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Down Syndrome Australia

Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) is the peak body for people with Down syndrome in Australia. Their purpose is to influence social and policy change and provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Australia work collaboratively with the state and territory Down syndrome associations to achieve our mission. Their vision is an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential, and enjoy social and economic inclusion.

Vision and mission

DSA Vision: People living with Down syndrome are valued and have full access to achieve to social and economic inclusion in order to achieve their full potential.

DSA Mission: Their purpose is to influence social and policy change and provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome.

How Down Syndrome Australia can help

Down Syndrome Australia works together with state and territory members and with other stakeholders to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families across our communities. People with Down syndrome are involved in every part of the organisation, including governance. We work to create positive change and make sure people understand the experiences of people with Down syndrome and their families.

  • Down Syndrome Australia provides systemic advocacy on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families.
  • Down Syndrome Australia together with state and territory members provide support and services across the lifespan.
  • Down Syndrome Australia together with state and territory members provide information, support and services with prenatal diagnosis.
  • Down Syndrome Australia together with state and territory members provide information, support and services for new parents.
  • Down Syndrome Australia together with state and territory members provide information, support and services for families, carers and friends.
  • Down Syndrome Australia's Federation offers education and training for individuals with Down syndrome, family members, professionals, and students on a range of topics across the lifespan. Topics and events are delivered both in person and online.
  • Down Syndrome Australia together with state and territory members provide information, support and services with employment, health and education.

Information lines / help lines

Programs and apps and tools

  • Down Syndrome Good Health App — a free app for people with Down syndrome to support a healthy lifestyle.
  • Down Syndrome Health Record App — a free app to assists parents and support people of children with Down syndrome, to record and monitor their child’s health, growth and development.
  • Down Syndrome Australia Health Ambassador Program — DSA Health Ambassadors are a group of individuals with Down syndrome, who work to inform health care workers about how best to include people with Down syndrome in their own health conversations.
  • Right to Work Program — supports people with Down syndrome to build their skills to be job ready and helps connect employers to new job seekers looking for work in open employment.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: September 2023

Information from this partner

Found 13 results

Education – Down Syndrome Australia

Our education resources provide up-to-date advice about how to support people with Down syndrome in schools and education.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

About Down syndrome – Down Syndrome Australia

Find out all about Down syndrome in this section. There are many stories about life with Down syndrome in Our Stories. You can also find an Easy Read version on each page.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

NDIS – Down Syndrome Australia

Our NDIS page provides you with information about how the NDIS works and key links and resources to use. For the latest news and updates you can visit the NDIS website.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

What is Down syndrome? – Down Syndrome Australia

Down syndrome is a genetic condition and is also sometimes known as trisomy 21. You can find out more about Down syndrome below. You can also turn on the Easy Read for this page.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

FAQs – Down Syndrome Australia

Here are some frequently asked questions about Down syndrome. This page has an Easy Read option.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

Right To Work

People with Down syndrome want to work for the same reasons as everyone else – so that they can be independent, contribute to society, earn their own money, learn new skills, meet new people, and feel valued.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

People with Down syndrome – Down Syndrome Australia

Our state and territory associations offer a range of services for youth and adults with Down syndrome. Find out more about services below.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

Family, Carers and Friends – Down Syndrome Australia

Our state and territory Down syndrome associations offer support, encouragement, and information for family members, carers and friends. Find out more about our services below.

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

Health – Down Syndrome Australia

Health Access to appropriate care within hospitals and the general health system can be difficult for people with…

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

New Parent Services – Down Syndrome Australia

Services and support for new parents The Down Syndrome Federation provides a range of information and supportive services…

Read more on Down Syndrome Australia website

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