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August 2021

Two children hug eachother against a blue background. Text reads: Visit our Resource Hub

Welcome to the latest edition of Down Syndrome Australia's e-news. Read the latest news and updates and find out about our resources, information and advocacy work across Australia.

Please get in touch if you have any feedback you would like to share with us. You can reach us at info@downsyndrome.org.au.

Down Syndrome Advisory Network

Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) spent two days in a virtual catch-up session to work on strategy, give input into the direction of the new employment project, and learn new leadership skills.

The members gave valuable input into DSA’s new strategic plan and shared what issues are important to people with Down syndrome. They also discussed how DSAN can make an impact on the broader community in the next 6-12 months.

The group left their time together feeling reinvigorated, refreshed and ready to take on some new challenges with a renewed and self-motivated focus.

Prenatal survey

Down Syndrome Australia is conducting a survey of families of children with Down syndrome who are 10 and under, to help us advocate to the Government about prenatal screening and support during the prenatal period.

The survey is anonymous, and you do not have to give your name or details. But you can share your contact details if you are willing for us to get in touch about your experiences.

By filling out the survey you go into a draw to win one of two $100 gift cards.

Take the survey

Voice magazine

The August issue of Voice will be reaching your mailboxes this month, and the theme for this month is money.

DSA ran a competition to have an artist with Down syndrome submit an artwork for the cover for this issue, and the winner is Georgia Bartlett from regional NSW.

Congratulations Georgia!

A man wearing a red jacket and cap against a colourful backdrop

Micro-enterprises

We have a new page on our website dedicated to micro-enterprises.

It features stories of people with Down syndrome from across Australia who run their own businesses. If you have your own small business or work for yourself, we can feature your business on our website. Contact us at info@downsyndrome.org.au.

Find out more about the benefits of being an entrepreneur and working for yourself here.

Business Pages

321 Pregnancy Care

DSA has taken on responsibility for the 321 Pregnancy Care Facebook page and group.

A special thank you to Joelle Wedd for establishing such a supportive network and trusting us to continue this important work.

We will continue to provide a supportive place for pregnant Australian women who have received a high chance screening result or confirmed diagnosis during their pregnancy. This page will provide an opportunity for prospective parents to access peer-support, information, and connection to other families.

Visit the Facebook page

A health professional talks to a pregnant woman

Scrapheap Adventure Ride

The Scrapheap Adventure Ride is about having fun, raising awareness and funds for Down Syndrome Australia. This year in October riders will be making their way to Gulargambone in NSW, for a weekend of fun and entertainment in support of our community. All donations up to $10,000 will be matched by the Sherry Hogan Foundation.

Funds raised will be used to support programs for regional families across Australia.

You can make a donation and raise funds for Down syndrome here:

Support the Scrapheap ride

COVID-19 vaccines update

From Monday 9 August, children aged between 12 to 15 years old with Down syndrome will be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.

Use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to find out when and where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including your second dose.

To find a participating practice, follow the prompts and click 'Make a Booking' at the end to find a service near you.

You can get read more about vaccines for adolescents aged 12–15 years from ATAGI here.

Disability Royal Commission

Due to the ongoing nature of the current COVID-19 restrictions on movement and travel, the Disability Royal Commission has decided that Public Hearing 16, which was scheduled to take place in Melbourne from 28 July to 3 August, will be postponed until later in August 2021.

You can monitor the Disability Royal Commission website for information about hearings and the latest news.

To contact the Royal Commission email DRCmedia@royalcommission.gov.au or call

telephone 1800 517 199 from 9:00am to 5:00pm AEST Monday to Friday.

Royal Commission website

NDIS updates

Independent Assessments

On July 9, plans to force NDIS participants into having controversial independent assessments were scrapped by the federal government.

For many months DSA listened to our community’s concerns over these proposed assessments and joined with other disability organisations to lobby the federal government to not go through with the changes.

We are very happy that the proposed independent assessments will not be going ahead and look forward to working with the NDIA and Minister Reynolds on developing a new approach moving forward.

Disability Gateway

The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia.

The Disability Gateway:

improves the navigation to access relevant information and services
spans multiple sectors including health, housing, employment, transport and everyday living
exists as a central point of entry for referrals to disability information, services and programs.

You can visit the Disability Gateway website, cal1800 643 787, or send an email to disabilitygateway@benevolent.org.au

Disability Gateway

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You can reach us at info@downsyndrome.org.au.

Down Syndrome Australia, 18/71 Victoria Crescent, Abbotsford VIC 3067

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