Down syndrome organisations funded for NDIS capacity building project

Excellent news for people with Down syndrome and their families in the lead up to the full implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme:

Down Syndrome NSW, Down Syndrome Victoria, and Down Syndrome WA have been named among the grassroots organisations funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency to act as Disability Support Organisations, in the first stage of the DSO project.

Each DSO will work with people with disability and their families and carers to make the most opportunities presented by the NDIS and engage effectively with the scheme.

Each DSO will facilitate and support up to 20 local peer support or mutual support groups. The support groups will provide information, resources and build community networks between participants and with others. The type and structure of the local support groups will be determined by DSOs in consultation with the NDIA. 

Local support groups will respond to local needs, conditions and circumstances. The goals of the local support groups will be to build the capacity of people with disability and their families to: 

• Exercise choice and control
• Effectively engage with the NDIS
• Effectively engage with mainstream programs, services and activities
• Increase opportunities for independence, self-management and community inclusion

Other organisations funded as DSOs are listed on the Australian government's NDIS webpage, here. 
Details of how the program will work within each organisation will be announced shortly.