Down Syndrome Victoria

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY CLOSING SOON: Want to build your leadership skills and join a group of people with intellectual disability? Down Syndrome Australia needs you!

Join the Learn and Lead Group!

Down Syndrome Australia are looking for 10 people to give advice to the new National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health.

Why join?
- Be a leader and help guide projects.
- Share your ideas to improve health services.
- Learn new skills in advocacy, research, and public speaking.
- Work with a supportive team and make new friends.
- Get paid for your time.

Down Syndrome Australia welcome everyone, including First Nations, different cultures, rural residents, LGBTQIA+, and those with communication support needs.

Applications close at 5pm FRIDAY 26 July 2024.Visit Down Syndrome Australia's website to learn more and apply!

https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/national/learn-and-lead/

Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested.

You can also find out more about the group here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y9FpKNJu68

We need you! Join the Learn and Lead Group. Apply to be part of the Learn and Lead group! People with intellectual disability are welcome to apply for the Learn and Lead group. The Learn and Lead group...

Would you like to share your love of fitness with others? We are looking for volunteers for DSV's FitSkills program in Frankston and Geelong. 🏋️

FitSkills is an evidence-based exercise program for adults with Down syndrome. Each participant is partnered with a trained volunteer, and we need more volunteers to join all our groups, but particularly for the Frankston team and the future Geelong group.

You can find out more about FitSkills online at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/dsv-fitskills/

If you are interested in volunteering with FitSkills, please contact the Program Manager Nicole on [email protected] or 0432 235 919.

ID: Two people in workout clothes are high-fiving each other in a gym.

Siblings Australia have two webinars coming up called Shining a Light: Webinars for Parents and Adult Siblings. Check out their post for more details.

Webinars for Adult Siblings - Disability & Family Support | Siblings Australia Webinars We offer a range of one-off webinars and webinar series throughout the year, and cover a range of topics relevant to both parents and adult siblings. Previous webinar topics have included: Planning for the Future Making Sense of Childhood Experiences (for adult siblings) Supporting your Sib...

Did you know that you don't need to be participating in the DSV Five Peaks Challenge in November to help DSV reach our fundraising goal of $50,000? Thanks to donors like you, we are already halfway there!

If you are able, you can make a tax-deductible donation to help us reach our goal at https://dsv.grassrootz.com/dsv-fivepeaks-2024

ID: The top of a mountain with beautiful golden light.

Have you filled in the DSA national survey yet?

Down Syndrome Australia want to hear from people with Down syndrome!

Help DSA by doing a short survey. In this survey DSA ask questions about:
+ finding information
+ getting support.

DSA want to know about:
+ what works wells for you
+ what does not work well
+ any problems with getting the right support.

Then DSA can provide the right support and information for people with Down syndrome.

If you have questions, contact Down Syndrome Australia.
Phone: 1300 344 954
Email: [email protected]

The survey is in Easy Read. It can take about 10 minutes. You can ask someone you know to support you.

You can do the survey by visiting the website: https://tinyurl.com/mrxc4wvv

ID: A young woman holds up a sign that says 'Survey' and in the background there is an example of a survey tickbox.

Today was the final day of the World Down Syndrome Congress 2024. Our final DSV and associated presentations were delivered including reflections on the importance of parent connection and support with Sonia Bonadio (alongside Down Syndrome WA, Celebrate T21, T21 Mum Australia Network - Down Syndrome Parent Support, 21 Gifts), DSV board member Felicia Koh launched a new Prenatal Chromosomal Screening Pathway resource, Dan Payne delivered a presentation on the popular Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience and DSV board member Pieta Manning and her daughter Caitlin reflected on Caitlin’s experience of Type 1 Diabetes.

We also heard from a selection of self-advocates on the things that are important to them, the things that inspire them, and the things that need to change in their lives and our communities plus much, much more.

Tune into the July edition of DNews for more updates and information following congress (you can sign up to DNews here and make sure to select Down Syndrome Vic from the dropdown menu: https://tinyurl.com/dsvdnews).

It was another fantastic day at the World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane today with a number of DSV staff presenting. This morning kicked off with a moving memorial for Sir Robert Martin, a disability rights activist and member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also heard from Charlotte Woodward, a strong self-advocate from the National Down Syndrome Society in the U.S.

There were many other topics covered today from the neuroscience of Down syndrome, dance and creative arts, health and diet, the importance of siblings within family units and of course two of our very own Down Syndrome Victoria presentations: The Evolution of Down Syndrome Victoria's Education Support Service (with Ro O'Dwyer), and Fitskills - an innovative and evidence-based physical activity program for people with Down syndrome (with Matt O'Neil, Brad Cresswell and Dan Payne).

There are more than 1000 delegates from over 45 countries sharing culture, learnings and forming connections at the World Down Syndrome Congress and we look forward to sharing more information, updates and resources both as the event progresses, and in the coming weeks.

It’s fabulous to have so many Victorian families and some of the DSV team representing our state at the World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane this week!

Join us for an online information session about advocacy in education on Tuesday 23 July at 10am. This workshop will provide parents and carers with information about advocating for your child in the school system.

You will gain knowledge about:

+ school systems and supports available for children with disabilities
+ advocating for your child within the education system
+ the importance of building a partnership with the school
+ pathways for complaints.

The workshop will be presented by DSV's education managers Paula Kilgallon and Ro O'Dwyer.

To find out more and register, visit https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/advocacy-in-education-2/

ID: Primary-aged children sitting around a desk eating lunch.

Down Syndrome Australia want to hear from people with Down syndrome!

Help DSA by doing a short survey. In this survey DSA ask questions about:
+ finding information
+ getting support.

DSA want to know about:
+ what works wells for you
+ what does not work well
+ any problems with getting the right support.

Then DSA can provide the right support and information for people with Down syndrome.

If you have questions, contact Down Syndrome Australia.
Phone: 1300 344 954
Email: [email protected]

The survey is in Easy Read. It can take about 10 minutes. You can ask someone you know to support you.

You can do the survey by visiting the website: https://tinyurl.com/mrxc4wvv

ID: A young woman holds up a sign that says 'Survey' and in the background there is an example of a survey tickbox.

Only one week to go until the World Down Syndrome Congress begins in Brisbane! DSV will be presenting on topics including:

💙 the evolution of Down Syndrome Victoria’s Education Support Service
💛 the journey of the FitSkills program transitioning from research project to dynamic NDIS service
💙 our Family Support Manager will share the stories behind the Perfect Gift Australia via our poster
💛 Our Story Starts With You: Together We Have the Power to Support Empower and Shift Perspective.

We're also proudly supporting the AFLUA to present on the sensational Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience (Dan Payne presenting), and the Royal Children's Hospital presenting information about Melbourne's T21 Clinic.

If you are attending, you will have the opportunity to meet some of our DSV team, including Dan, Ro, Debby, Sonia, Lucy and Brad, and DSV Advisory Network members Matt, Emily and Jenny. Come and say hi at the Down Syndrome Australia Federation stand!

We look forward to sharing our work with you at this remarkable global event for the Down syndrome community. To find out more about the congress and view the full program, visit https://www.wdsc2024.org.au/

ID: DSV Advisory Network member Keziah Glenane speaks at a lectern.

World Down Syndrome Congress

If you have teens that need something fun to do this week of school holidays, there is one spot left for tomorrow's Firelight Labyrinth event and there are still spots for those who are craft at the Craft and Lunch event with Kath in North Melbourne this Wednesday 3 July.

If you'd like more information or want to book into an event, email Brad at [email protected]

Our Club21 Teens winter holiday program is here and it's full of exciting events:

💛 Monday 1 July: Jurassic Park and dinner in North Melbourne
💙 Tuesday 2 July: Firelight Labyrinth at MARVEL Stadium
💛 Wednesday 3 July: Craft and lunch with Kath in North Melbourne
💙 Thursday 4 July: Holy Moly Mini Golf at Chadstone
💛 Friday 5 July: Magic Festival Backstage Pass at the Laneway Theatre

If you'd like more information or want to book into an event, email Brad at [email protected]

ID: A poster with the events listed above.

The June edition of DNews is out now and so much has been going on!

Check your inbox for:
🔹 A hole in one for T21 wrap up
🔹 a message from Colby
🔹 how to support DSV this end of financial year
🔹 opportunities to join our team
🔹 and more!

You can read it at https://mailchi.mp/dsav/dnewsjune2024

If you would like to receive DNews, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/truf4tmn

ID: CEO Dan Payne helping a young punter have a shot at the Hole in one for T21 golf fundraising event.

Hi, it’s Dan Payne here, CEO at Down Syndrome Victoria. With great apprehension, Lucy (DSV Comms Manager) has handed over controls of the DSV’s Facebook account to me for the next few days as the Hole in one for T21 fundraiser kicks off tomorrow.

Big shout out to this legend, Chris from Drummond Golf Niddrie for their tremendous support. This incredible golf package (valued at $2,500) is up for grabs to the first person to have a hole in one over the weekend.

All the details can be found here, including the donation and live stream link > www.mycause.com.au/events/holeinonefort21.

I look forward to sharing all the highs and lows over the coming days. Wish me (and Lucy) luck!

Drummond Golf Hoppers Crossing Drummond Golf Hoppers FOX Sports Australia Woodend Golf Club Inc. Golf Channel Golf Australia Golf Australia VIC Future Golf

Tomorrow is the big day! Our CEO, Dan Payne, is going to try and hit a hole in one, or 3,000 golf balls, whichever comes first, to raise money for DSV and the work we do.

There are lots of different ways to get involved:

⛳ Take a guess
With any donation over $50, you'll have the chance to select a ball from 1 to 3,000. Will you choose the elusive 'hole in one' ball and win our grand prize — a weekend away for six people at Boho Beach House, Lakes Entrance? Even if the hole in one remains unachieved, all ball selectors will be entered into the draw for the same grand prize.

⛳ Make a general donation
Make a difference by donating to Dan's effort. Every contribution, no matter the size, fuels our mission and brings us closer to our goals.

⛳ Challenge yourself
If you want to have a hit yourself, join us at Woodend Golf Club on Saturday 22 or Sunday 23 June for $10 per shot. Have a go and try your luck at scoring a hole in one. The first person to hit a hole in one will win a Tour Edge Package fitted from Drummond Golf Niddrie, valued at $2,500. Eighteen holes of golf for up to four players at St Andrews Beach Golf valued at over $400 will be awarded to the ball nearest the pin.

For this option, no registration is required, simply turn up to the second hole at Woodend Golf Club, 12 Davey Street Woodend, from 10am to 8pm on either Saturday 22 or Sunday 23 June. Clubs, balls and lighting available at the venue.

⛳ Watch the live feed of Dan's efforts online.

All the details are at https://www.mycause.com.au/events/holeinonefort21

,
Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool

It’s an exciting time at DSV with A hole in one for T21 teeing off this Saturday coinciding with the end of the financial year. This means that we are busy fundraising for our programs, supports and advocacy. If you are able, please consider donating to DSV this EOFY.

From this Saturday 22 June, our CEO Dan Payne will attempt to hit a hole in one in support of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for DSV.

He is going to hit up to 3,000 balls at Woodend Golf Club and there are a few ways that you can get involved, including:

⛳ trying your luck at scoring a hole in one

⛳ guessing the winning hole in one golf ball

⛳ watching Dan on livestream

⛳ simply donate to help Dan and DSV reach our fundraising goal.

You can find out about all those options (and the prizes up for grabs!) at www.mycause.com.au/events/holeinonefort21

If you can't make it to Woodend on the weekend, or if golf isn't your thing, there are two other ways that you can support Down Syndrome Victoria this end of financial year:

💛 contribute to the DSV Five Peaks Challenge at https://dsv.grassrootz.com/dsv-fivepeaks-2024, or

💙 simply donate to DSV at www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/get-involved-2/donate/.

We know that it isn’t the easiest time for everyone at the moment, so if you are able to make a contribution, know that it is so appreciated.

ID: DSV CEO Dan Payne standing on a golf course, facing the camera, holding up a golf ball in one hand and holding his other index finger up to indicate a hole in one.

When you donate to DSV, you are directly contributing to us being able to:
💛 facilitate education programs
💙 support new families and babies
💛 offer exercise, wellbeing and social programs
💙 advocate for and with our community.

If you are able, please consider donating to DSV this EOFY: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/get-involved-2/donate/

If you would like to contribute to the Hole in one for T21 challenge, visit https://www.mycause.com.au/events/holeinonefort21

If you would like to donate to the DSV Five Peaks Challenge, visit https://dsv.grassrootz.com/dsv-fivepeaks-2024

Thank you!

ID: A slideshow showing the different ways you can donate to DSV, as featured in the text above.

Will you join us – on or off the golf course – for this ambitious fundraiser where our CEO Dan Payne will attempt to hit a hole in one? 🚩🏌🏽

From 22 June Dan will keep on swinging day and night at Woodend Golf Club, either until he hits a hole in one OR a maximum of 3,000 balls. You can cheer him on via our live feed, or come down and have a hit yourself! Not only that, but we have a selection of incredible prizes to win. You can also simply make a donation if that is more your speed. Any of those options will be helping Down Syndrome Victoria, so get involved!

Find all the details and donate here: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/holeinonefort21

ID: Dan smiling at the camera on a golf course, holding his finger up to signal a hole in one.

Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool

Our Club21 Teens winter holiday program is here and it's full of exciting events:

💛 Monday 1 July: Jurassic Park and dinner in North Melbourne
💙 Tuesday 2 July: Firelight Labyrinth at MARVEL Stadium
💛 Wednesday 3 July: Craft and lunch with Kath in North Melbourne
💙 Thursday 4 July: Holy Moly Mini Golf at Chadstone
💛 Friday 5 July: Magic Festival Backstage Pass at the Laneway Theatre

If you'd like more information or want to book into an event, email Brad at [email protected]

ID: A poster with the events listed above.

We've had a lot of questions about how to use your NDIS plan to support attendance at the World Down Syndrome Congress.

You might be able to use NDIS funds to cover things like transport, personal care, registration and more.

To qualify, just make sure your plans for WDSC line up with your NDIS goals – like learning new skills for everyday life or getting involved in the community. Parents and carers can also use their child's NDIS plan to join us at WDSC if it helps them reach their goals.

The congress now have guidance on their website and Mable has a great webpage with information and a checklist that you can use or send to your plan manager to justify the use of funds: https://mable.com.au/newsroom/how-to-use-ndis-funding-wdsc/

If you have any questions feel free to give us a call on 03 9486 9600 or email [email protected].

The full congress program is now available on the website! https://www.wdsc2024.org.au/

Don't miss out on this fantastic global event for the Down syndrome community, taking place this year in Australia. We look forward to sharing our work with you!

ID: Katherine Mansour speaks at a lectern.

Teachers and educators, this one's for you!

Before you switch into holiday mode, be sure to secure your early bird tickets for our upcoming Authentic Inclusion in Schools Education Conference!

Join us on Monday 4 March in Abbotsford and hear from a stellar line up of education experts.

Whether you currently have a student with Down syndrome or intellectual disability, or simply want to know more about encouraging diversity at your school, this conference is not to be missed.

Limited tickets available! Early bird registrations close at 4pm, Monday 18 December.

Check out the full program and secure your tickets today! https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/conference/