It’s Sonia here again, Family Support Manager at DSV.
Last week I wrote about the vital services and supports we provide for new and expectant parents.
This week, Marie wanted to share her story and first-hand experience of DSV’s Family Support work with you:
I first contacted DSV when I was 12 weeks pregnant and had just received confirmation that our baby had Down syndrome. It was a confusing and overwhelming time. I was so glad and relieved to speak to Sonia [DSV Family Support Manager] who visited our family at home and gently helped us make sense of some of the misinformation we had been given, as well as support to understand what having a child with Down syndrome could mean. I greatly appreciated having a non-judgemental conversation discussing the opportunities and challenges that could lie ahead. Sonia directed me to other supports including the pregnancy Facebook group and DSV resources.
Once our beautiful baby girl arrived, Sonia visited us in hospital armed with more information and supports, as well as helping to prepare me for the dreaded NDIS application and planning meeting. With the challenges presented by an unexpected pandemic it was wonderful to be able to access online connection opportunities through Zoom including the key word sign workshops and information sessions run by Sonia.
It is hard to emphasise enough how much we have valued the support given to us by DSV and the role Sonia has played in assisting us to navigate a tricky time with optimism and hopefulness.
We support many Victorians just like Marie every week, however the important work we do in the pre and postnatal space is not supported by recurrent funding. Currently DSV receives no funding for our prenatal services, with limited government support for our postnatal service offering. We rely entirely on the generosity of our donors to ensure delivery of this critical support.
This June, we’re asking for your support. Please help us assist more new and expectant parents like Marie and donate today.
Simply click the link below to donate.
If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9486 9600 or email info@dsav.asn.au.
Sincerely,
Sonia Bonadio
Family Support Manager
Down Syndrome Victoria