Down Syndrome Advisory Network
The Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) is a group of people with Down syndrome chosen to work together to provide direct advice to the Down Syndrome Australia Board.
DSAN makes sure that Down Syndrome Australia receives direct input from Australians with Down syndrome on issues that affect them.
DSAN helps Down Syndrome Australia to:
- understand what is important to people with Down syndrome;
- guide the Board in its governance and strategy;
- make sure the work of DSA reflects input from people with Down syndrome;
- be a credible representative voice for people with Down syndrome;
- develop resources; and
- identify and develop people with Down syndrome as leaders.
Health Ambassadors
The DSA Health Ambassadors are a group of people with Down syndrome who inform others about how to communicate with and include people with Down syndrome in their health conversations.
Contact us to request one of the Health Ambassadors to speak at your workplace or education facility.
Our Advocacy Strategy
Down Syndrome Australia provides systemic advocacy on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families. We work to create change and make sure people understand the experiences of people with Down syndrome and their families.
We are working on issues that are important to people with Down syndrome and their families and communities. Our advocacy work addresses key issues like:
- Prenatal screening
- Health
- NDIS
- Education
- Employment
- Migration
Our Advocacy Asks
Position Statements
Down Syndrome Australia is often asked about its position on popular and, sometimes, controversial issues. We have a number of position statements that tell everyone what we think about some of these issues.
You can find all of our position statements on Prenatal testing, Education, Employment, and Migration here
World Down Syndrome Day
On this day, people all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome around the world.
You may like to see our stories from World Down Syndrome Day celebrations.
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, which has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012.
World Down Syndrome Congress
Down Syndrome International organises the World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC), to be held every 2-3 years in a different location. In 2024 the Congress will be held in Brisbane, Australia!
This international conference brings together people with Down syndrome, family members, researchers and service providers to showcase the latest research and best practice as well as the lived experience of Down syndrome from around the world.
For more information on the WDSC that will be held in Brisbane in 2024, please visit the Congress website.
Resource Hub
Down Syndrome Australia provides information about Down syndrome across a range of platforms.
We aim to ensure that everyone can access up-to-date, evidence-based information on Down syndrome.
You can find all of our resources and information about Down syndrome in the Resource Hub. Visit the Hub to find out more about Down syndrome, health, education, employment and much more.
Community Inclusion Toolkits
Down Syndrome Australia developed the Community Inclusion Toolkit to support the inclusion of people with Down syndrome in the community, whether it be in education, the workforce, health settings, playing sports or out in the community. Being inclusive is about offering and supporting opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to participate, learn, contribute, and belong.
These resources have been developed from talking with people with Down syndrome and their families about the best approach to support inclusion in the community.
