Supporting professionals
Professionals can be vital to a family’s sense of confidence and coping well. Our state and territory associations provide professionals with advice and up-to-date information to support interactions with families. We also support professionals to increase their knowledge and understanding of Down syndrome through events and professional development.

Health
The way health professionals interact with families, particularly around diagnosis, can be critical to a family’s sense of confidence and coping well. Our state and territory associations provide health professionals with:
- up-to-date information about Down syndrome
- resources for people and families
- resources for health professionals
- professional development and webinars
- terminology and position guidelines on prenatal testing

Education
Teachers and educators often have questions about support and inclusion work in the classroom. Our state and territory associations can support educators and assist schools to develop inclusive practices with:
- dedicated education teams are available in some states
- information and advice about Down syndrome and learning
- education resources for parents and families
- professional development and webinars
- terminology and position guidelines on inclusive education

Employment
People with Down syndrome want to work for the same reasons as everyone else – to be independent, contribute to society, earn their own money, connect with peers and feel valued. Our state and territory associations provide employment professionals with:
- information and advice about Down syndrome and employment
- employer support programs (some states only)
- resources for employers
- resources for employees
- professional development and webinars
- terminology and position guidelines on employment
Find out more about services in your area
Visit our state and territory association web pages to find out more about the services our Federation offers to professionals.