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(03) 9486 9600

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

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It's time to StepUP! for Down syndrome!

Let's get ready to StepUP! for Down syndrome. StepUP! for Down syndrome is held during Down Syndrome Awareness Month every October. It's a time for families, friends and our supporters to come together in celebration of people with Down syndrome.

Everything you need to know about attending on the day

Overview

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

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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

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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.

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

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

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

Our Services

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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.

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

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

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

Go to our Services and supports page.

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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

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You can read our latest news on our website.

Go to our News page.

Events

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

You can read about our events on our Events page.

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

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Twitter

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Contact Us

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Telephone: 1300 658 873

Email: info@dsav.asn.au

Get Social

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It's Down Syndrome Awareness Month and some DSV staff will be sharing what it means to them to be a person with Down syndrome, and some things they would like others to know.

First up, Kath Mansour, the Chairperson of the Advisory Network. Kath said, "Having Down syndrome is what makes me who I am, but it doesn't define me. It's doesn't mean I'm different, just how special I am."I have so much I am proud of that I have achieved. Living independently is important for me so I can do things for myself and in my own time. That is something I am proud of that I have achieved. I am also proud of speaking at events."You can read more from Kath and other staff members at ID: The two slides have Kath's quotes from this post and the words "Down Syndrome Awareness Month". The first slide also has a photo of Kath. She has blonde hair and is looking at and smiling at the camera. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
Its Down Syndrome Awareness Month and some DSV staff will be sharing what it means to them to be a person with Down syndrome, and some things they would like others to know.

First up, Kath Mansour, the Chairperson of the Advisory Network. Kath said, Having Down syndrome is what makes me who I am, but it doesnt define me. Its doesnt mean Im different, just how special I am.

I have so much I am proud of that I have achieved. Living independently is important for me so I can do things for myself and in my own time. That is something I am proud of that I have achieved. I am also proud of speaking at events.

You can read more from Kath and other staff members at www.downsyndrome.org.au/dsam2026/

ID: The two slides have Kaths quotes from this post and the words Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The first slide also has a photo of Kath. She has blonde hair and is looking at and smiling at the camera.Image attachment

DSV’s Matt O’Neil recently reached a milestone that means a lot to him. September marked ten years since Matt started working at Coles, and his colleagues helped him celebrate!

Matt’s Coles store hosted an anniversary party for him with fellow staff, the store manager and even the regional manager. Matt also invited DSV’s Employment Connections Manager Bree Mills and his vocational trainer from Jobsupport, Laura Donati. About reaching this milestone, Matt said, “I’m so happy and so proud. I never thought I would reach ten years. This job means a lot to me ... I want to be a trailblazer for other people with Down syndrome who would like to work too.” You are definitely a trailblazer, Matt. Congratulations on your ten-year anniversary! If you would like to read the rest of Matt's interview and his reflections on his job and the milestone, you will find it at ID: The first photo is of Matt and Laura. They are standing next to each other, smiling at the camera. Matt is wearing his Coles uniform of a black jumper over a red shirt, and Laura is wearing a stripey top and green cardigan. The wall behind them is red and has a noticeboard. The second photo is of Matt in the same outfit and room. He is sitting on a sofa with one leg crossed over the other. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
DSV’s Matt O’Neil recently reached a milestone that means a lot to him. September marked ten years since Matt started working at Coles, and his colleagues helped him celebrate! 

Matt’s Coles store hosted an anniversary party for him with fellow staff, the store manager and even the regional manager. Matt also invited DSV’s Employment Connections Manager Bree Mills and his vocational trainer from Jobsupport, Laura Donati. 

About reaching this milestone, Matt said, “I’m so happy and so proud. I never thought I would reach ten years. This job means a lot to me ... I want to be a trailblazer for other people with Down syndrome who would like to work too.” 

You are definitely a trailblazer, Matt. Congratulations on your ten-year anniversary!  

If you would like to read the rest of Matts interview and his reflections on his job and the milestone, you will find it at www.downsyndrome.org.au/matts-mighty-milestone/ 

ID: The first photo is of Matt and Laura. They are standing next to each other, smiling at the camera. Matt is wearing his Coles uniform of a black jumper over a red shirt, and Laura is wearing a stripey top and green cardigan. The wall behind them is red and has a noticeboard. The second photo is of Matt in the same outfit and room. He is sitting on a sofa with one leg crossed over the other.Image attachment

Do you know anyone who has been thinking of volunteering with DSV? We have an online information session on Tuesday 21 October to find out what is involved.

Learn how you can become part of a supportive and exciting community. Whether you’re a student, professional, retiree or simply someone with some spare time to give, this evening will give you insight into the rewarding opportunities available to volunteer with us. Sessions are run by our Volunteer Coordinator and are co-hosted by an adult with Down syndrome.You will learn about:+ what Down syndrome is+ the work of Down Syndrome Victoria+ how you can get involved as a volunteer+ next steps.We really appreciate the commitment of time and energy of our volunteers. Volunteering is a way to connect with your local community, you can also learn new skills and grow your personal development.The session will be co-hosted by DSV's Emily Porter and Volunteer and HR Coordinator Johanne Zuleta.To find out more and register at ID: DSV's Matt and FitSkills21 volunteer David, posing and smiling in a selfie. Matt is doing a shaka sign with his hand, and there is an outdoor pool in the background behind them. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
Do you know anyone who has been thinking of volunteering with DSV? We have an online information session on Tuesday 21 October to find out what is involved.

Learn how you can become part of a supportive and exciting community. Whether you’re a student, professional, retiree or simply someone with some spare time to give, this evening will give you insight into the rewarding opportunities available to volunteer with us. Sessions are run by our Volunteer Coordinator and are co-hosted by an adult with Down syndrome.

You will learn about:
+ what Down syndrome is
+ the work of Down Syndrome Victoria
+ how you can get involved as a volunteer
+ next steps.

We really appreciate the commitment of time and energy of our volunteers. Volunteering is a way to connect with your local community, you can also learn new skills and grow your personal development.

The session will be co-hosted by DSVs Emily Porter and Volunteer and HR Coordinator Johanne Zuleta.

To find out more and register at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/oct-volunteering/

ID: DSVs Matt and FitSkills21 volunteer David, posing and smiling in a selfie. Matt is doing a shaka sign with his hand, and there is an outdoor pool in the background behind them.

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

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