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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.

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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.

Get Social

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Support needs don’t disappear because a family member provides the support.

We’re concerned that the new NDIS support determination rules may leave some people with Down syndrome and their families without the protections they need.In a new opinion piece, our CEO Darryl Steff explains why the safeguard for people with high support needs must recognise all the support a person needs, including support provided by family.People with the same support needs should have the same protections, regardless of who provides their support.Darryl will be in Canberra this week to raise these concerns directly with Ministers, MPs and the Department.Read and share Darryl’s opinion piece: #NDIS #DisabilityRights #DownSyndromeAustralia ... See MoreSee Less

18 hours ago
Support needs don’

We're delighted to have helped more than 170 people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disability into open employment at award wages through Employment Connections service.

We do this in partnership with the state and territory Down syndrome associations.#GoodNews from Australia, with Down Syndrome Australia "This workplace made me feel proud. It made me feel happy where I am and where I belong."That's Jack, a Compliance Officer at Fleet Plant Hire 💛In Australia, people with Down syndrome still struggle to find real jobs with fair pay. Down Syndrome Australia's Employment Connections service is changing that. It works with job seekers and employers to find roles that match each person's strengths and interests, and keeps supporting them once they start.So far, it has helped more than 170 people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities into open jobs, paid at the full standard wage for the role.And employers are seeing the benefits too. As Jade, Group Operations Manager at Fleet Plant Hire, puts it: "You get the same opportunity as everybody else." #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #DownSyndrome #GoodNews #DownSyndromeInternationalNetwork ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
Were delighted to ha

This National Carers Week, we recognise the many people who provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend.

National Carers Week runs from 11 to 17 October. This year’s theme is Care for a carer: Making carers visible.If you are a carer, the National Carers Week website includes:• stories from other carers• events across Australia• helpful information and resources• ideas for looking after your wellbeing• ways to connect with support.Find information and support: #NationalCarersWeek #CareForACarer #Carers Carers Australia ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
This National Carers

This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, DSA Health Ambassador Gillian shares her experience of mental health challenges and what she has learned about getting support.

Our Ask me about… videos give people with Down syndrome an opportunity to share their knowledge and advice from their own experience.Have a question for Gillian about her experience or tips? Leave it in the comments. Please share the video so her message reaches more people.Follow Down Syndrome Australia throughout October to hear more from people across our lived experience teams and discover why there’s more to know.Mental health supportEveryone’s experience of mental health is different. This video shares a personal experience and is not a substitute for professional advice.If you are experiencing mental health challenges, consider speaking with your GP or a mental health professional.For free, confidential support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.#MoreToKnowDSA #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #DownSyndrome #MentalHealth ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

Get In Touch

Down Syndrome Australia

1300 344 954

info@downsyndrome.org.au

Media enquiries: media@downsyndrome.org.au

Prenatal 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.

Postal address

117/530 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

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