Vision, Mission, Values & Rights

Our Vision

…opening doors together to enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Our Mission

To advocate for the rights, interests and welfare of people with Down syndrome or other similar chromosomal disorders.

To promote and/or provide specific programs, services and resources which improve their health and well-being, education, personal development, employment opportunities, and recreational and lifestyle options.

Our Values

The Down Syndrome Society of South Australia Incorporated upholds the following values in fulfilling its Mission:

We believe that people with Down syndrome have individual differences, abilities and needs and acknowledge that they have the right to:

be treated with dignity and respect
access services appropriate to their individual needs
receive support and assistance in working towards their personal goals
aspire to a range of relationships
contribute to their own destiny
have opportunities for life-long learning
be a responsible, contributing member of society

We believe that the families, caregivers and guardians of people with Down syndrome differ in their backgrounds, structures, belief systems, needs and capabilities, experience and skills. These characteristics will influence their roles as primary carers. We acknowledge that they have the right to:

have this diversity respected
be provided with support and information which assists their parenting/caring for the person with Down syndrome
be provided with information and assistance in accessing relevant services that support the family and the person with Down syndrome
they also have the responsibility to act in the best interests of the person with Down syndrome

We believe that the Society should advocate for and/or provide programs and services that:

focus on the needs and abilities of the individual person with Down syndrome
inform, support and empower families, care-givers and guardians in their roles as carers
recognise and address the specific physical, medical, cognitive and social characteristics of Down syndrome
promote inclusive practices
respect and reflect diversity
are innovative, well- coordinated, responsive and flexible
are provided on an equitable basis
encourage self-determination and the taking of responsibility

We believe that in its planning and practice the Society should:

exercise reasonable governance
strive for excellence
acknowledge and affirm the relationship between rights and responsibilities
respect and acknowledge the skills and expertise of all those who make appositive contribution to the lives of people with Down syndrome
contribute to, and provide leadership in, international research and practice in the field

Statement of Rights

People with Down syndrome put the following list of rights together and it is reprinted here with thanks to Down's Syndrome Scotland

We have the Right:

Not to be treated like babies or all alike just because we have Down syndrome.
To be treated as adults with respect and as equals.
To speak up for others and ourselves.
Not to be treated badly by other people, the government or the law.
To take an equal part in society, to vote and to have the same chances as others.
To do what we want to do, not what others think we should do.
To be talked to and listened to about decisions that affect us and be given the time we need.
To our own feelings and out own opinions.
To say “No”.
Not to be called names, bullied or hurt.
To have a relationship, to have sex, to marry or live with someone if we want to.
To have a baby and keep it if we want to.
To control out own money.
To have real jobs and real wages.
To make our own choices.
To be independent and have support when we want it.
To have our own friends and social life.
To have an education.
To have information in a way we understand.