NDIS is set to get a reboot

On 18 April 2023, Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten spoke about the NDIS at a national press conference. He announced some changes to the NDIS, talked about some problems and also highlighted the need for some changes to make it work better. 

One thing that was made clear is that "the NDIS is here to stay."

Read the full ABC News article or download Inclusion Australian's easy-read resource outlining what was discussed at the links below. 

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) releases new Participant Safeguarding Policy

On 10 April 2023, the NDIA released a new NDIA Participant Safeguarding Policy (the Policy) with the aim of improving participant safety. The NDIA heard from more than 210 people in the co-design of the Policy and plans to work with people with disability to implement this Policy

The Policy has 4 focus areas that outline how the NDIA will work together with participants to minimise risk of harm:

1. A proactive and individual approach to identifying, assessing and managing risks
2. Developing the workforce and capability of people with disability
3. Working with people with disability to proactively develop safeguards
4. Effective corrective measures in response to incidents

The Policy also includes 6 co-designed principles that guide the way the NDIA works with and supports people with disability to make informed decisions about their own safety and safeguards in their life: 

1. Safety culture
   
2. Empowerment
   
3. Individual circumstances
   
4. Proactive support
   
5. Dignity of risk and informed decision-making
   
6. Informal support networks

To learn more and access the Policy, including Easy Read and Summary versions, visit the NDIS website.

We're here for you

As a non-profit organisation, Down Syndrome Australia is dedicated to supporting, informing and advocating for the needs of people with Down syndrome and their families across Australia. 

Our team work diligently behind the scenes, in conjunction with our State and Territory Member organisations, to develop resources, advocate for positive change and to engage with the community, 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.  

How can I help? How kind of you to ask!

All donations, no matter the amount, help us to continue this important work. If you'd like to support us, please consider making a donation via the link below.

*PS. With tax time just around the corner, it's also a great reminder that all donations over $2 are tax deductible 😉 

Community Spotlight

Highlighting stories & recent news in our community.

Australian citizenship becomes easier for NZ

DSA welcomes the announcement by the Australian Government that New Zealand citizens resident in Australia for a certain period can, from 1 July 2023, become Australian citizens without having to go through the process of applying for permanent residence.  

These changes will apply to New Zealanders on temporary, special category visas who have arrived since 2001 and lived in Australia for four years and meet the standard criteria for citizenship including character checks and intention to reside in Australia. Children born in Australia since 1 July 2022 to a New Zealand parent living there will also automatically be entitled to citizenship.  

These changes have no minimum income requirement or health requirement and will give New Zealanders in Australia access to services and benefits, once they become citizens.  

DSA CEO, Darryl Steff said "This is great news for many New Zealanders with Down syndrome who will now have an easier pathway to citizenship which will allow them access the supports they require through the NDIS."

To learn more, check out the recent ABC News article linked below.

Image: British model Ellie Goldstein with Barbie's first doll representing someone with Down syndrome

Barbie mania makes waves Down under

Mattel recently launched a new Barbie doll with Down syndrome as part of their Barbie Fashionista line which caused quite a spin Down under. 

With the media frenzy ensuing, we asked our CEO, Darryl Steff, to share his thoughts on behalf of DSA:

"We welcome the release of a Barbie doll with Down syndrome as it contributes to better representation of the diverse society in which we live. It is important for children, and their parents to see diversity in the toys they play with. We shouldn't underestimate the impact this can have on people's acceptance of diversity in the community.

We are pleased to see that Mattel had worked with the National Down Syndrome Society in the US to come up with the doll and that they have reflected many of the key characteristics of people with Down syndrome in the doll's design, as well as key colours and relevant details.  

Overall the design is reflective of the characteristics of someone with Down syndrome, whilst keeping within Barbie's overall brand."

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.

If you are a person with a lived experience of disability, the family member of a person with disability, a health or medical professional, a genomics researcher, or a member of the public with an interest in this topic, we want to hear from you!

For more information and to start the survey (accessible version also available), please visit the website link below.

People with Down syndrome, their families/carers, friends and support workers are invited to participate in interviews conducted online or in person (depending on where you are located).

For more information, contact the researcher:
Laura Ryan – laura.ryan@uqconnect.edu.au or phone 0422 788 934

A flyer about this study is available at the link below.

Resources Hub

Visit our online resources hub to explore our latest resources, guides, fact sheets and information about Down syndrome. 

Follow the link below to access.

Reminder: COVID-19 booster vaccination advice

Information about COVID-19 vaccines for people with disability and people who work in the disability sector has been collated on the Department of Health website.

The ATAGI 2023 COVID-19 booster advice on 8 February 2023 recommends a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults aged 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs. Boosters are also recommended for adults aged 65 years and over.

The recommendations apply if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received.

If you need assistance booking a vaccination appointment, the following services are available: 

• Service Finder can assist you to find a clinic near you that suits your needs.
  
  
• EVA is a simple callback service to help people book a COVID-19 vaccine.
  
  
• Disability Gateway provides COVID-19 information and assistance to make a booking to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Contact 1800 643 787 Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm AEDT / AEST.
  
  
• National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline is available to assist people with disability, their families and carers. Call 1800 020 080 and choose Option 5. Alternatively, disability workers should choose Option 4.
  
  
• For information in a language other than English, call 1800 020 080 and choose Option 8. The Translating and Interpreting Service is also available on 131 450.
  
  
• For people who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
  
  

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