Down Syndrome South Africa
Vanessa dos Santos is the mother of 3 boys of which the youngest has both Down syndrome and cerebral palsy . She has been involved with Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) since his birth in 1994. Vanessa was appointed as the National Chairperson of DSSA in 2003 and later appointed as the National Director of the organisation. Vanessa has also been a board member of DS International since 2003. Much of the work that she has been involved in has been focusing on poverty and disability and has been instrumental in setting up "Outreach" and support groups throughout South Africa. She is also very passionate on the Human Rights of individuals with Down syndrome and Intellectual disabilities. Other areas of interest is policy development that encourages the improvement of lives of disabled people, early intervention, inclusive education, self advocacy and supported employment. She is currently a Masters student at the University of Cape Town doing Disability Studies.
