The Sydney Swans are proud to partner with Down Syndrome NSW, an organisation dedicated to helping people with Down syndrome achieve their full potential. Below is a note from the organisation’s CEO Emily Caska, to mark Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Across the globe we will come together this October to shine a light on the achievements of people with Down syndrome and celebrate our wonderful community.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is also a heightened period of activity where we have a real chance to raise awareness and funds to support the work of Down Syndrome NSW.

Some Down syndrome stats:

  • 1 in every 1,100 babies are born with Down syndrome
  • There are around 7,000 people in NSW with Down syndrome, out of around 15,000 nationally
  • Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition, being a triplication of chromosome 21 giving people with Down syndrome an extra chromosome
  • The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome is now a remarkable 60 years old, increasing significantly from just 25 years old in 1983 and 12 years old in the 1940's
  • People with Down syndrome share some commonalities though are all unique individuals with many talents and skills
  • We know from recent research that 9 out of 10 diagnoses of Down syndrome choose to terminate, meaning only 10% of babies are born

The Important Role of Down Syndrome NSW

Down Syndrome NSW is the peak organisation and only dedicated and charitable support service for people with Down syndrome in the state across the full lifespan.

Through support, advocacy and service delivery we are there for more than 6,000 people with Down syndrome throughout NSW. In addition, our impact extends beyond state borders and also has a ripple effect for people with intellectual disability also.

Our aim is to be there for individuals and families at every stage of the journey, from prenatal diagnosis to end of life support.

Our members are our family, and we respect and treat them as such, regardless of their situation, personal beliefs or religion.

It’s Down Syndrome NSW that can help piece the puzzle back together when an expectant mum receives a prenatal diagnosis, and the image of motherhood she had in her mind is temporarily shattered. We will help her find the joy in what is to come.

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Down Syndrome NSW memorable visit to training

Members of Down Syndrome NSW joined the team at training ahead of our match against the Western Bulldogs.We're proud to partner with Down Syndrome NSW as part of our Diversity Action Plan. The organisation works to support all people with Down syn...

Our Bright Future

Events like StepUP! show me that we need to provide more opportunities for families to connect. Our recently introduced workshops and conferences show me that people are thirsty for knowledge, strategies and up to date research and evidence based practices – a space we too need to become a thought leader in.

Our parent support networks show me that we need to do these more, parents learn so much from parents and we are the important conduit for that. Our dedicated information and support line tells me how lucky we are to have this, so many disability types don't, and how important it is to keep and grow despite funding disappearing.

Our prenatal and new baby information packs and medical professionals compendiums show me we play a critical role in ensuring all people with a diagnosis of Down syndrome are given fair, up to date, equitable and balanced information and support. Our kids, teens and adult social groups show me that the joy of our loved ones with Down syndrome is simply the best as is their valuable contribution to the broader community and I need to make this happen more, across all NSW.

Down Syndrome NSW joined the team at training (Tuesday, June 28, 2022)

We’re proud to partner with Down Syndrome NSW as part of our Diversity Action Plan. The organisation works to support all people with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential. Last week they attended training and this week, we’re looking forward to welcoming members of Down Syndrome NSW to the SCG, many of whom will form a guard of honour as our team runs out for the match against the Western Bulldogs.
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Our Impact, Your Legacy

You might be surprised to learn that we receive minimal and ever declining government funding. Donations are more critical today than ever before.

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on charities across the world. As a result, we have streamlined our operational costs to become as lean as we possibly can, ensuring our dollars go where they are most needed, and that is directly into supporting the Down syndrome community.

From our prenatal and new baby information and support packs, to hospital and home visits, to inclusive education support, post school employment programs, social and community participation programs, parent support networks, changing public policy, community campaigns and more, your generous donation is going to make a huge difference to what can do and the lives we can change.

You can DONATE HERE, set up recurrent giving or set up workplace giving through payroll. All donations are tax deductible.