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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-06-17 Daily Xml
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DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:36): I certainly will not engage in the sort of backbiting that has been going on; I want to talk about something that is much more important. We recently celebrated the Queen's Birthday Awards, but today I want to bring to the council's attention the unsung work of non-government charitable organisations, such as the Down Syndrome Society of South Australia. Because societies like the Down Syndrome Society of South Australia go quietly and efficiently about their task, we often do not realise the dedicated, valuable and important assistance they offer to families and individuals—and I use the term 'assistance' advisedly, because the Down Syndrome Society offers something much more important than assistance.

The society states, and works towards the ideal, that intellectual and physical disability and difference is no impediment to the dignity, wellbeing and independence of an individual. I add that society in general must work continually to support and uphold the rights of those people living with Down syndrome, as reflected by the efforts of NGOs, sponsors and the community groups dedicated to enriching their lives.

In caring and advocating for the rights and interests of these individuals, the society offers a broad range of educational, vocational, employment and recreational services, to name a few. However, before I talk about some of the services, I want to talk about some aspects of the society itself. The society was formed in 1974 by a group of concerned parents and was initially called Down's Children Incorporated. Down syndrome affects about one in 660 children, occurring more often than any other intellectual disability.

As we can readily appreciate, NGOs and disability sectors are facing a difficult funding environment as they meet increasing demand for their services. Financial assistance for the society's activities is supplemented by funding from federal and state departments, generous support from community groups and services and from individual donations. Donations and fundraising activities are, of course, the never-ending stock in trade of financial survival for the society.

As we can appreciate, given the broad range of necessary services offered, making ends meet is never easy for the 500 clients and families who rely on the society's services. Helping in this regard are honorary services offered in the professional disciplines of speech pathology, paediatrics, educational and legal services. It would be remiss of me not to mention the society's appreciation for the great help provided by volunteers, as was also recognised by the recently celebrated Volunteers Week for volunteers in general.

Developing self-esteem and confidence in clients is not just about the three Rs and social skills training but is also about learning through fun. Personal development and how to appropriately, positively and confidently get on with others comes together in Club Slick, a program unique to South Australia and hosted by the Down Syndrome Society of South Australia, where disabled people from across the state rock and roll to promote leisure, learning and fun. The best testimonials to its success are from its public outings, and I will quote from media reports, as follows:

The positive effect Club Slick is having upon people with disability and their families was highlighted when ABC TV's Stateline visited the club...

Another media quote states:

...young people with Down syndrome rock and roll their way into the hearts of a captive audience at the 8th world conference held in Singapore.

And there is more. This brings us to the next world conference, the 10th World Down Syndrome Congress, to be held in Dublin in August this year. The world congress is held every three to four years, continuing a movement that began in Mexico 23 years ago. Following on from its success at the 2004 and 2006 world congresses, Club Slick has also been invited to perform at the 2009 congress.

In closing, I wish the society, its administration team led by President Judy Opolski, the executive committee, all staff, consultants, sponsors and Club Slick all the best. Do not forget that all help and donations are gratefully received in helping others live the life we often take for granted.

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