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1300 344 954

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

Overview

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.

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Find out more about our work

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.

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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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So awesome to have our ambassador Valentine Holmes meet the team from Down Syndrome Queensland and the Townsville community this week to talk all things footy 😃 Everyone had an absolute ball!

So awesome to have our ambassador Valentine Holmes meet the team from Down Syndrome Queensland and the Townsville community this week to talk all things footy 😃Everyone had an absolute ball! ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

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Comment on Facebook 390525084378985_3777939262304200

Should be changed to up syndrome!

“It needs to be very clear that the needs of people with Down syndrome and autism are different than people with just Down syndrome or just autism. They need different supports. These differences are not always captured by the questions asked in an assessment. You need to look at how these issues interact and how to support people holistically. It has to be seen as a separate thing but also something that has a multiplier impact. The supports you do early on have an impact on how independent the person can be in the future.” Recently, parents of children with both Down syndrome and autism shared their experiences with us for a submission to the NDIA on their consultation about support for people with autism. Research suggests that people with Down syndrome are more likely to have autism compared to other people in the community. DSA argues that the NDIA needs to consider the additional support required for people who have autism and other co-occuring disabilities. We are concerned about the proposal around fixed funding bands and the use of independent assessments. Read our submission here: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-NDIA-Autism-Final_PDF.pdf

“It needs to be very clear that the needs of people with Down syndrome and autism are different than people with just Down syndrome or just autism. They need different supports. These differences are not always captured by the questions asked in an assessment. You need to look at how these issues interact and how to support people holistically. It has to be seen as a separate thing but also something that has a multiplier impact. The supports you do early on have an impact on how independent the person can be in the future.” Recently, parents of children with both Down syndrome and autism shared their experiences with us for a submission to the NDIA on their consultation about support for people with autism. Research suggests that people with Down syndrome are more likely to have autism compared to other people in the community. DSA argues that the NDIA needs to consider the additional support required for people who have autism and other co-occuring disabilities. We are concerned about the proposal around fixed funding bands and the use of independent assessments. Read our submission here: https://downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/… ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago

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  • Likes: 68
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Comment on Facebook “It needs to be ...

Thank you for this.

💯

Completely agree 100%. My son has Down Syndrome and level 1 autism and his needs are very complex. No one generalised band of support or funding can suit everyone.

Get In Touch

Down Syndrome Australia

18/71 Victoria Crescent, Abbotsford VIC 3067

1300 344 954

info@downsyndrome.org.au

Media enquiries 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.

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