A tribute to Michael Sullivan

We need to challenge ourselves to be the best we can be. To challenge ourselves not to be ok with being treated as second best.

We have to challenge people in our communities to see what we can do and what we are capable of doing. When we do that we are challenging society.

– Michael “MJ” Sullivan

CID is deeply saddened to share the passing of our former Chair and Board Member Michael “MJ” Sullivan AM.

Michael was courageous, thoughtful and passionate. He was a leader and an advocate who left a huge imprint on CID and the people lucky enough to know and work with him.

CID’s Senior Advocate, Jim Simpson, shares that “Michael was a deep thinker. He thought long and hard about things and came up with great ideas for CID.

“He was one of the best speech makers I have ever known. Everyone listened and learnt when MJ spoke.”

Michael was a national leader in self and systemic advocacy for more than 20 years. He was on Government committees and advisory groups. He had leadership positions with Down Syndrome Australia and CID, serving as a CID Board member and Chairperson over many years.

He shared his experiences and advocated for change with government agencies, politicians and academics. He helped community understanding of Down syndrome and intellectual disability.

Michael said, “Every person with an intellectual disability is an individual with a name and a life. We are not just a collection of behaviours or a syndrome full of symptoms. But people with intellectual disabilities are very often treated as if we are nobodies. As if we are invisible.”

Michael instead challenged society to do better, saying, “I want you to ask yourself, ‘What could I do, to reach out? What can I do, fix or change, to help someone get the good life they deserve?'”

Michael’s work included speaking up for a Disability Royal Commission, mental health support for people with intellectual disability, funding for advocacy, healthy ageing and tackling bullying. In 2022 he was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his outstanding achievements and service.

Michael once said, “People cannot be, what they cannot see. I have had lots of role models in my life and that is why I am here today.”

In turn, Michael has helped other people with intellectual disability to speak out and use their voices.

Thank you for being a role model and leader to so many, Michael. You will be missed.

Scroll down for some pictures of Michael and some of his writing and speeches.