about the Thriving Kids program and changes to the NDIS.DSA Board Member Claire Mitchell, spoke about improving the accessibility of NDIS plans and meetings for people with Down syndrome. DSA Health Ambassador Olivia Sidhu, spoke about continuing the important work of the Health Ambassadors. ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
We recently had a productive day at Australian Parliament House advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families.

We met with:

- Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister
- Dr Mike Freelander MP, Chair of the Committee for the inquiry into the proposed Thriving Kids initiative program
- Libby Coker MP, Chair of Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS

We shared what were hearing from our community about the Thriving Kids program and changes to the NDIS.

DSA Board Member Claire Mitchell, spoke about improving the accessibility of NDIS plans and meetings for people with Down syndrome. 

DSA Health Ambassador Olivia Sidhu, spoke about continuing the important work of the Health Ambassadors.Image attachmentImage attachment

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

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Banner section image

About us

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

Find out more