Down Syndrome Victoria thumbnail.
Down Syndrome Victoria Logo

(03) 9486 9600

Down Syndrome Victoria is Victoria’s statewide peak organisation representing people with Down syndrome and their families.

Banner section image

Authentic Inclusion in Schools | Monday 2 March 2026

Do you find it difficult to adjust the curriculum for your student with Down syndrome because you find the gap too wide? Down Syndrome Victoria's Authentic Inclusion in Schools conference will present a range of practical strategies from a series of leaders in the education sector, supporting educators to better include and engage all students, creating genuine and meaningful inclusion in schools.

Find out more

Overview

Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) is Victoria’s peak organisation representing people with Down syndrome and their families.

Make a donation
Become a member today

Down Syndrome Victoria is a community based not-for-profit membership organisation established in 1978, made up of people with Down syndrome, their families, friends and professionals, all committed to achieving positive change.

We advocate with and for people with Down syndrome to have access to the same opportunities, supports and community activities as other Victorians. We work within a human rights framework, consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability.

We want to live in a society where people with Down syndrome are valued, and enjoy social and economic inclusion.

Together, we can and will create this inclusive community.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9486 9600 or info@dsav.asn.au if you would like to speak with a team member or find out more about our organisation. Our office hours are 10am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday.

We offer a range of services and supports to people with Down syndrome, their families and professionals across the lifespan.

  • Advice, support, workshops, information, social groups and community for people with Down syndrome
  • Personal and tailored support for parents and other family members during pregnancy and throughout the lifespan
  • Programs and initiatives that support the wellbeing and connection of parents and carers of children with disabilities across Victoria
  • Online community groups for families and people with Down syndrome
  • Training and information workshops covering a wide range of topics for people with Down syndrome, families, education and health professionals
  • An Education Program providing an extensive suite of resources, support and information for families and education professionals
  • A jam-packed calendar of events, including an annual Family Fun Day to connect and celebrate community
  • A regular newsletter, podcast and social media groups where you can explore the latest topics of interest and connect with like-minded people
  • Systemic advocacy that supports the full participation of people with Down syndrome in the economic and social life of the community

Follow Us

Our work and strategic plan

Down Syndrome Victoria

Down Syndrome Victoria logo

This page tells you about Down Syndrome Victoria and the work that we do.

Man and young girl sitting in nature.

Down Syndrome Victoria is the organisation for people with Down syndrome and families in Victoria.

A woman in a red dress holds a sign saying support

We help people with Down syndrome and families with support, information and resources.

Couple with a baby

We have support services for people with Down syndrome and families, at all stages of life.

Our Services

A young woman with a support team

Here are the services we offer:

• groups and activities

• information about Down syndrome

• support for people with Down syndrome

• support for parents and families

• support for professionals and teachers

• workshops and training.

A man talks, next to a woman.

We also advocate for people with Down syndrome and their families.

A man holding thumbs up

This means we help to make sure that people with Down syndrome can be fully included in their community.

A computer screen

You can find out more about our services on our website.

Go to our Services and supports page.

A document with the word 'Policy'

You can find our policies on our website. This means the way we work, and your rights as a customer.

Go to our Policies and Procedures.

News

Thumbnail

You can read our latest news on our website.

Go to our News page.

Events

An event outdoors

We have events like social clubs, outings, workshops and webinars.

You can read about our events on our Events page.

Tablets and phone screens with social media icons

You can follow our social media to see our news and stories.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Pinterest

Contact Us

A woman talks on the phone

Telephone: 1300 658 873

Email: info@dsav.asn.au

Get Social

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

We are excited to announce that FitSkills21 Hawthorn has officially launched and our facilitator Gavin is looking forward to supporting our participants and volunteers each week!

Gavin’s determination and love for fitness shines through. You’ll often find him out on a run, chasing new challenges and enjoying the endorphin rush that comes from exercising. His dedication and enthusiasm make him a fantastic member of our FitSkills21 community.FitSkills21 is open to all people with Down syndrome aged 18 years and over and can be accessed by using NDIS self-managed or plan-managed funding. FitSkills21 includes a gym session followed by a social meal. Please note that there is an out-of-pocket cost for the social meal. If that sounds like fun and something you'd like to try in the new year, come and join Gavin and the team at FitSkills21 Hawthorn, or one of our other locations near you. Fill in the enquiry form today: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form… ID: A photo of Gavin in exercise clothes. He is standing, smiling, on a mountain and there is some snow in the background. ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
We are excited to announce that FitSkills21 Hawthorn has officially launched and our facilitator Gavin is looking forward to supporting our participants and volunteers each week! 

Gavin’s determination and love for fitness shines through. You’ll often find him out on a run, chasing new challenges and enjoying the endorphin rush that comes from exercising. His dedication and enthusiasm make him a fantastic member of our FitSkills21 community.

FitSkills21 is open to all people with Down syndrome aged 18 years and over and can be accessed by using NDIS self-managed or plan-managed funding. FitSkills21 includes a gym session followed by a social meal. Please note that there is an out-of-pocket cost for the social meal. 

If that sounds like fun and something youd like to try in the new year, come and join Gavin and the team at FitSkills21 Hawthorn, or one of our other locations near you. Fill in the enquiry form today: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/fitskills21-enquiry-form 

ID: A photo of Gavin in exercise clothes. He is standing, smiling, on a mountain and there is some snow in the background.

There's only a week until early bird ticket prices end for our Authentic Inclusion in Schools 2026 conference on Monday 2 March 2026.

If you are thinking of coming along, why not get yourself a discounted ticket today? Join us to learn practical skills about how to make your schools more inclusive for students with disability, and specifically for students with Down syndrome.Our line-up is outstanding and we can't wait to hear from them at this one-day professional development opportunity for teachers, schools and educators.Find out more about the event, speakers and program are available atFor more information phone 9486 9600 or email education@dsav.asn.auID: Five images of headshots of five conference speakers. ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
Theres only a week until early bird ticket prices end for our Authentic Inclusion in Schools 2026 conference on Monday 2 March 2026.

If you are thinking of coming along, why not get yourself a discounted ticket today? Join us to learn practical skills about how to make your schools more inclusive for students with disability, and specifically for students with Down syndrome.

Our line-up is outstanding and we cant wait to hear from them at this one-day professional development opportunity for teachers, schools and educators.

Find out more about the event, speakers and program are available at
https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/conference

For more information phone 9486 9600 or email education@dsav.asn.au

ID: Five images of headshots of five conference speakers.

Our FitSkills21 program usually runs in line with the school terms, but six weeks away from FitSkills21 is way too long ... so we're introducing some extra FitSkills21 fun with some Summer Sessions! Join us for a morning walk, circuit session, Zumba class or a visit to the Australian Open All Abilities Day.

Whether you are a regular at FitSkills21, or trying it for the first time, everyone over 18 years of age and of all fitness levels are welcome to join in on these fun offerings!Come and join FitSkills21 Summer Sessions and get active in the new year. If you'd like to know more and join in the fun register your interest here https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form…ID: Two young men sitting inside with their arms around each other's shoulders. ... See MoreSee Less

7 days ago
Our FitSkills21 program usually runs in line with the school terms, but six weeks away from FitSkills21 is way too long ... so were introducing some extra FitSkills21 fun with some Summer Sessions! Join us for a morning walk, circuit session, Zumba class or a visit to the Australian Open All Abilities Day.

Whether you are a regular at FitSkills21, or trying it for the first time, everyone over 18 years of age and of all fitness levels are welcome to join in on these fun offerings!

Come and join FitSkills21 Summer Sessions and get active in the new year.  If youd like to know more and join in the fun register your interest here https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/fitskills21-summer-sessions

ID: Two young men sitting inside with their arms around each others shoulders.

A reminder that applications are currently open for the 2026 Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience.

If you love footy and would like the chance to be on the field at Marvel Stadium and meet players and umpires, you should apply before it's too late!The program aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for participants to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for the AFL umpires on match day.If you have Down syndrome, are 18 years old and over, and want to be involved, we invite you to apply for a spot in 2026. You will find the application form, which includes the game dates, at https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form…Applications close at midday on Tuesday 9 December.Don’t miss out!ID: A photo of a program participant posing with four umpires on the football field. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
A reminder that applications are currently open for the 2026 Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience.

If you love footy and would like the chance to be on the field at Marvel Stadium and meet players and umpires, you should apply before its too late!

The program aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for participants to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for the AFL umpires on match day.

If you have Down syndrome, are 18 years old and over, and want to be involved, we invite you to apply for a spot in 2026. You will find the application form, which includes the game dates, at https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/fiona-mcburney-match-day-experience

Applications close at midday on Tuesday 9 December.

Don’t miss out!

ID: A photo of a program participant posing with four umpires on the football field.

Get In Touch

Get in Touch

Street address: 552 Victoria Street, Wurundjeri Country, North Melbourne 3051

Postal address: 552 Victoria Street, Wurundjeri Country, North Melbourne 3051

Phone: 03 9486 9600

Toll free: 1300 658 873

Email: info@dsav.asn.au

Office Hours: 10:00am - 4:30pm Monday to Thursday

Feedback and Complaints

View our feedback and complaints form, or send us an email: info@dsav.asn.au

Send an enquiry

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.