Down Syndrome Australia’s Annual Report 2023-24
Together We Can: Strengthening Our Community
2023/24 has been a year of growth for Down Syndrome Australia. We’ve built on past successes, expanded our team and increased our community impact. Advocacy has remained at the heart of our work. This year, we became a national Disability Representative Organisation and continued driving change to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome.
One of the year’s key highlights was hosting the World Down Syndrome Congress 2024 in Brisbane, where we brought together 1,000 delegates from 45 countries to connect, learn and drive positive change.
By working closely with our members, partners and the wider community, we’re making progress toward a more inclusive society for all.
Who We Are
Celebrating Our Achievements
8,000+
Monthly newsletter readers
392,440
Total website views
16,792
Total resource downloads
29
New or updated resources developed
4
Formal presentations at COSP and Civil Society
7
Online self-paced courses for Pathways to Independence
190
Workshops for the Pathways to Independence project
84
People with Down syndrome placed in open employment
2
Editions of Voice in print and digital, reaching over 5,300 subscribers
43
Inclusive Communication presentations to 3,800+ health professionals
38
Submissions, including NDIS Review and the Disability Royal Commission
30
Advisory groups and committees engaged
DRO
DSA became the lead of a national Disability Representative Organisation
WDSD
Numerous World Down Syndrome Day celebrations and activities
NDIS
Collaboration with NDIA to co-design the NDIS reforms
WDSC
Over 1000 people from 45 countries attended the World Down Syndrome Congress
Advocating for Change
Advocacy is a central part of our work. We’ve continued to drive meaningful change to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome. Watch the video below to learn more about our key advocacy work and the progress we’ve made.
Find out more about our Advocacy Asks here.
Empowering Our Community
The voices and rights of people with Down syndrome shape everything we do. This year, we’ve worked to empower people with Down syndrome to build confidence, leadership and self-advocacy through both new and ongoing programs and opportunities.
We’ve also continued to ensure people have the resources and information they need to make informed decisions about their lives.
The Sherry Hogan Scholarship is one example of this work. The program supported five people with Down syndrome in becoming leaders at the World Down Syndrome Congress. The Congress marked the successful completion of this one-year program. Watch the video below to hear from the scholarship recipients and learn more about the impact of the program.
Projects That Empower Our Community
“Making sure people with Down syndrome have a voice at DSA is so important. It means our experiences shape the decisions that affect our lives.”
— CLAIRE MITCHELL, SELF-ADVOCATE AND DSA BOARD MEMBER
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Congress 2024
Hosting the World Down Syndrome Congress 2024 in Brisbane was one of the year’s biggest highlights. Over four days in July, we brought together nearly 1,000 delegates from 45 countries to connect, celebrate and share ideas that drive change for people with Down syndrome.
Under the theme “Together We Can: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion,” the Congress offered sessions on:
1. Health and Therapeutic Advances
2. Education and Employment
3. Advocacy and Social Inclusion
4. Family Life
5. Personal Development
Self-advocates, families and experts led workshops, shared the latest research and gave inspiring presentations. There were also exhibitions and plenty of opportunities for delegates to connect.
This event was the result of three years of hard work and collaboration. A big thank you to all who contributed—our patrons, committee, staff, volunteers, sponsors, speakers and special guests.
Discover more highlights from Congress in our special edition of Voice.
“Wow! What another extraordinary World Down Syndrome Congress 2024! We’ve met more incredible people and heard inspiring stories and insights.”
– Congress participant
“It was a privilege to see the Congress unfold over the four days. The atmosphere allowed our global community to connect and feel welcomed and among friends.”
– Congress participant
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so amazing! Day one was massive and so informative—the speakers have been amazing!”
– Congress participant
Financial Overview
Read more in our Financial Report for 2023-24.
Thank You
Thanks to our members, funders, partners, staff and volunteers, we’re able to expand our reach, strengthen our advocacy and create more opportunities for people with Down syndrome. We’re grateful to everyone who supports our work and collaborates with us to make a difference.
Stay Connected
Thank you for supporting Down Syndrome Australia this year.
To stay informed and help us create lasting change, you can: