Down Syndrome Australia (DSA)
Down Syndrome Australia was established in 2011 as the peak body for people with Down syndrome in Australia. Our purpose is to influence social and policy change and provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome. Our vision is an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential, and enjoy social and economic inclusion. All our work is informed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Down Syndrome Australia Federation is made up of Down Syndrome Australia and State and Territory Down syndrome organisations from across Australia. Our collective purpose statement is: Leading change through the power of people with Down syndrome and the community.
The Federation works together to provide support for people with Down syndrome and to make Australian society inclusive for people with Down syndrome. The state and territory down syndrome organisations provide a range of direct information, advocacy and support to people with Down syndrome and their families. They also provide training and information to other organisations such as schools, professionals and employers about Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome are at the centre of all of the work that we do. 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 CEO and Board. A number of the state associations also have established advisory networks which provide advice on the services and supports provided locally. You can find out more about DSAN work here.