Down Syndrome South Africa

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 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.

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, 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.