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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.

Register now!

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.

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

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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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Contact Us

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Telephone: 1300 658 873

Email: info@dsav.asn.au

Get Social

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Many of you already know Kez, a current DSV staff member and previous staffer on the Down Syndrome Advisory Network. But did you know that Kez is also a proud member of Club21 Ballarat? As you might be able to tell from the photo, she’s loving every moment of it!

“I like to meet others here and have fun. I feel good when I’m talking to others and happy having a day out with friends.”Born and raised in Ballarat, Kez has built a strong community through work, sport and friendships. When asked what she would say to someone thinking about joining Club21, Kez’s answer was simple, “We are a friendly group. Come and give it a go.”Kez’s story is a great reminder of the friendships, confidence and fun that come with being part of Club21. If you or someone you know live in Ballarat, we’d love to welcome more people to join our growing community.In fact, you might want to come to an upcoming event where Club21 Ballarat will be heading to Musical Bingo at Hop Temple on Thursday 23 October, 7 to 10pm.Down Syndrome Victoria has been chosen as the charity partner for the night, and parents and families are welcome to join in the fun! Email us if you would like to get involved at Club21@dsav.asn.auID: A photo of Kez at a bar or pub where there is a live music performance. Kez is wearing a yellow t-shirt and is dancing with her arms above her head. She looks like she is having a lot of fun. You can see the bar in the background, as well as other people at the gig, and a man playing a bass guitar. ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
Many of you already know Kez, a current DSV staff member and previous staffer on the Down Syndrome Advisory Network. But did you know that Kez is also a proud member of Club21 Ballarat? As you might be able to tell from the photo, she’s loving every moment of it!

“I like to meet others here and have fun. I feel good when I’m talking to others and happy having a day out with friends.”

Born and raised in Ballarat, Kez has built a strong community through work, sport and friendships. When asked what she would say to someone thinking about joining Club21, Kez’s answer was simple, “We are a friendly group. Come and give it a go.”

Kez’s story is a great reminder of the friendships, confidence and fun that come with being part of Club21. If you or someone you know live in Ballarat, we’d love to welcome more people to join our growing community.

In fact, you might want to come to an upcoming event where Club21 Ballarat will be heading to Musical Bingo at Hop Temple on Thursday 23 October, 7 to 10pm.

Down Syndrome Victoria has been chosen as the charity partner for the night, and parents and families are welcome to join in the fun! Email us if you would like to get involved at Club21@dsav.asn.au

ID: A photo of Kez at a bar or pub where there is a live music performance. Kez is wearing a yellow t-shirt and is dancing with her arms above her head. She looks like she is having a lot of fun. You can see the bar in the background, as well as other people at the gig, and a man playing a bass guitar.

Would you like to better understand sensory processing in your child? Join us on Monday 13 October at 7:30pm for a MyTime introductory session for a clear explanation of sensory processing and how it influences behaviour, learning and daily functioning for children of all ages with sensory processing differences.

Participants will learn how to read and interpret a sensory profile, gaining insights into individual sensory preferences and needs. We will explore general approaches to supporting sensory regulation, including practical strategies and environmental considerations. Attendees will also be guided in brainstorming and trailling tailored strategies to better support individuals in a variety of settings.Participants will gain knowledge about:💙 sensory profiles💙 sensory processing💙 strategies to support sensory regulation.This workshop will be presented by Kevin Kao, the OT Team Leader and Paediatric Lead at Arliam Allied Health. Kevin has a keen interest in coaching approaches to build capacity within families, supporting sensory processing needs.This event was made possible by Carers Victoria through a National Carers Week Event Grant.You can register for this workshop at https://downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/…ID: A close-up photo of a baby with Down syndrome and fair hair, who is looking off to the side and has their one of their fingers in their mouth. ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
Would you like to better understand sensory processing in your child? Join us on Monday 13 October at 7:30pm for a MyTime introductory session for a clear explanation of sensory processing and how it influences behaviour, learning and daily functioning for children of all ages with sensory processing differences.

Participants will learn how to read and interpret a sensory profile, gaining insights into individual sensory preferences and needs. We will explore general approaches to supporting sensory regulation, including practical strategies and environmental considerations. Attendees will also be guided in brainstorming and trailling tailored strategies to better support individuals in a variety of settings.

Participants will gain knowledge about:
💙 sensory profiles
💙 sensory processing
💙 strategies to support sensory regulation.

This workshop will be presented by Kevin Kao, the OT Team Leader and Paediatric Lead at Arliam Allied Health. Kevin has a keen interest in coaching approaches to build capacity within families, supporting sensory processing needs.

This event was made possible by Carers Victoria through a National Carers Week Event Grant.

You can register for this workshop at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/sensory-processing/

ID: A close-up photo of a baby with Down syndrome and fair hair, who is looking off to the side and has their one of their fingers in their mouth.

There's a variety of events and workshops happening this month and we would love for you to join in.

🔸MyTime's Understanding and supporting sensory processing, Monday 13 October🔸StepUP! at Princes Park in Carlton North, Sunday 19 October🔸 Volunteering at DSV information session, Tuesday 21 October🔸 Coffee and Chat 15+, Thursday 23 OctoberFor event details and registration, check out https://downsyndrome.org.au/vic/news-and-events/…ID: A photo of a young woman with long, dark hair and spectacles. She is looking down at a small paint palette in her hands, where she is mixing yellow paint. ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
Theres a variety of events and workshops happening this month and we would love for you to join in.

🔸MyTimes Understanding and supporting sensory processing, Monday 13 October
🔸StepUP! at Princes Park in Carlton North, Sunday 19 October
🔸 Volunteering at DSV information session, Tuesday 21 October
🔸 Coffee and Chat 15+, Thursday 23 October

For event details and registration, check out https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/news-and-events/events/

ID: A photo of a young woman with long, dark hair and spectacles. She is looking down at a small paint palette in her hands, where she is mixing yellow paint.

It's Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

October means a lot to us at Down Syndrome Victoria because it's a time where we get to celebrate and reflect on our part within our community, and also a time when we will be amplifying the voices of people with Down syndrome.Keep an eye out this month as we will be sharing reflections from our Down Syndrome Advisory Network staff members about what they would like people to know about what it means to them to have Down syndrome and be advocates for others.We'd also love to hear from you. We invite you to share in the comments or tag us in your own stories about what you'd like people to know about what it means to be a person with Down syndrome or be part of their family.And don't forget that if you'd like to come together and have fun while raising funds and awareness for DSV, StepUP! is only a few weeks away! Find out more and register at stepupvic.com.auID: ID: A colourful graphic with the words "One day until Down Syndrome Awareness Month. "We'd love to hear what it means to you." ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
Its Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

October means a lot to us at Down Syndrome Victoria because its a time where we get to celebrate and reflect on our part within our community, and also a time when we will be amplifying the voices of people with Down syndrome.

Keep an eye out this month as we will be sharing reflections from our Down Syndrome Advisory Network staff members about what they would like people to know about what it means to them to have Down syndrome and be advocates for others.

Wed also love to hear from you. We invite you to share in the comments or tag us in your own stories about what youd like people to know about what it means to be a person with Down syndrome or be part of their family.

And dont forget that if youd like to come together and have fun while raising funds and awareness for DSV, StepUP! is only a few weeks away! Find out more and register at stepupvic.com.au

ID: ID: A colourful graphic with the words One day until Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Wed love to hear what it means to you.

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

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