DSA advocacy in action

DSA is working closely with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to improve the Scheme for people with Down syndrome.

We're part of the Reform for Outcomes project. This focuses on improving aspects of the NDIA - like planning, workforce and independent living. Our CEO, Darryl Steff, is co-chairing the workforce planning group.

You can read the latest update from our Quarterly Meeting in February here:

The NDIS Review report, released late last year, acknowledges that the disability support system, including the NDIS, can be confusing and not always fair. It offers suggestions for improvement. If the government agrees, it might take a few years to put these changes into action.

DSA took part in the NDIS Review to ensure that the voices of people with Down syndrome, families and supporters were heard. We're still working closely with the government and NDIA to improve things for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability. 

In response to the NDIS Review Report, our Advocacy team has created this discussion paper. The first part of the paper discusses a range of issues raised in the Review, including foundational supports, mainstream services and accessing the NDIS.

We want to hear about what you think of the NDIS Review - find out how at the end of the discussion paper.

Relationships Workshop for people with Down syndrome

Do you want to learn more about relationships?

Join Queensland Down Syndrome Advisory Network Member Michael on 22 May to learn about:

• Different types of relationships
• Healthy and unhealthy relationships
• Consent

This workshop is for people with Down syndrome. It focuses on people aged 16 and up. 

Bridge the Digital Divide webinars 

We're partnering with Good Things Foundation to help bridge the digital divide for young people and adults with intellectual disability.

Interested in becoming a Digital Mentor?

Join us for a free webinar to learn how you can support people to gain skills and confidence in online safely.

Dates:

Webinar 1: 8 May - 1:30pm AEST
Webinar 2: 15 May - 11am AEST

These interactive two-hour webinars are for support workers and service providers. Build your confidence in digital literacy support. Hear about the latest resources available.

Learn more and have a look at the resources available: Bridging the Divide resources.

For more information, contact Rachel.Spencer@downsyndrome.org.au

Get FREE tickets to the 2024 SACID Conference!

Great news! If you have an intellectual disability, you may be able to attend the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID) conference in Adelaide free.

This year's conference is on health and wellbeing. It will include fantastic speakers and fun movement and mindfulness activities. 

You won't want to miss Jim Simpson and Gavin Burner talking about the National Centre of Excellence in Disability Health. This is a big deal and something we should all know about.

The conference is on 6 and 7 June 2024. Learn more about it and book your tickets here:

"My Perspective" photography competition

Photographers and videographers with Down syndrome, capture the world through your lens with "My Perspective," an international photography competition by the Down's Syndrome Association.

Show people how you see the world and tell your story through the power of photography. Entries close on Sunday 23 June 2024.

Click the button below to learn more and enter the competition:

Health 

Dementia in people with Down syndrome

We're working with the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance for their Joint Solutions - Young Onset Dementia Project.

Young Onset Dementia (YOD) starts before age 65 and is more common in people with Down syndrome. As people with Down syndrome live longer, YOD is becoming more common. DSA is addressing this concern, advocating for it and offering support for people and families.

As part of this effort, we're having small group or one-on-one discussions with people with Down syndrome and dementia, their families and supporters. We'll talk about things like diagnosis, planning care, managing changes and planning for the future. Our goal is to understand what support is available now, find any problems and plan how to make things better.

If you want to join in, please contact Rachel Spencer at Rachel.Spencer@downsyndrome.org.au.

We know this topic can be hard for many people, and we're here to help and give you more information.

Down Syndrome Queensland has made a webinar on understanding dementia in people with Down syndrome. You can watch it here:

You can also read a recent article on managing Down syndrome and dementia, featuring our CEO, Darryl Steff:

NEW Young Person CHAP tool

The Young Person Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) is now available free for people aged 12-18 with intellectual disability. 

The Young Person CHAP has been created by the Department of Health and Aged Care. It is designed to be user-friendly. You can fill it out on a computer or print it and fill it out by hand. It's designed to be simple and accessible for everyone.

Annual health assessments are crucial. They help identify unmet health needs in people with intellectual disability. Your GP can use Medicare items to support the use of this tool.