Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) is pleased to welcome Michael Sullivan as an independent director and board member.
'I’m very proud to be the first person with Down syndrome to be offered a position on the board of Down Syndrome Australia,' Mr Sullivan said.
Mr Sullivan is an experienced and passionate advocate for people with an intellectual disability and was recently elected chair of the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN). He will attend his first DSA board meeting this November, in Launceston.
In a recent speech about advocacy, Mr Sullivan said: 'Role models are absolutely vital. To be able to speak out, people with intellectual disability need to see other people with disability speaking out and using their voice to say what they need and want in their life.'
DSA chair Angus Graham has congratulated Mr Sullivan on his appointment, describing it as a significant achievement and recognition of Michael’s experience in governance and advocacy.
'The DSA board identified the need to ensure that people with Down syndrome are involved in all levels of our organisation.
'With support from the Sherry-Hogan foundation we developed the DSAN to involve people with Down syndrome in the operations of the organisation.
'Appointing a person with Down syndrome to the Board is the next step. Michael brings a wealth of experience from having been involved in a number of boards and government committees and he will help ensure our work reflects the involvement and advice of people with Down syndrome,' Mr Graham said.
Media contact:
Dr Dominic O’Grady. M: 0400 110 169 E: dominic.ogrady@downsyndrome.org.au
