easyread.downsyndrome.org.au€¦ · Web viewDSAN members get information in Plain English or Easy Read and other help with ... The form has space for you to write about yourself

About the Down Syndrome Advisory Network

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This information is about the Down Syndrome Advisory Network. We sometimes call this the DSAN.

What is the DSAN?

The DSAN is a group of people with Down syndrome who work with the Down Syndrome Australia Board.

A 18/71 Victoria Crescent, Abbotsford VIC 3067 | E [email protected] | P 1300 881 935

W www.downsyndrome.org.au

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The Board is a group of people who make the big decisions about the work Down Syndrome Australia does.

What does the DSAN do?

The DSAN discusses topics and issues the Board has asked them about.

This could be about jobs, education, health, housing, rights, pensions, support services or anything else that the Board is discussing.

Members can also talk about their own ideas at DSAN meetings. This can be things that are important to them, and things that other people with Down syndrome have told them about.



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The DSAN then gives the Board advice about these in a report. The report is written information that tells the Board what the DSAN members think about these issues.

When does the DSAN meet?The DSAN has meetings every month.

These are usually online meetings, but sometimes they get together for face-to-face meetings.

What support does the DSAN get?

DSAN members get training when they join. They get support, including a support



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person to help them do their DSAN jobs. This includes help to take part in meetings.

DSAN members get information in Plain English or Easy Read and other help with understanding and communication if they need it.

The DSAN has a staff person who helps to organise meetings and makes sure the group has other support they may need.

Down Syndrome Australia Board members are mentors for DSAN members. Mentors are people with personal experience who spend individual time helping other people learn skills. The Board will help with skills about how to be a good advocate and leader. An advocate is



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someone who speaks up on important issues, for themselves or other people.

How do people join the DSAN?

Down syndrome organisations around Australia will advertise when DSAN is looking for new members. This might be on websites, including the Easy Read website, in emails, newsletters and Facebook.

If you are interested in joining the DSAN you will fill in a nomination form. The form has space for you to write about yourself and why you want to join the DSAN.

You can ask someone to help you, such as family, friends or a support person. Or you can let the Down syndrome office know. They can help you write your information on the form.



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You might be asked to have an interview. An interview is a meeting or phone call to get to know more about you. It is a good chance for you to give more information about yourself.

Down Syndrome Australia will choose who will be the new DSAN members, and who will be the first Chair of DSAN.

The Chair is the person who is head of the DSAN. They have some extra jobs such as having a big part in running the meetings, speaking on behalf of the group, and going to Down Syndrome Australia Board meetings. The Chair gets extra support to do this work.



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Lots of people might want to be DSAN members, but there are only a few places. If you don’t get in the first time, you can ask to join the next time places are advertised.

How can I find out what work the DSAN is doing?

Down Syndrome Australia will put information about the DSAN on its website, including its Easy Read website. There will be information in the Voice magazine and on Facebook, including the Easy Read Facebook page.

Who do I contact if I have a question about the DSAN?

Please contact:

Deb Green at [email protected]



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easyread.downsyndrome.org.au€¦ · Web viewDSAN members get information in Plain English or Easy Read and other help with ... The form has space for you to write about yourself