December 2023

Update from the CEO

‌Welcome to the December edition of Down Syndrome Australia's e-news.

Incredible to think that it is nearly the end of the year. It has been a crucial time for disability reform in Australia this year, with the NDIS Review just being released today.

DSA has been heavily involved in the consultation for the NDIS Review, and have been busy today looking over the report and making comments to media about its release. I also joined fellow disability representative organisations at the National Press Club today to hear Minister Shorten's address (picture below).

We will have more updates for you in the new year about this Review, and the Disability Royal Commission. Together there are a vast number of recommendations and supporting actions needed to reform disability support in Australia - so there is a long path ahead.

DSA has also released our annual report, which I encourage you to read. There is also a highlights summary if you only have a moment.

Lastly, a reminder that registrations and abstracts are open for World Down Syndrome Congress - happening in July 2024 in Brisbane. We actively encourage you to consider putting in an abstract - it can be anything from a talk, workshop, dance performance or artistic piece. We want Congress to be a space for everyone, and are keen to hear your ideas.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy festive season.

Sincerely

Darryl Steff

CEO

Down Syndrome Australia

NDIS report response

Annual report

World Down Syndrome Congress

What's coming up at DSA

Including students in the classroom - South Australia

13 & 14 March 2024

Down Syndrome Victoria's Education Managers, Ro and Paula, are heading to Adelaide in March 2024 to talk about inclusion and education for students with Down syndrome.

13th March - for teachers, school leaders and support staff.

14th March - for parents and caregivers.

Registrations will open soon.

DSA Annual Report

DSA has released our Annual Report for 2022/23 which includes a highlights summary of all the great things we have been up to.

Find the report on our website:

Annual Report

Story spotlight!

DSA Health Ambassadors recognised as finalists for the Disability Leadership Awards

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the Disability Leadership Institute awards, announced on International Day of People with Disability, 3 December.

DSA was honoured to be included in this list of finalists in the Innovation category, for our Inclusive Communication project - delivered by our wonderful Health Ambassadors.

A huge congratulations to Robert King for taking out the Innovation award - his journey to independent living is amazing and shines a light on what is possible.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their achievements.

DSA is proud to be amongst this group of people and organisations who contribute so much to the community and make transformative change.

Information

Have your say on the Disability Royal Commission

The Disability Royal Commission has opened a questionnaire for public consultation. This aims to gather insights and feedback on the Disability Royal Commission's recommendations from diverse perspectives within the disability sector, and broader community. DSA will be making a submission as part of this process and we encourage you to do this as well.

Easy read

DRC questionnaire

Reminder: new COVID vaccination announced

Australia is in the eighth wave of COVID right now.

Some people with disability have health conditions that put them at greater risk of negative outcomes from COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself is by staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination.

The Australian Government has announced a new COVID vaccination. This vaccination can provide improved protection against COVID strains currently in the community. We recommend you speak to your GP or healthcare professional to find out if this vaccination is suitable for you.

You can book your COVID-19 vaccination at a GP or pharmacy today. Find out more here:

Book an appointment

Update for NSW community

Last month, Down Syndrome Australia shared an important update for the Down syndrome community in NSW - that Down Syndrome NSW are no longer members of Down Syndrome Australia.

DSA is committed to providing ongoing support for NSW families. You can read more about this announcement on our website:

Advocacy

Access to Dental Care report handed down

The Parliamentary Inquiry into Access to Dental Care has now made its final report with the submission from DSA and sector partners being referenced throughout.

DSA is still working through the recommendations for the report, but there are some positive ideas, such as: NDIS funding access to oral health care and universal access to dental care through Medicare or another scheme.

NDIS Review report - out today!

The final report for the NDIS Review was handed down today with Minister Shorten making an address at the National Press Club.

DSA has issued a media statement on the Report and is working with disability representative organisations to ensure that the implementation of this report is collaborative. The NDIS Review Report has 26 recommendations and 139 supporting actions. The Disability Royal Commission report, recently released had 222 recommendations. Collectively, there is a lot of work to be done and DSA will be advocating to ensure implementation is undertaken in active collaboration with people with disability.

DSA response to NDIS Report

Easy read

What's happening in the community

Watch the inaugural Disability Leadership Oration

The inaugural Disability Leadership Oration, by disability rights lawyer and advocate Natalie Wade, is a thought-provoking talk aimed at setting the agenda and sparking conversation on disability leadership.

You can watch it on ABC iview:

Watch here

‌World Down Syndrome Congress

Guide: using NDIS funds to attend Congress

Did you know that you might be able to use NDIS funding to attend the World Down Syndrome Congress next year?!

We've produced a short and helpful guide to help you understand this.

Check it out here:

NDIS funding guide

Easy Read guide to Congress

Everything you need to know about Congress in Easy Read!

Down Syndrome Australia is the national peak organisation for people with Down syndrome and their families. We work closely with the State and Territory Down syndrome associations to provide advocacy, support, and information.

Down Syndrome Australia is proud to receive support from the Australian Government's Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Grant program, in order to deliver a wide variety of projects to support people with Down syndrome, their family and supporters.

Please get in touch if you have feedback you would like to share with us.

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

Down Syndrome Australia and its members acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Down Syndrome Australia, 552 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, VIC, 3051

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