Now And The Future

Research shows that only around 30% of people with intellectual disability feel they have full choice and control over their lives. Building skills in communication, confidence, self-advocacy, and decision-making is an important step towards changing this. In this episode of the Now and the Future Podcast, "Voices That Matter," we explore the Hear Me Out debating program and how it empowers people...

Unpaid carers are the invisible backbone of our community. In Queensland, around 642,000 carers support people with intellectual disability of whom live at home with family. Their role is critical, yet often unrecognised. In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Martin and Louise Faulkner from Wellways to explore: What it means to be an unpaid carer The challenges of isolation and burnout The suppo...

In this week’s episode of the Now and the Future Podcast – More Than a Diagnosis: A Mum’s Fragile X Story - we meet Mandy Barker, a Brisbane-based advocate and mother of two children with Fragile X syndrome. During this discussion, Mandy shares her personal journey of living with Fragile X syndrome, the challenges faced by parents of children with intellectual disabilities, and some of the methods...

In this podcast, Dr Carly Lassig (DSQ’s Lead Education Consultant) interviews Dr Emma Watkins, also known as Emma Memma (previously known as the Yellow Wiggle). This interview came about in response to the increasing interest from schools in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and Key Word Sign (a visual communication approach that adds signs, borrowed from Auslan, to spoken words), and the DSQ’s Ed...

Planning for a future where you may no longer be around to support your loved one with an intellectual disability is a worrying thought. We all know that we need to have our financial and legal affairs in order, but what about your vision and plan? These aspects of planning for a future can often be overlooked or downplayed. This podcast is a condensed version of an online presentation that is des...

In today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast, we are sitting down with Naomie Macquarie, MyTime Support Group Coordinator, to discuss the benefits and impact MyTime support groups can have on parents and carers of children with disabilities or other additional needs. MyTime is your lifeline. Reach out to Naomie today to find out more. Email: naomie@mytimeqld.org.au Phone: 07 3356 6655 Webs...

In the lead up to Speech pathology, Week from 25 – 31 August, in today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast we meet speech pathologist Amanda Hartmann.  In this episode Amanda will take us on a journey through the ever-evolving world of speech pathology, share some fantastic real stories from the community and look at different ways to communicate your way.    See the be...

Welcome to season 11 of the Now And The Future podcast from Down Syndrome Queensland! This episode of the podcast focuses on health and how we can live healthier lives. This podcast is a production of  Down Syndrome Queensland . If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email -  engagement@downsyndrome.ql...

This podcast episode brings together interviews with advisors from each of the three education systems in Queensland (State, Independent, and Catholic) to discuss students with intellectual disability accessing curriculum aligned with their year level curriculum, alongside their age peers, but that is adjusted to the expectations of a lower year level or to highly individualised goals. We delve in...

Through work supporting families through prenatal screening and diagnosis, we often hear stories of misinformation about life with Down syndrome and an assumption that following a diagnosis, prospective parents would choose termination. We also hear stories of choices not being supported or respected; and frequently, families have to stumble upon support services themselves rather than being refer...

In this episode of the Now and the Future podcast we talk about the World Down Syndrome Congress, coming to Brisbane between 9–12 July. This week we meet with three congress presenters; music therapist Kate Becroft-Fletcher, speech pathologist Amanda Hartmann and Associate Professor in Sleep Medicine at the University of Queensland, Dr Jas Chawla. Our guests will tell us about their field of exper...

This week we have a special Mother’s Day episode of the Now and the Future podcast and we are joined by the mums and grandmother of four young men with intellectual disability. We chat about life, love, challenges and what makes them smile. DSQ supports an inclusive environment for people with an intellectual disability which allows them to live their best lives. It is important to respect the rig...

On this episode of the Now and the Future podcast, we are joined by Breeanna Kars, the Business and Community Officer for Your Caring Way . Your Caring Way is an innovative and unique program that helps unpaid carers reach their employment, study, volunteer and self employment goals. We discuss with Breeanna what a carer is and why many carers inAustralia don’t identify as a carer, what the challe...

In today’s episode we catch up with Ruth Faragher, Queensland Down Syndrome Advisory Network member and member of the World Down Syndrome Congress organising committee. We're also joined by Darryl Steff, the CEO of Down Syndrome Australia and father of a child with Down syndrome. During these conversations we hear Ruth and Darryl's stories about living with Down syndrome and what we can look forwa...

To recognise International Women’s Day and its theme of inspiring inclusion, we're joined by the amazing, Gillian Gehrke. A woman, a mother, and a strong advocate, Gillian brings a unique perspective as she champions inclusivity and understanding, all while navigating life with Mosaic Down syndrome. You can also find Gillian Gehrke at the upcoming World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane, or liste...

The Together Red Choir Program is a chance to share your love of music with others, while working on social skills, communication, leadership, self-esteem, and friendships. This is all done through singing, song sharing, songwriting, dance/movement and so many more creative activities. The Music Therapy Program is fun and developmentally stimulating program for children up to 5 years old, facilita...

On this episode of the Now and the Future Podcast we discuss housing options for people with intellectual disability. We will discuss making housing decisions, mainstream housing options and how the NDIS can support a person with intellectual disability to meet their housing goals. This podcast is an audio version of a workshop developed with funding from the Australian Government Information Link...

The start of the new school year or kindergarten year can be both an exciting time, but also a potentially challenging time, particularly for young people with Down syndrome and/or another intellectual disability, as they adjust to new people, places, activities, and expectations. This episode features the DSQ Education Team sharing advice for a positive start to the school or kindergarten year, w...

This year we celebrate Disability Action Week in Queensland from November 25th until December 3rd. This week culminates on International Day of People with Disability which is held on December 2nd. Each year in Disability Action Week the Queensland Government sets out a theme. This year’s theme is “access ignites: it’s good for business”. This theme encourages employers to think about ways that th...

In part two of our compelling men's health discussion, we continue our deep dive into the critical topic of men's mental health. Our esteemed guests, Darius Boyd, a former rugby league icon, and Michael Crutcher, former editor of the Courier Mail, continue to share their insights and experiences, shedding light on this crucial issue. In this episode, we delve even deeper into the challenges and tr...

In honour of International Mens Day on 19th November, we shed light on the often-overlooked aspect of men's health – their mental wellbeing.  In this episode, we are joined by two incredible guests, former rugby league legend, Darius Boyd, and former editor of the Courier Mail, Michael Krutcher, to share their experiences and insights into the world of men's mental health. During this engagin...

As part of National Recycling Week, our host Michael Harrison, Community Engagement and Fundraising manager, sits down with the Gold Coast's very own recycling sensation Tom Pirie and his amazing mother Carolyn, to speak about their experience in creating ‘10 Cent Tom’. Tom is an upcoming entrepreneur with an Intellectual Impairment who’s created a name for himself as "10-Cent Tom" with his recycl...

Caring for a person with an intellectual disability is an important and fulfilling role, but is also a role that can leave carers feeling isolated and alone. The struggles that a carer encounters can be quite unique to their caring role and carer burnout is an all too common experience for people who devote their lives to ensuring their loved one has a life that is perfect for them. The podcast to...

The theme this year is 'hats off to teachers', celebrating Australia’s teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our students.  This episode features a discussion amongst DSQ’s Education Team; Carly Lassig, Denise Maindonald, Elisha Byrne and Kath Bunney who share a little about themselves as teachers, and what they love about supporting educators who are teaching...

As part of Women’s Health Week, this episode of the Now and the Future podcast focuses on resilience and wellbeing with Mentally Wellthy founder and mum Donna Thistlewaite. Donna is a health and resilience facilitator. Her passion for mental health is fuelled by a lived experience of a suicidal crisis in 2012. She is focused on building awareness of the risks of poor mental health and the capabili...