Social Connection Activities
Down Syndrome NSW offers a number of programs to support people with Down syndrome connect with others and to learn new skills
UP!Club
UP!Club is a statewide social connection group for adults with Down syndrome. They meet regularly to socialise, improve our living skills and check out what’s happening in the community.
You can find out more about UP!Club here
Camps
Down Syndrome NSW operates camps for adults and teens with Down syndrome regularly throughout the year. Our camps are an opportunity for people to come together in a safe environment where they can learn new skills, make new friends and grow confident in who they are as a person.
You can find out more about the camps here
Up Up & Away
Up Up & Away is a program for children with Down syndrome who are aged between 4 and 17 and their siblings. This program allows for not only the child with Down syndrome, but their brothers and sisters and family to interact and build connections and support. We have two sessions of the project, one for kids 4 -11 and one for those 12-17 and also joint sessions.
You can find out more about this program here
Puberty and Adolescence
Adolescence is a time of change for anyone. You may want more independence and make your own decisions. And just like other teens, you may be curious about relationships and sexuality. Adolescence brings opportunities and challenges for a young person with Down syndrome just like everyone else.
We have guides and resources for teens that provide really good information about adolescents and Down syndrome.
Young Adults
Young adults with Down syndrome are living independent lives with supports geared to their individual needs. You may be thinking about further education, employment, social interests, family life and independent living options. We have guides and resources for young adults that provide good information to help you make your decisions.
You might also like to join UP!Club, a state-wide peer connection group for adults 18+ years, that meets regularly to socialise, improve living skills and check out what’s happening in the community.
Housing and Accommodation
- Where do you want to live?
- Who do you want to live with?
- What help might you need?
Everyone’s needs will be different and unique to their own circumstances. Down Syndrome NSW has a broad range of resources to help you prepare for, and make decisions about, your future housing needs.
The Summer Foundation has developed a ‘Housing tool kit’. This Housing toolkit is for both people with disability who require a high level of support and their families, to support decision-making regarding housing and support options within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Health and Ageing
As we get older we are all prone to age-related health conditions. Older adults with Down syndrome experience some age-related conditions at a younger age and more often than people in general.
We have a variety of resources to provide evidenced-based advice to health professionals, to help them better understand how to support people with Down syndrome within the health system.
Health resources have also been developed for people with Down syndrome and their families to be prepared and informed about hospital stays, building relationships with GPs and decision making.
Down Syndrome NSW also holds various workshops and events to provide support and information on health and ageing.