Down Syndrome Australia

In a recent interview on Access Granted, a new Australian podcast on disability inclusion, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted our Health Ambassadors' role in educating medical professionals about the needs of people with disability. She said: "One of the examples I've talked about a number of times have been our Down Syndrome Health Ambassadors who have talked with medical professionals about what it means to have Down Syndrome, and exactly how they would like to be engaged with." Minister Rishworth also emphasised the need for ongoing training to ensure healthcare professionals meet the changing needs of people with disability. We’re proud of our Health Ambassadors and the positive impact they’re making. We look forward to sharing more of their progress this year. #downsyndrome #DSA #downsyndromeaustralia #ministerrishworth #inclusion #disability #disabilityhealth Read more of Minister Rishworth's interview here: https://buff.ly/4gI09mY

📣 Voice Story Spotlight: Charlotte’s Advocacy Journey In the latest edition of Voice, we hear from Charlotte Woodward, who was a keynote speaker at last year's World Down Syndrome Congress. Charlotte is an American sociologist and heart transplant recipient. She is working hard to fight against transplant discrimination for people with disability. Read Charlotte’s story and other highlights from the World Down Syndrome Congress here: https://buff.ly/3ZXEZeC #Voice #DownSyndrome #DownSyndromeAustralia #WDSC24 #WDSC #DisabilityRights #InclusionAustralia #Inclusion

Meet Anna Gray from WA! Anna joined our Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) in 2024. Anna lives in Perth and, in December 2023, moved into her own unit with her flatmate and puppy, Miley. Anna works two jobs—one at HBF in the city and another at St John of God as the Mailroom Assistant. She also volunteers at a local kindy for two-year-olds. In her spare time, Anna loves going to the beach with friends and trains for open water swimming. She also goes to the gym and practices Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts). Dancing has always been a passion of Anna’s, and she’s currently into ballroom dancing, with her favourite dance being the tango because it’s edgy. Anna is really into fitness and mindful eating and would love to be a role model for others to practice a healthy lifestyle. About DSAN DSAN provides advice directly to the Down Syndrome Australia Board, ensuring people with Down syndrome have a voice on the issues that matter to them. Learn more about DSAN: https://buff.ly/4dfLBtl #DownSyndromeAwareness #DownSyndromeAdvocate #downsyndromeaustralia #IncludeMe #inclusion #inclusionaustralia #InclusionForAll #Inclusionmatters #InclusiveCommunity #InclusiveOpportunities

🌟 Our most popular video of 2024: "Down Syndrome: Let's Set the Record Straight" In case you missed it last year, check out our video where people with Down syndrome, their siblings and parents share their stories and help clear up common misunderstandings about Down syndrome. Now, we want to hear from YOU! What do you want others to know about Down syndrome? Share your thoughts in the comments. Please share this video with your friends and family so we can reach even more people! #DownSyndromeAwareness #LetsSetTheRecordStraight #Inclusion #DownSyndromeAustralia #DownSyndrome #includeme

As 2024 comes to an end, we want to say a big thank you! We’re so grateful to our members, funders, partners and supporters. Your help makes everything we do possible. A special thank you to our donors, volunteers and staff. Your hard work means DSA can keep supporting and standing up for our community. And to our wonderful followers – thank you for being with us this year! Here’s to an even better 2025, together! #thankyou #supporters #inclusionaustralia #inclusion #includeme #downsyndrome #downsyndromeaustralia

🌟 2024 Highlight: Empowering Our Community This year, we’ve continued to empower people with Down syndrome to build confidence, leadership and self-advocacy through both new and ongoing programs and opportunities. One great example of this is the Sherry Hogan Scholarship. 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 to hear from the scholarship recipients and learn about the impact of the program. #downsyndrome #downsyndromeaustralia #leadership #inclusion #WDSC24 #WDSC

✨ 2024 Highlight: Becoming the lead of a national Disability Representative Organisation This year, DSA was proudly recognised by the Federal Government as a Disability Representative Organisation, leading a new consortium. We now represent people with Down syndrome and other chromosomal variations. This recognition highlights the important role we play in advocating for our community. We’re excited to continue this work in 2025 as we push for meaningful changes to improve lives. Learn more: https://buff.ly/4anZ6EK #DRO #downsyndrome #downsyndromeaustralia #disability #disabilityrespresentativeorganisation

🎄Season's Greetings from the DSA team! Wishing you and your family a joyful, peaceful day and festive season filled with love and laughter. #SeasonsGreetings #HappyHolidays #Downsyndrome #Downsyndromeaustralia

📢 Voice Story Spotlight: In the latest edition of Voice, we share some of the exciting music, art and dance performances that were highlights of the World Down Syndrome Congress 2024. Read this story and more here: https://buff.ly/41Clcmf #Voice #DownSyndrome #DownSyndromeAustralia #WDSC24 #WDSC #DisabilityRights #InclusionAustralia #Inclusion

✨ Highlights of 2024: World Down Syndrome Congress! One of our biggest highlights of 2024 was hosting the World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane. In July, nearly 1,000 people from 45 countries came together for four days to connect, celebrate and share ideas to make life better for people with Down syndrome. The Congress theme, “Together We Can: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion,” covered important topics, including: 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 talks. There were also exhibitions and lots of chances to meet new people to share ideas and build friendships. This event took three years of hard work and collaboration to bring to life. A huge thank you to everyone who helped—our patrons, committee, staff, volunteers, sponsors, speakers and special guests. Watch the video to see Congress highlights! #WDSC24 #WDSC #togetherwecan #Downsyndrome #downsyndromeaustralia #diversity #inclusion