Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) has released a 2019 Federal election document, Leave No One Behind, identifying the issues that are important to people with Down syndrome and their families. This resource is also available in Easy Read.
DSA has also released an advocacy guide to support people with Down syndrome who want to communicate with Members of Parliament and local candidates.
Health, housing and employment are among eight critical election issues identified by people with Down syndrome and their families. 
“We want to make sure the voices of people with Down syndrome and their families are heard lead-up to the Federal election on 18 May 2019, said DSA chief executive Dr Ellen Skladzien.
“People with Down syndrome and their families want better information about prenatal screening, and they want the incoming Government to tackle the health inequalities that exist for people with Down syndrome.
“People with Down syndrome and their families also want equal opportunities to work in open employment, they want an end to discriminatory migration policies, and they want automatic eligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
Dr Skladzien said affordable housing remains a critical issue.
“People with Down syndrome need to be able to find an affordable place to live. Government must commit to increasing the supply of affordable housing,” Dr Skladzien said.
DSA’s 2019 Federal Election guide includes information on how to let Members of Parliament and candidates know what is important to people with Down syndrome and their families.
“We want Members of Parliament and those who are seeking election to know what is important to people with Down syndrome and what they can do to ensure everyone gets a fair go,” Dr Skladzien said.
DSA has developed three resources for the Federal election on 18 May 2019:
- Leave No One Behind. This is Down Syndrome Australia's 2019 election advocacy platform. It identifies the issues that are important to people with Down syndrome and their families. The platform outlines eight priority areas that DSA is asking candidates to address in their election commitments.
- An Easy Read version is available here: Leave No One Behind – Easy Read
- DSA has developed a toolkit which includes information on how to let Members of Parliament and candidates know what is important to people with Down syndrome and their families. Leave No One Behind – Advocacy Resources
