October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the strengths, talents and contributions of people with Down syndrome and to reflect on how we can create more inclusive communities and workplaces. This year's theme, There's More to Know, encourages us to look beyond first impressions and recognise the many experiences, interests and achievements that make each person unique.
At Mater Research, colleagues recently came together for a morning tea hosted by Catrin Culla, a Research Assistant with the Queensland Centre in Intellectual and Developmental Disability Health (QCIEDAH) who has lived experience of Down syndrome, to mark the occasion and share in an important conversation about inclusion.
Ms Culla said that people sometimes make assumptions about her before getting to know her.
“There's more to know than my disability,” she said.
“I'm not just a person with Down syndrome. I'm a colleague, a family member, and a friend. I have my own interests, skills, strengths and goals."
Her message was a reminder for everyone that meaningful inclusion starts with taking the time to get to know people as individuals without focusing on labels.
The morning tea created an opportunity for colleagues to listen, learn and reflect on how small actions can make a big difference. Whether it's inviting diverse voices into conversations, recognising individual strengths, communicating respectfully or ensuring everyone has opportunities to participate, inclusion is something we all help create every day.
At Mater Research, we are proud to celebrate the diverse experiences and contributions of our people. Ms Culla took the opportunity to remind everyone how to be inclusive at work:
- See the person, not assumptions. Take time to get to know colleagues as individuals.
- Speak directly to people with Down syndrome and listen to their ideas.
- Include people in conversations and decisions that affect them.
- Recognise strengths and contributions — at work, in the community and in everyday life.
- Use respectful, person-centred language, such as 'person with Down syndrome, ' unless an individual expresses another preference.
- Help create a workplace where everyone has opportunities to participate, contribute and belong.
"Take the time to listen, learn, and get to know people with Down syndrome. Because there's always more to know,” Ms Culla said.
This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, remember to look beyond assumptions and genuinely connect with one another to build a stronger, more supportive and more inclusive workplace for everyone.
