It has been a busy start to the year in our Education Program. Last month DSV were asked to provide a two-day professional development program to South Australian teachers and parents. Day one of the program entitled Unlocking Potential: Including a student with Down syndrome in your school, was geared to educators. DSV Education Managers, Paula Kilgallon and Ro O’Dwyer, presented to a large and enthusiastic audience of teachers and support staff. Presentations were designed to help educators to:   Gain a comprehensive understanding of what inclusion is and the principles that und ..read more

Down Syndrome Victoria and Western Health are working together to find a Lived Experience Advisor to work at Western Health. Exciting employment opportunity: Lived Experience Advisor at Western Health. Down Syndrome Victoria and Western Health are working together to find a Lived Experience Advisor to work at Western Health. We are looking for an adult with Down Syndrome. The Lived Experience Advisor will  tell their story to health professionals about their life experience. will help make easy read resources for Western Health. will co-deliver workshops to health professionals. T ..read more

People all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome on March 21st each year, as it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome internationally. However it was not simply a day for us in Queensland, it was a week of celebrations! We started on 16 March with a gala in Townsville and finished on Sunday 24 March with the Everton Park Neighbourhood Day and Easter Hunt. With so many photos and memories, 2024 was one of our best.  This year, the theme is “End the Stereotypes.” It’s all about high ..read more

Did you know that the most common barrier to learning identified by schools is communication? One approach strongly encourage using AAC to develop effective and communication is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)! AAC is any communication strategy outside of speech. There are two main types of AAC: Unaided AAC – doesn’t require use of an external aid, e.g., gesture, facial expression, Key Word Sign, Auslan; and Aided AAC – using a low tech external aid (e.g., pictures, PODD book) and/or a high tech external aid (e.g., iPad, speech generating device). Many parents have worr ..read more

Support people with intellectual disabilities to live their best lives! Welcome to our mid-year appeal! We invite you to be part of something truly impactful: supporting and empowering people with intellectual disabilities to live their best lives. We believe in unlocking potential, fostering independence, and creating opportunities for growth, but we can’t do it alone. Your support is crucial in making our vision a reality. Why Donate? Your donation is not just a financial contribution; it’s an investment in the lives of people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities in Queenslan ..read more

How people celebrated WDSD across Australia 2 April, 2024 On 21 March, people worldwide celebrated World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), honouring the lives and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Here’s how some of our state partners joined in the WDSD festivities: Down Syndrome VIC: Families in Victoria had a blast at Werribee Open Range Zoo on 24 March. They enjoyed live music, magic shows, safari tours, and much more. It was a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with others while having fun. Down Syndrome VIC also enjoyed a delightful morning tea hosted by Minister for Di ..read more

DSWA E-News March 2024 Our March e-news is out now! Check your email inbox for updates on World Down Syndrome Congress Scholarships, Siblings Snapshot Project, Relationships Workshops, Parent and Bubs Morning Tea, Busselton getaway plus lots more! Keep up to date with everything happening at DSWA by subscribing here https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/get-involved/subscribe-to-voice-and-newsletters or email us admin@downsyndromewa.org.au ..read more

DSWA Gala Sponsorship Opportunities Gala tickets have SOLD OUT in record time. We’re looking forward to a wonderful night of dinner, music and dancing!   We are now seeking donations and prizes to make the night amazing. See the sponsorship opportunities below. We’re also seeking prizes for the raffle and silent auction. Please get in touch if you can contribute to the night – admin@downsyndromewa.org.au or 08 6182 3690 ..read more

World Down Syndrome Day Fundraiser World Down Syndrome Day has been an outstanding success this year here in WA.   As many would know a lot of services we provide are unfunded as are our operational costs. We don’t charge membership fees to ensure everyone is able to be a member and receive services.  Please consider making a donation today and sharing the mycause link – https://www.mycause.com.au/page/341760 ..read more

DSWA E-News March 2024 Our March e-news is out now! Check your email inbox for updates on World Down Syndrome Congress Scholarships, Siblings Snapshot Project, Relationships Workshops, Parent and Bubs Morning Tea, Busselton getaway plus lots more! Keep up to date with everything happening at DSWA by subscribing here https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/get-involved/subscribe-to-voice-and-newsletters or email us admin@downsyndromewa.org.au ..read more