Now And The Future

Today’s podcast is a takeover episode where people with Down syndrome interview their dads about what it’s like to be their parent. If you wanted to watch more content about family relationships here are some lovely options to explore: Dads Don't Count Chromosomes 50 Ordinary Families, 1 Extraordinary Journey Part of Society in Every Way We Are Family T21 Mum Australia Network This podcast is a pr...

 Down Syndrome Queensland is offering an Employment Connections project for all individuals with an Intellectual disability who are wanting open employment, and for businesses interested in becoming more inclusive. The overall aim of the project is for employers to have an increased preparedness, desire and ability to employ people with intellectual disability. In this episode we hear from Pr...

Children with disabilities have the same rights as other children to access and participate in the Kindy program as their same aged peers. Sometimes adjustments to the program, environment or your teaching style are required to enable this to happen. This educational podcast assists Kindy teachers to plan, document and gain confidence when making adjustments to include a child with a disability in...

Down Syndrome Queensland is offering a Travel Training Program to all individuals with an Intellectual disability who are aiming to travel independently.  The program involves the traveler and the travel coach working through the travel training handbook to build skills and tools to navigate a journey.  The aim is for the traveller to navigate and go on a route independently which will p...

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) is a condition that affects young people with Down syndrome and is characterised by an unexpected and severe regression in speech and functional ability. Additional features such as extreme and disabling slowness can also occur. Causes for this are often unclear and very upsetting. In this podcast, we are joined by Dr Cathy Franklin from the Mater Intellect...

This podcast comes with a little ears warning. In this podcast we will be discussing themes around puberty and will be using language that may not be appropriate for little ears. If you have a little person listening with you, we would suggest listening to this podcast in private. On today’s episode of the Now and the Future Podcast, we chat with Ee-Lin from Planet Puberty to discuss puberty for p...

DSQ Challenge Weekends are a personal development weekend for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities aged 12 and over. Participants are allocated into small groups captained by a volunteer team leader who provides peer support for the duration of the weekend. The aim is for ‘Challengers’ to try new things and be pushed outside their comfort zones in a safe, supportive and en...

On this very special takeover episode of the Now And The Future podcast, some of our wonderful members with Down syndrome interview their mums about what it’s like to be their parent. If you wanted to watch more heartfelt content about parenting a child with Down syndrome, we you can find some links below:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOW6QmcMYuU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFQQJ...

In this episode Down Syndrome Queensland’s Peer leader, Luka has a chat with Get Active Coordinator Kim Lawley to discuss the Get Active program. Kim also chats about the new “Welcome to Coaching People with Down syndrome” course, as part of a suite of online learning opportunities with Special Olympics Australia’s, Inclusive Sport Academy. Find out more about inclusion through sport and recreatio...

In today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast, Michael Harrison sits down for a DSQ Brew with Down Syndrome Queensland’s new CEO Chris McMillan. In this discussion we learn more about Chris, have some fun and find out her vision for Down Syndrome Queensland. Chris has a long history with support services, and has worked with organisations such as Cancer Council QLD, The Leukaemia Foundation...

MyTime is a free peer support group for parents and unpaid carers of children under 18 with disability and/or complex needs. MyTime lets you connect with others who understand, build your support network, find out what services are available locally and have some time for yourself. MyTime groups meet fortnightly throughout school terms and a player helper can be available for preschool aged childr...

Today we’ll be hearing a range of perspectives on, and information about, DSQ’s up coming Parent Education Conference . The conference is held bi-annually and for the first time ever, this year the parent stream of the conference will be held separately from the Teacher’s conference. QDSAN members Michael Cox and Claire Mitchell dive deep into what is on offer at the conference; and in the second...

In the lead up to Down Syndrome Queensland’s biennial Endless Possibilities Education Conference for educators, to be held on March 3rd in Brisbane, this podcast episode provides a sneak preview with one of our conference presenters. Deb Dunstone is the CEO of The Learner First (and former Assistant Director-General for Disability and Inclusion in the Queensland Department of Education). In this e...

People with Down syndrome have the right to work just like any other person. As parents and carers however, it is natural to have worries about our young person entering the workforce. In this episode of the Now and the Future podcast, DSQ’s Support Service Officers discuss some of the common questions that they get asked by parents and carers when their young people start looking for work. ...

As one school year ends and we prepare for a new one, join DSQ’s Support Services Team as they discuss the frequently asked questions received from families throughout 2022 in relation to education. Find your local state school catchment area The United Nations Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) provides for the inclusion of students with disabilities in accessing educa...

Whilst every student with Down syndrome is an individual with their own strengths and weaknesses, there are often common physical attributes that need to be taken into consideration when planning for educational adjustments. As part of the educational team, we consult with many schools across the state and walk alongside educators to ensure they understand the diagnosis as best they can, as well a...

As part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, Down Syndrome Queensland hosted a Wellness Fair at Ascot Park, just behind DSQ's Ascot office. The Wellness Fair was a fantastic afternoon, that saw the Down syndrome and wider community join together to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and highlight the role that people with Down syndrome play in the community. DSQ's Michael Harrison brings u...

The Early Childhood Approach is the part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme that is specifically for children aged 0–6 years who meet the eligibility requirements. The early childhood approach was developed based on evidence based research with the help of leading experts in early childhood intervention.  The approach supports best practice in early childhood intervention because it...

In today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast we hear about one of Down Syndrome Queensland’s largest fundraisers, the Tri 21 Series.  Now in its 11th year, this annual sporting event involving indoor cricket, netball and volleyball raises funds and awareness for Down syndrome within the community. Join us today as we hear from the people involved in the 2021 Tri 21 Series and the...

On this episode of the Now and the Future Podcast, Queensland Down Syndrome Advocacy Network member Olivia takes over the podcast.  She speaks to Down Syndrome Queensland support services staff Isabel and Yuka about relationships to start a conversation about this important topic. This is a takeover episode of the podcast designed for people with Down syndrome. Olivia asks questions such as w...

Down Syndrome Queensland understands that access to prenatal screening and diagnosis is important for many families. We respect the right of women to undertake prenatal testing, if they choose to do so, and to make decisions about whether or not to continue a pregnancy based on their own circumstances and beliefs. Research suggests that currently, many families may not be making fully informed cho...

Latch On is delivered by Down Syndrome Queensland and aims to change the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities, through its evidence based literacy program.  This two year program is developed by the University of Queensland and delivered by DSQ to provide students opportunities to increase their literacy and communication skills. In this episode we will hear from Dr Anne Jobli...

Around 1–2 % of people with Down syndrome have mosaic Down syndrome, which means only around 120–240 people in Australia live with this rare type of Down syndrome. Mosaicism occurs when a person has two or more genetically different sets of cells in their body. People with the more common form of Down syndrome, Trisomy 21, have 3 copies of the additional 21st chromosome in each cell. However, peop...

What are the barriers to inclusion? What barriers do students face, as well as educators? Which barriers are due to mindset and classroom culture, leadership and pedagogy, or other environmental factors? Are barriers something that can be overcome or do some barriers need to be accepted and just worked with? These are the sorts of questions that the DSQ Education Team delve into and explore, as th...

In this episode of the Now and the Future Podcast we sit down with Rikki and Linda from the Disability Royal Commission Advocacy team at Speaking Up For You (SUFY). We'll discuss their role in the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. We will learn about the Disability Royal Commission, how SUFY works to help you make a submission, wh...