About Down Syndrome Association
Borne out of love and devotion by a group of parents of children with Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Association (Singapore), is a primarily self-funding, non-profit social service agency established in 1996 to support and educate families, professionals, and the public about the genetic condition. The Association is committed to providing holistic support for families and caregivers; facilitating a person with Down syndrome to attain his or her full potential; and enabling them to contribute back to the society.
Our Vision
To be the Centre of Excellence for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.
Our Mission
- Develop individuals with Down syndrome through lifelong learning and social integration.
- Support families through specialist services, information, and education.
- Advocate for equal opportunities, quality of life and their contribution to society.
Our Shared Values
Commitment
We demonstrate strong belief in and dedication to our shared vision and core values.
Integrity
We uphold ethics and moral principles in all our conduct.
Professionalism
We aim to excel in all that we do with positive attitudes, openness, and knowledge.
Teamwork
We achieve our goals through camaraderie, synergy and partnership for the benefit of our stakeholders.
Our Logo
Our logo, in the form of a flying kite incorporates the initials of the Association where:
- D (lower case), signifies infancy and childhood
- S forms the tail or ‘rudder’, to steer and stabilise
- A signifies dynamism and growth
The flying motion of the kite exemplifies the objectives of the Association and symbolises the hopes, aspirations, and abilities of a person with Down syndrome – to be able to soar to greater heights. Society, synonymous with a strong continuous gust of wind, will steer them in the right direction.
Charity Status Information
UEN: S96SS0170K
IPC Status: Live
IPC Effective Date: 1 Oct 2019 to 30 September 2022
Sector Administrator: Ministry of Social and Family Development
About Down Syndrome Association
- 1995
Formation of the Down Syndrome Support Group - 1996
Appointed as the organiser for the 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Down syndrome
Registered with Registry of Society (ROS) - 1997
Registered as a charity under the Charities Act
Accepted by National Council of Social Services as a member - 2001
Official Opening of Enable Centre at Telok Blangah Crescent - 2002
Initiated a pilot pre-school integration programme at Radin Mas Kindergarten - 2004
Commencement of Adult Enhancement Programme
Commencement of Enrichment Programmes
Appointed as the organiser for the 8th World Down Syndrome Congress held in Singapore - 2006
Inaugural launch of World Down Syndrome Day - 2008
Official Opening of DSA Thrift Shop - 2009
Commencement of Integration Facilitation Support Programme - 2013
Official Opening of DSA Centre at Bishan Junction 8 - 2015
Commencement of Infant Toddler Programme - 2018
Commencement of Our Lives, Our Voices: A self-advocacy project - 2019
Official Opening of Independent Living and Training Centre
Our Patron & Advisors
Patron
Advisors
Mr Tan Soo Khoon
Emeritus Professor Dr S. Vasoo
Dr Balbir Singh
Dr Bhavani Sriram
Ms Christine Sekhon
Board of Management 2021/22
Chairperson
Deputy Chairperson
Honorary Secretary
Honorary Treasurer
Immediate Past Chairman
Members
Mr Alex Yan Chun We
Ms Li Shu Yun
Mr Chan Wing Git
Mr Adrian Foo Qi Jing
Mr Ratnasabapathy Sivanandam
Mr Arjun Chandrasekhar
Mr Gerard Lim Ju Boon
Mr Jonathan Seow Wei Peng
Ms Kan Lai Lai Monica
Mr Khairul Alam (co-opted)
Ms Lia Marahusin (co-opted)
Mr Prabhakaran Gopalan Nair
Mr Teh Chu Tak Moses
Senior Management Team
Executive Director
Manager, Services
Admin Manager
Mr Yeo Ando
Ms Premalatha D/O Parasuraman
Ms Lilian Han
Annual Report
Corporate Governance
Code of Governance
All IPCs and Charities in Singapore to comply with the Code of Governance implemented in November 2007. This involves submitting online the extent of compliance through the Governance Evaluation Checklist developed by the Charity Council via the Charity Portal.
We are pleased to report that DSA has complied with all applicable guidelines of the Code of Governance Evaluation Checklist for large charities with gross receipts of $10 million or more; and IPCs with gross annual receipts of $200,000 and up to $10 million.
Learn moreWhistleblowing Policy
DSA is committed to serving with integrity and compliance with regulations. DSA has a whistle-blowing policy which provides an avenue for individuals to report wrongdoing or improprieties in financial or other matters within the charity safely and without fear of repercussion.
Learn more