The Wrap-Up – Conference of State Parties (COSP)

DSA was excited to have the opportunity to attend the 16th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) last week. COSP is a three-day international event about the human rights of persons with disabilities. It was held at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York 13–15 June 2023.  DSA was supported to attend by funding contributed by the Australian Government.  

Angus Graham, Chairman of DSA’s Board said:  
“We recognise the importance of our attendance at COSP and the responsibility we have to people with Down syndrome and those with Intellectual Disability that we represent and advocate on behalf of. The UNCRPD is the foundation stone for greater inclusion, both economic and social for people with disability, and we pleased that the Australian Government recognises that Down Syndrome Australia has an important Voice in continuing to strengthen the CRPD by sharing our experiences and learning from other countries.” 

People with Down syndrome are at the centre of everything that DSA does, and COSP is no different. DSA's Health Ambassador Olivia Sidhu attended as part of the Youth Delegation and had a full agenda of presentations, round tables and panels that she participated in to present the things that are important to people with Down syndrome. 

Some of the key highlights (click or tap to view):

• Health Ambassador Olivia Sidhu’s speech at the Civil Society Forum
  
  
• CEO Darryl Steff’s intervention (speech) at the UN Meeting on Easy to Understand Communication
  
  
• Health Ambassador Olivia Sidhu’s intervention (speech) at the United Nations Conference of State Parties (COSP) on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
  
  
• Health Ambassador Olivia Sidhu’s panel presentation around easy to read communication

Follow us on social media to watch all of our presentations and see what we’ve been up to at COSP!

Introducing ‘Down Syndrome: The Essentials' 

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲, "𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀". 

Developed by Down Syndrome Australia, this course is designed to empower healthcare professionals in providing the best care and support for individuals with Down syndrome and is accredited by the RACGP for 6CPD points.   

It is also suitable for families, support workers, NDIS providers and anyone who is interested in learning more about Down syndrome.  

Gain knowledge, challenge biases, and promote inclusivity with this 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲. Join us on this educational journey towards better health outcomes for all! 

Creating change, together. 

As non-profit organisations, Down Syndrome Australia and its members are dedicated to supporting, informing and advocating for the needs of people with Down syndrome and their families across Australia.

Our teams work diligently to support people with Down syndrome through developing resources, advocating for positive change, engaging with the community and implementing innovative programs focused on creating an inclusive future for all.

Your ongoing support enables us to continue with this important work and together, shape the future for people with Down syndrome throughout Australia and beyond.  

All donations, no matter the amount, help us to continue our important work. 

All donations over $2 are tax deductible 

Community Spotlight

Highlighting stories & recent news in our community.

Hugo goes for Gold in Vichy, France! 🏅🏅

DSA Health Ambassador Hugo won 2x GOLD medals, competing in the men's discus and the 4kg men's shot put (WR) as he represented Australia alongside 120 athletes who qualified across 10 sports to compete at the Virtus Global Games in Vichy France.

Carer Gateway – It's ok to ask for help.

Carer Gateway is a free Australian-wide service dedicated to supporting Australia’s 2.65 million carers. Delivered in partnership with a network of service providers, Carer Gateway supports unpaid carers in a variety of ways, including with day-to-day activities, planning for the future, and carer wellbeing.   

If you care for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age, then Carer Gateway can help you.

Have your say

In this section you will find opportunities to join upcoming research studies.

If you'd like to ask questions about a study or be involved, please contact the researcher directly.

The National Disability Data Asset will bring together de-identified information from different government agencies about people with disability. This will help us to better understand the experiences of people with disability. The disability data asset will give us more information about programs and services. This will help us to better support people with disability, their carers and the community.

For more information about the privacy of the disability data asset visit ndda.gov.au/privacy-policy or download the information sheet below.

If you have any questions, please contact ndda@abs.gov.au

Resource Spotlight:
New Parent Information Pack

Our New Parent Information Pack includes resources designed specifically for parents and families with a new baby who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Answering questions like:

“What will life be like for our family?”

“What can we do to help our baby reach his or her full potential?”

Our booklets will help you understand what Down syndrome is and what it might be like to have a child with Down syndrome.

We’ve also included information about the support that is available, and about navigating family life and the health system in the early days and weeks.

To access our New Parent Information Pack and explore our other resources, guides, fact sheets and information about Down syndrome, visit our online resources hub. 

Join the conversation

Share your story with us for a chance to be featured! 
Simply tag us on social media @downsyndromeaustralia or email info@downsyndrome.org.au