About Down Syndrome Queensland
Down Syndrome Queensland (DSQ) is the peak body for Intellectual Disability in Queensland and works for a better quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome. DSQ is a registered charity, established in 1976 by parents to support and strengthen families, and promote positive and realistic images of people with disabilities. Its dynamic and expert team of staff provides a range of services and supports throughout Queensland and are supported by a number of wonderful volunteers, including the DSQ Board. Our services are funded through grants, sponsorships, donations and fundraising.
Our Mission
As the peak body for intellectual disability in Queensland, DSQ provides practical and emotional support to all people with intellectual disabilities, their families and support networks. We drive change, support inclusion and are on a quest for equality for people with disabilities, so they can take their rightful places as valuable and contributing members of their communities. We provide expert advice and quality services to empower individuals to fulfil their potential, now and into the future.
Our Values
Our values express what we stand for and guide the way we do things. Our values are core to our business, and we align everything we do with them. Here at DSQ, we have three core values. Putting these values into action will help us to build community awareness and to support, advocate for and empower people with Intellectual Disability.
Integrity
We remain true to our mission and are honest, open, ethical, and fair. We take accountability for our actions and our actions match our words.
Inclusion
We know it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests, and backgrounds to succeed. We collaborate to leverage collective knowledge.
Passion
What we do, we do well.
We act with courage to create a better future.
Our Vision
Down Syndrome Queensland supports, advocates for and empowers people with intellectual disabilities to thrive as valued members of their communities. As the leading advocate and support organization, we empower and enable individuals through practical assistance and emotional support. Our commitment is to create inclusive communities where every person with intellectual disabilities can achieve their full potential, now and into the future.
Through support services and educational and social programs, we aim to enhance opportunities, promote acceptance, and ensure that each person can live their best life.
Strategic Plan
DSQ’s 2023-25 Strategic Plan outlines the strategies and goals necessary to continuing our work supporting, advocating for and empowering people with intellectual disabilities across Queensland, to take their rightful places in the community.
Click below to view the 2023-25 Strategic Plan!
DSQ Journey
As the peak body for Intellectual Disability, DSQ can provide numerous benefits to your family, community, school and/organisation. We have expertise in areas such as disability advocacy, inclusion, and community engagement and more, as well as access to valuable resources, information and networks that can help you before, during and after school years. Being a part of the DSQ community can boost your connection with families and individuals with disabilities and create opportunities for support and collaboration.
DSQ has created a ‘now and the future’ journey to direct our current programs and initiatives that ensures that we are catering to all age groups and strategically moving forward to better support the disability community.
Our Patron
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, was sworn in as the 27th Governor of Queensland on 1 November 2021. DSQ is honoured to have her patronage.