About DSQ

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.

DSQ provides practical and emotional support through the delivery of educational and social programs across multiple facets, each with their own vision.

Our Impact

Together, 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.

Strategic Plan 2023-25

DSQ has created a strategic plan for 2023-25 that outlines our direction, goals and strategies over the next three years so that we can provide the best to support, and continue to advocate and empower, people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

You can view DSQ’s Strategic Plan for 2023-25 here.

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.