Welcome to Down Syndrome South Africa consider supporting our cause
Who we are
Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA)is a non-profit organisation (NPO 009-415) and was formed in 1986 as the national umbrella body and parent advocacy organisation and lobby group for the constitutional rights of persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. DSSA currently has 12 regional associations and support groups throughout the country that provides services to persons with Down syndrome, developmental delays and their families.
What we do
Advocate and Lobby at national government on the rights of persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
To encourage the development of support groups, programmes and services that may be appropriate and beneficial for persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
To promote public awareness and improve attitudes towards persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
To collect and administer funds in accordance with all applicable legislation for the purpose of carrying out the objectives of DSSA
Capacity building of our members.
Down Syndrome South-Africa (DSSA) is undertaking a project called the “World of Work Project”, this is a supported employment project and is one of the most important steps of changeover to an independent life. Within the scope of the projects we are conducting a survey to understand the opinions and thoughts about the employment of of persons with intellectual disabilities (ID), including Down Syndrome.
The survey consists of 21 questions and has been developed for both parents and the young adult with an intellectual disability. It will take between 5-8 minutes to complete and all information disclosed will be kept confidential and will not be used for purposes other than research.
Please click below to complete the survey. Please note that all questions should be completed. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Please to support Down Syndrome South Africa
Our Mission
Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) is committed to finding ways to improve the quality of life of all persons with Down syndrome and other Intellectual disabilities, promoting the idea that they have the right to live with independence, dignity and security as valued adults and full citizens in our society. It endeavours to empower families through dissemination of information, encourages research in the fields of early intervention, education, medical aspects and employment. Its ongoing mission is to bring South Africa in line with world trends in the field of Down syndrome and to see to it that the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNRPD) is recognised and honoured in all spheres. During the annual campaigns around World Down Syndrome Day 21st March annually and National Down Syndrome Awareness Day 20 October each year, DSSA is able to convey new information on Down syndrome to the South African public. It is hoped that this will create new opportunities for the thousands of children in our country who have up to now been greatly underestimated and stigmatised.
Upcoming events
Here are some of our upcoming events
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Fundraising Events are volunteer driven initiatives and efforts from individuals and organisations in order to raise funds in support of Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) and to foster public awareness on DSSA work
Down Syndrome South Africa relies on the support and generosity of private individuals that are as passionate about improving the lives of persons with Down syndrome.
Be creative; you are only limited by your imagination.
Have fun saving lives. Come up with ideas that can make fundraising exciting (e.g.) car wash, fun runs/walks, fashion shows etc.
Create your own fundraising page
You can fundraise for Down Syndrome South Africa by creating your own fundraising page on our online giving platforms so you can collect donations or sponsorships for your event. Share your fundraising page with your family and friends so they can participate or contribute to your campaign.
Create your fundraising page on GivenGain or BackABuddy and start fundraising today!
For more information, please contact by email: dssa.odo@icon.co.za so we can assist you with your event.
Self Talk
The following article is an excerpt from the book “Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges. Written by Dennis McGuire Ph.D & Brian Chicoine, M.D. DID YOU
Facts about down syndrome
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder arising at the time of conception. There is an extra number 21 chromosome (Trisomy 21) which causes delays in physical and intellectual development. The exact cause of Down syndrome is
Medical Questions about Down Syndrome
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Down Syndrome developmental questions
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Social & Emotional questions
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Prenatal screening
Down syndrome affects 1 in every 500 live births in South Africa (March of Dimes 2008). That’s just a fraction of total cases, as early detection methods now allow parents to abort pregnancies when faced
