About Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland
Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland (DSIDQ) 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. DSIDQ 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 Vision
A Queensland where people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability, and their families and carers, are included and valued in their communities.
Our Mission
As the peak body for intellectual disability in Queensland, DSIDQ 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 DSIDQ, 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.
Strategic Focus
The 2026–2028 Strategic Focus for Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland (DSIDQ) is centred on creating an inclusive community where people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability are empowered to thrive at every stage of life. Guided by the values of Inclusion, Passion and Integrity, the strategy focuses on five key priorities: raising voices and awareness through advocacy, engaging and educating communities, delivering inclusive, person-centred services, building strong partnerships through collaboration, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Together, these priorities support individuals and families from prenatal stages through to older adulthood, reinforcing DSIDQ’s commitment to providing lifelong support, advocacy and opportunities for inclusion.
Submissions
As the peak body for intellectual disability in Queensland and the leading advocate for the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual disability, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland (DSIDQ) takes a proactive approach to community issues through regular submissions to government and industry bodies. These submissions are a valuable contribution to the government decision-making process and ensure our community’s voices are heard.
Click below to view our submissions
Supporting You at Every Stage of Life
As Queensland’s peak body for Down syndrome and intellectual disability, DSIDQ provides trusted information, advocacy, education, programs and connections that empower individuals, families, educators and communities. Whether you’re seeking support before school, throughout education, into employment, or adulthood, we’re here to help you navigate every stage of the journey.
Our services are delivered over the phone, face-to-face and online, making support accessible wherever you are in Queensland. We offer a combination of free and fee-for-service programs, ensuring individuals, families, educators and organisations can access the information, expertise and practical support they need to build confidence, strengthen inclusion and create opportunities for people with intellectual disability to thrive.
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. DSIDQ is honoured to have her patronage.