{"id":32,"date":"2020-03-03T12:31:19","date_gmt":"2020-03-03T01:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/testnational\/?page_id=32"},"modified":"2025-09-23T12:54:02","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T02:54:02","slug":"advocacy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Advocacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Down Syndrome Advisory Network<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) help Down Syndrome Australia to be the leading voice for people with Down syndrome in Australia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>We are a group of people from across Australia with Down syndrome.&nbsp;We have a member from each state and territory of Australia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of DSAN we work on two things:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We build leadership and advocacy skills&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We give advice to Down Syndrome Australia.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-maroon-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/advocacy\/down-syndrome-advisory-network\/\" style=\"border-radius:0px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out more about DSAN<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/advocacy\/down-syndrome-advisory-network\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/09\/DSA-WDSC2024Day3a-3692-3-1024x768-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/09\/DSA-WDSC2024Day3a-3692-3-1024x768-1.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/09\/DSA-WDSC2024Day3a-3692-3-1024x768-1-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Find out more about DSAN members and their work<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Health Ambassadors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"mailto:natalie.graham@downsyndrome.org.au\" data-type=\"mailto\" data-id=\"mailto:natalie.graham@downsyndrome.org.au\">Contact us<\/a> to request one of the Health Ambassadors to speak at your workplace or education facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/advocacy\/health-ambassadors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/DSA-Health-Ambassadors-cropped-1024x768.png\" alt=\"DSA Health ambassadors standing in a group\" class=\"wp-image-13660\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">About the Health Ambassadors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/IMG_3165-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A DSA health Ambassador delivers a speech\" class=\"wp-image-13782\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Get in touch with the Health Ambassadors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Advocacy Strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prenatal screening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NDIS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Migration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Advocacy Asks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/DSA_Advocacy-Asks-Paper_2023_WEB.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/DSA_Advocacy-Asks-Paper_cover_Page_01.jpg\" alt=\"The cover of DSA's advocacy document 'With Us Not For Us'. A young woman is holding up a piece of paper with the words &quot;Each person with Down syndrome is an individual&quot;.\" class=\"wp-image-22345\" style=\"width:339px;height:480px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With Us Not For Us (PDF)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:20px\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/DSA-Advocacy-Asks_Easy-Read_2023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/DSA-Advocacy-Asks_Easy-Read_2023_Page_01.jpg\" alt=\"The Easy Read cover of DSA's advocacy document 'With Us Not For Us'. A young woman is holding up a piece of paper with the words &quot;Each person with Down syndrome is an individual&quot;.\" class=\"wp-image-22347\" style=\"width:339px;height:480px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Easy Read<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Position\nStatements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Down Syndrome Australia is often asked about its position on popular and, sometimes, controversial issues.&nbsp;We have a number of position statements that tell everyone what we think about some of these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find all of our position statements on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/advocacy\/position-statements\/\">Prenatal testing, Education, Employment, and Migration here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/advocacy\/position-statements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_4771-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people talking.\" class=\"wp-image-1506\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Read our Position Statements here<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">World Down Syndrome Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may like to see our stories from World Down Syndrome Day celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, which has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/about-down-syndrome\/our-stories\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/family-photo-beach-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A family photo at the beach\" class=\"wp-image-3161\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">See all our stories about Down syndrome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">World\nDown Syndrome Congress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Down Syndrome&nbsp;International&nbsp;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!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This international conference brings\ntogether people with Down syndrome, family members, researchers and service\nproviders to showcase the latest research and best practice as well as the\nlived experience of Down syndrome from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on the WDSC that will be held in Brisbane in 2024,&nbsp;please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wdsc2024.org.au\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visit the Congress website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wdsc2024.org.au\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/DSC_0028-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Lady giving a talk\" class=\"wp-image-2107\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visit the World Down Syndrome Congress website<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resource\nHub<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Down Syndrome Australia provides information\nabout Down syndrome across a range of platforms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We aim to ensure that everyone can\naccess up-to-date, evidence-based information on Down syndrome. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find all of our resources and\ninformation about Down syndrome in the Resource Hub. Visit the Hub to find out\nmore about Down syndrome, health, education, employment and much more. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/resources\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/AdobeStock_267918892-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A boy getting help from a women on the computer.\" class=\"wp-image-2112\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visit our Resource Hub<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community Inclusion Toolkits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These resources have been developed\nfrom talking with people with Down syndrome and their families about the best\napproach to support inclusion in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/resources\/toolkits\/employment-toolkit\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/testnational\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/employment-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Man in formal clothes with a coffee.\" class=\"wp-image-45\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/employment-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/employment-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Employment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/resources\/toolkits\/education-toolkit\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/testnational\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/education-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Children reading science books.\" class=\"wp-image-46\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/education-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/education-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Education<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/resources\/toolkits\/health-toolkit\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/testnational\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/health-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Mother and daughter playing with a stethoscope.\" class=\"wp-image-47\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/health-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/health-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Health<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/resources\/toolkits\/community-sporting-toolkit\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/testnational\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/sport-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Girl running on a track.\" class=\"wp-image-48\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/sport-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/03\/sport-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Community &amp; Sporting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out more about our advocacy work, the Down Syndrome Advisory Network, and our Position Statements here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":846,"parent":0,"menu_order":12,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"state":[],"class_list":["post-32","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3489,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32\/revisions\/3489"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downsyndrome.org.au\/national\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state?post=32"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}