September 4, 2024
Down Syndrome Australia’s Pathways to Independence Project has just wrapped up. Alongside our state and territory member organisations, we have delivered workshops across Australia to build individual capacity.
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of our project, we are proud to share the impact we have made in supporting people with Down syndrome and their families. The Pathways workshops have been empowering spaces to support independence, growth, and connect family and community.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Community Members
Throughout the life of this project, we provided workshops to1 ,052 individuals with Down syndrome, designed to enhance their skills, confidence, and quality of life. We also provided workshops to 831 family members and carers, providing them with the tools and knowledge that can lead to better support.
Creating Employment Opportunities and Experience
One of the standout achievements of this project was the employment of 48 people with Down syndrome who played a key role in delivering the Pathways project. Their involvement in the co-design and co-facilitation of the workshops significantly contributed to the success of the project.
Building Skills Through Workshops
A core component of the Pathways project was the delivery of 144 workshops specifically tailored for people with Down syndrome. These workshops covered a broad range of topics critical to personal development and community engagement, including:
- Self-Advocacy: Supporting individuals to speak up for their rights and needs.
- Decision Making: Empowering people to make informed choices about their lives, and how to seek support for decisions when you need.
- Staying Healthy: Promoting physical and mental well-being.
- Community Participation: Encouraging active involvement in local communities.
- NDIS: Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
- Relationships: Building and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Becoming a Leader: Developing leadership skills, including public speaking and understanding rights.
In addition to supporting individuals with disabilities, we conducted 53 workshops specifically designed for family members and carers, focusing on topics such as:
- Building and Supporting Independence: Helping family members with Down syndrome grow into more self-sufficient individuals.
- Circles of Support: Creating networks of care and support.
- Community Connections: Fostering a sense of belonging and participation in the broader community.
- Housing: Understanding housing options and securing appropriate living arrangements.
- Supported Decision Making: Assisting in making choices that align with the individual’s best interests.
- Supporting Healthy Lives: Promoting overall health and well-being.
- Legal Matters: Navigating the legal aspects of caring for a person with Down syndrome.
Creating accessible resources
Recognising the need for continued delivery of flexible and accessible resources, we developed 7 online self-paced workshops and 8 informational videos. These online resources have allowed us to extend our reach, providing valuable information and training to those who could not attend in person.
Online self-paced workshops:
Information videos:
Thank you to everyone involved in the Pathways project!
As we close the Pathways to Independence project, we wish to thank everyone who participated, contributed, and supported this project. It is wonderful to see so many people involved, and know that so many people gained new skills or knowledge, made friends, and came out feeling closer to their family and community.
Down Syndrome Australia is excited to build on this project in the future and continue our mission of supporting and empowering people with Down syndrome and their families.
Down Syndrome Australia is proud to receive support from the Australian Government’s Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Grant program, in order to deliver a wide variety of projects to support people with Down syndrome, their family and supporters.