At the latest Down Syndrome Advisory Network meeting DSA Board Director Claire Mitchell gave her report on the Conference of State Parties in New York. She gave an overview of the week and highlighted some of the benefits of DSA attending, including having our voice heard on important issues like inclusive practices. 

Read Claire’s report on COSP here:   

DSAN has also been spending time reviewing a new resource DSA is producing on superannuation. The Advisory Network believe this will be a valuable resource for adults with Down syndrome who are employed or looking for a job and want to learn about superannuation and why it is important. 

Employment is important for people with Down syndrome just like it is for anyone else.  

Having a job can mean having financial and personal independence, stronger connections with the community and a growth in confidence levels.  

Read our resource on supporting your family member to find meaningful employment here:  

DSA is working with the NDIA to make improvements to the NDIS for people with disability and their families.  

We are running a series of listening forums where people with Down syndrome and their families can share their experiences on what the NDIS planning process is like and how the planning meetings are, as well as finding out how you would like to be involved in your plan.

You will receive a gift card from the NDIA for your involvement.

The following online forums are available to attend.

For people with Down syndrome:  

• Wednesday 10 August from 11am – 12pm AEST for people with Down syndrome
• Wednesday 10 August from 5pm – 6pm AEST for people with Down syndrome

For parents and carers:  

• Thursday 11 August 11am – 1pm (AEST) – for parents of children under 8 years 
• Thursday 11 August 6pm – 8pm (AEST) – parents of children under 8 years 
• Friday 12 August 11am – 1pm (AEST) – parents of older children and adults

To find out more and to register, contact Lyn at: admin@downsyndrome.org.au

DSAN member Kylie Scott will be co-facilitating a new online series of our Becoming a Leader workshops. These workshops are for people with Down syndrome who want to learn the skills to become leaders in their own communities.  

The next course starts on 30 August and will cover the topics of meetings, rights, public speaking and leadership.

To find out more and register your interest contact Kylie Preston at: kylie.preston@downsyndrome.org.au

DSA is pleased to announce that our Tasmanian Employment Ambassador Rachel Freeman will be presenting at this year’s Speak Out Conference in September.

She will be talking about the importance of people with Down syndrome having a job in open employment, and what it means to her to have meaningful work.  

Find out more here:    

Do you have an interesting story to share about your life? 

Are you working in an interesting job or on an important project? 

Do you have some tips to share with the community? 

If you have Down syndrome and would like to write a story for Voice magazine, send your idea to Lisa at voice@downsyndrome.org.au. 

Are you a parent or caregiver of someone who has Down syndrome and another condition like ASD or ADHD?

Come along to our monthly online chat group to connect with other families and share information and experiences in a safe and understanding forum.

Join or find out more here: 

The NDIS survey about IGAP is now open.  

The survey will help the NDIA better understand your experiences and improve their processes.

The survey will take around 20 minutes to complete:

People with Down syndrome are more susceptible to developing severe symptoms from COVID-19, which could lead to hospitalisation.

Find information about Down syndrome and COVID-19 in our resource hub.