Empowering people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability
Understanding and using your rights through the NDIS can be challenging. Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) is making it easier. The Supporting My Rights project is creating accessible resources that help people with intellectual disability understand their rights and feel confident using them.
The project also supports service providers and workers with tailored resources, helping them understand and uphold the rights of people with disability within the NDIS. By equipping both people with disability and their support networks, the project is helping ensure everyone can navigate the NDIS confidently and respectfully.
Co-design in action
Co-design is at the heart of the project. DSA is working with two Project Officers with intellectual disability and a Project Reference Group of six people with intellectual disability.
The Project Officers are contributing to the evaluation framework, helping measure the project’s impact on participants and the broader community. The Project Reference Group meets regularly with staff to plan, edit and advise on resources. Multiple rounds of feedback ensure all voices are reflected.
2024/25 highlights
- Recruiting and onboarding eight people with intellectual disability to deliver the project
- Planning and co-designing accessible resources and workshops
- Developing the first stage of resources and workshops
- Co-designing the project logo with an artist with Down syndrome
- Producing podcasts
- Co-developing the app
Voices from the project
Alanna Julian, Project Officer
“I co-facilitate workshops with the Project Reference Group. We are creating resources to help people with intellectual disability and Down syndrome understand their rights, and providing feedback on developing an app. A highlight is hearing the group’s feedback on making resources more accessible for everyone.”
Greg Bonyhady, Project Officer
“I am one of two Project Officers for the Supporting My Rights group. My role has been very valuable. I enjoy meeting new people and taking on more responsibility in facilitating discussions. I’ve grown my skills and loved seeing people with a disability come together and be given a voice.”
Ally Gillies, Project Reference Group member
“It has been great to be part of this project and help make changes to the resources which will help people with disabilities understand things in simple Easy Read language. I love working with the other team members. We support each other and learn new skills. The highlight was meeting new people on the Project Reference Group and planning the upcoming podcast and photoshoot.”
Bri George, Project Reference Group member
“My favourite part of being in the Project Reference Group is having my voice heard, and being a voice for people who aren’t as confident.”
Ben Chew, Project Reference Group member
“I really enjoyed meeting the designer of the logo. She has a disability and lived experience, which made it feel even more special. Seeing my ideas included made me feel proud. Another highlight was getting paid work — that feeling is fun and rewarding. Overall, being part of a team where my input is valued has been amazing.”
Ana Nguyen, Project Reference Group member
Michael Burrowes, Project Reference Group member
Next steps
The project is ongoing, with resources and the app planned for launch in November 2025.
This program is funded by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.