www.downsyndrome.org.au

Down Syndrome Australia’s 2017-20 Strategy Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) was established in 2011 as the peak body for people with Down syndrome in Australia. It is a not for profit organisation that was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee in April 2011.

Our purpose is to influence social and policy change, and provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome. However to do this, we must be focused and driven with clear direction about what we want to do and how we are going to achieve it.

This strategy set out our priorities and the objectives of those priorities for the next three years. By working collaboratively with the state and territory Down syndrome associations, we are

confident that we can make significant strides forward in creating positive change for people supporting or living with Down syndrome in Australia.

We want to see an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential and enjoy social and economic inclusion. Together, we will create this inclusive community.

Dr Ellen Skladzien Chief Executive Officer

Our Members Priorities To refine our Strategic Plan and identify our objectives, we bought together the most important stakeholders from all over the States and Territories – our members.

Working together is fundamental to ensure that DSA understands what is currently but also foreshadowed to be, the topmost priorities for our members. In preparing this plan, DSA was also influenced by the learnings from our previous Strategic Plan, and also the rapid transformation of the disability sector which has been bought about by the NDIS.

The goal of this Plan is to encompass our members priorities, but at the same time be flexible and responsive to the changing environment.

Priorities Policy & Advocacy Advocate for people with Down syndrome to have access to the same services, supports and community activities as other Australians based on a humans

rights approach, and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability.

Information & Community Awareness Provide access to consistent, up-to-date evidenced-based information on Down syndrome

across a range of platforms.

www.downsyndrome.org.au

What we want to achieve by 2020

Policy & Advocacy Advocate for people with Down syndrome to have access to the same services, supports and community activities as other Australians based on a human rights approach, and consistent

with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability.

Ensure that people with Down syndrome have an active and meaningful role in the DSA organisation through providing input and advice on priorities, resources and information.

Develop a strong evidence base and clear organisations positions for policy and advocacy work. This will include the development of position statements, identifying specialist expertise and the collection and

analysis of data.

Work to ensure that the National Disability Insurance Scheme provides the opportunity for people with Down syndrome to live an “ordinary life”.

Engage with Government, the bureaucracy, and other peak organisations to achieve policy change to support people with Down syndrome to have access to appropriate services and supports.

Develop and maintain relationships with other organisations to further promote our advocacy efforts.

www.downsyndrome.org.au

What we want to achieve by 2020

• Good Governance

• Financial Stability

• Partnerships

Information & Community Awareness Provide access to consistent, up-to-date evidenced-based information on Down syndrome

across a range of platforms.

Develop a digital and communications strategy that identifies strategic approaches to reaching a range of audiences given limited resources.

Develop national, evidence-based and consistent resources to ensure DSA is the main information portal for Down syndrome.

Adopt a single platform across the Down syndrome federation to manage data and information about our contacts, services and supports.

Promote increased community awareness about Down syndrome and inclusion.

Develop funding applications and coordinate initiatives to improve information and awareness about Down Syndrome.

Enablers