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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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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.

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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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Contact Us

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Telephone: 1300 658 873

Email: info@dsav.asn.au

Get Social

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Have you checked out our 2025 gift guide yet? 🎄

It includes businesses of people with Down syndrome with craft and paintings, clothing, greeting cards and delicious treats. Get yourself something, or cross some gifts off your Christmas list.You may have been lucky enough to catch some of their wonderful creations at the market stalls at StepUP! Melbourne this year!🎄 Take a look at our 2025 gift guide today! You will find it at www.downsyndrome.org.au/…ID: A photo of a sprig of Christmas tree and a bauble. The words read "Down Syndrome Victoria's Christmas gift guide 2025". ... See MoreSee Less

21 hours ago
Have you checked out our 2025 gift guide yet? 🎄

It includes businesses of people with Down syndrome with craft and paintings, clothing, greeting cards and delicious treats. Get yourself something, or cross some gifts off your Christmas list.

You may have been lucky enough to catch some of their wonderful creations at the market stalls at StepUP! Melbourne this year!

🎄 Take a look at our 2025 gift guide today! You will find it at www.downsyndrome.org.au/dsvs-2025-christmas-gift-guide/

ID: A photo of a sprig of Christmas tree and a bauble. The words read Down Syndrome Victorias Christmas gift guide 2025.

Today is International Day of People with Disability so it's a great time to profile one of the most vital, energising parts of DSV: our Advisory Network.

We have asked the staff members to share in their own words what they do as an advisory network and what they enjoy most about their roles.A few of their insights include:🎤 Jenny shared, “We are advocates for the rights of people with Down syndrome, and we talk to politicians and community groups, and speak in schools and hospitals.”🎤 Daniel said, “I feel proud to be on the Advisory Network. We try to make things change for people with Down syndrome."🎤 Jack told us that being part of the Advisory Network, "has allowed me to see more of my abilities rather than my disabilities."You can read everything they had to say at ID: Two photos of the Advisory Network staff members. The first photo is of Jenny speaking at a lectern. The second photo is of Jack and Daniel standing back to back. ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
Today is International Day of People with Disability so its a great time to profile one of the most vital, energising parts of DSV: our Advisory Network.

We have asked the staff members to share in their own words what they do as an advisory network and what they enjoy most about their roles.

A few of their insights include:
🎤 Jenny shared, “We are advocates for the rights of people with Down syndrome, and we talk to politicians and community groups, and speak in schools and hospitals.”
🎤 Daniel said, “I feel proud to be on the Advisory Network. We try to make things change for people with Down syndrome.
🎤 Jack told us that being part of the Advisory Network, has allowed me to see more of my abilities rather than my disabilities.

You can read everything they had to say at www.downsyndrome.org.au/our-advisory-network/

ID: Two photos of the Advisory Network staff members. The first photo is of Jenny speaking at a lectern. The second photo is of Jack and Daniel standing back to back.Image attachment

Have you had a chance to complete our Member Survey? We'd love to hear from you.

While we have regular connection with our members and community, we want to ensure we continue to provide the supports and services our members want and need, and that we're meeting your expectations.We value your feedback. This survey should take no longer than three minutes to complete and will be open until midnight on Friday 5 December.To fill in the survey, visit ID: A young man is holding up a poster with the words " Have you filled in our member survey yet? There's still time." He is inside, smiling and wearing a polo shirt. ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Have you had a chance to complete our Member Survey? Wed love to hear from you.

While we have regular connection with our members and community, we want to ensure we continue to provide the supports and services our members want and need, and that were meeting your expectations.

We value your feedback. This survey should take no longer than three minutes to complete and will be open until midnight on Friday 5 December.

To fill in the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N6Z6BNY

ID: A young man is holding up a poster with the words  Have you filled in our member survey yet? Theres still time. He is inside, smiling and wearing a polo shirt.

There's still time to score early bird-prices to our Authentic Inclusion in Schools conference for educators that will be held on Monday 2 March next year.

A reminder that we are thrilled to announce that the ABC's Disability Affairs Reporter Nas Campanella will be the keynote speaker.Nas will be speaking about:• her personal story and lived experience in mainstream schooling• challenges she faced at school and how they were overcome• what worked well for her at school• the importance of inclusive education.Nas has supported young people with vision impairments to transition into mainstream schooling. She also works as a mentor to people with disabilities and mental illness. She's also given advice on accessible travel to members of the tourism industry.In 2016, Nas was part of a Disability Empowerment Skills Exchange in Fiji where she worked in a media communications and advocacy role with the Spinal Injury Association in Suva. During the month-long exchange, Nas devised a social media strategy for the organisation, assisted in the design and launch of a disability awareness training program for the United Nations.We are looking forward to hearing from Nas at our Authentic Inclusion in Schools conference for educators. Attending the conference can contribute to your VIT professional development.If you are a parent, we invite you to share the conference details with your child's school.The program is now live and early bird ticket prices will be available until Friday 19 December. You can register and find out more about the conference at ID: There is a photo of Nas accompanied by text. Nas is standing, facing the camera. She has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a short-sleeved blue dress. Nas is smiling. The text reflects text in this post and is accompanied by the DSV logo. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
Theres still time to score early bird-prices to our Authentic Inclusion in Schools conference for educators that will be held on Monday 2 March next year.

A reminder that we are thrilled to announce that the ABCs Disability Affairs Reporter Nas Campanella will be the keynote speaker.

Nas will be speaking about:
• her personal story and lived experience in mainstream schooling
• challenges she faced at school and how they were overcome
• what worked well for her at school
• the importance of inclusive education.
Nas has supported young people with vision impairments to transition into mainstream schooling. She also works as a mentor to people with disabilities and mental illness. Shes also given advice on accessible travel to members of the tourism industry.

In 2016, Nas was part of a Disability Empowerment Skills Exchange in Fiji where she worked in a media communications and advocacy role with the Spinal Injury Association in Suva. During the month-long exchange, Nas devised a social media strategy for the organisation, assisted in the design and launch of a disability awareness training program for the United Nations.

We are looking forward to hearing from Nas at our Authentic Inclusion in Schools conference for educators. Attending the conference can contribute to your VIT professional development.

If you are a parent, we invite you to share the conference details with your childs school.

The program is now live and early bird ticket prices will be available until Friday 19 December. You can register and find out more about the conference at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/conference/

ID: There is a photo of Nas accompanied by text. Nas is standing, facing the camera. She has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a short-sleeved blue dress. Nas is smiling. The text reflects text in this post and is accompanied by the DSV logo.

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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