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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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Support our Larapinta Challenge Team

In August this year a team of seven dedicated hikers will be heading to the Red Centre for the ultimate Australian challenge, trekking the iconic Larapinta trail. While hiking 55km of the trail they are raising essential funds for Down Syndrome Victoria. Do you have the capacity to support them?

Donate to our Larapinta Challenge team

Overview

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

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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
  • 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.

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.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Pinterest

Contact Us

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Telephone: 1300 658 873

Email: info@dsav.asn.au

Get Social

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July is Disability Pride Month. We asked some of our Advisory Network staff what makes them proud.

Colby Hickey shared, “I congratulate everyone who has faced their fears or challenges as someone with a disability. I wish for equality and acceptance for all those with a disability across Australia and the world. As a community, I hope we transcend any perceived limitations and that our opportunities and inclusion continue to grow. I’m proud of being a person with disability who is actively social and advocates for others. I’m proud that I have started working on my autobiography. This will be one of my biggest challenges and achievements.”Happy Disability Pride Month!ID: There is a photo of Colby. He looks thoughtful and is looking off to the side of the camera. An excerpt of his quote is included in the graphic. ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
July is Disability Pride Month. We asked some of our Advisory Network staff what makes them proud.

Colby Hickey shared, “I congratulate everyone who has faced their fears or challenges as someone with a disability. I wish for equality and acceptance for all those with a disability across Australia and the world. As a community, I hope we transcend any perceived limitations and that our opportunities and inclusion continue to grow. I’m proud of being a person with disability who is actively social and advocates for others. I’m proud that I have started working on my autobiography. This will be one of my biggest challenges and achievements.”

Happy Disability Pride Month!

ID: There is a photo of Colby. He looks thoughtful and is looking off to the side of the camera. An excerpt of his quote is included in the graphic.

This July, we have lots of offerings for adults with Down syndrome and families, plus more. There are opportunities to grow your knowledge, confidence and even your network. We hope that you'll join us for one or more of our sessions.

🔸Disability estate planning, Tuesday 22 July🔸Talking with your kids about relationships, Wednesday 23 and 30 July🔸Coffee and Chat 15+, Thursday 24 July🔸Your child's transition to adult healthcare, Tuesday 29 July🔸Special disability trusts, Tuesday 29 JulyFor event details and registration, check out https://downsyndrome.org.au/vic/news-and-events/…ID: A graphic with words that read 'What's on this month at DSV'. ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
This July, we have lots of offerings for adults with Down syndrome and families, plus more. There are opportunities to grow your knowledge, confidence and even your network. We hope that youll join us for one or more of our sessions.

🔸Disability estate planning, Tuesday 22 July
🔸Talking with your kids about relationships, Wednesday 23 and 30 July
🔸Coffee and Chat 15+, Thursday 24 July
🔸Your childs transition to adult healthcare, Tuesday 29 July
🔸Special disability trusts, Tuesday 29 July

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

ID: A graphic with words that read Whats on this month at DSV.

Many of our intrepid hikers have been busy raising funds for DSV ahead of our Larapinta Challenge 2025, which is just around the corner! In the lead up to the trek, we'd like to introduce you to some of our trek team.

This week, meet Loren Pettigrew, in her words:"Hello! My mischievous and magical niece Sienna has Down syndrome and opened my eyes to a whole new world. Since connecting with the Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) community, I have been welcomed with open arms. Sienna lives in the US. I'm paying things forward, supporting the Victorian community. "I am fundraising money to help DSV, where donations are critical to continue the important work they do, supporting individuals and families of people with Down syndrome."Loren, who also happens to be one of DSV's newest Board members, has already raised over $2,000 towards her goal of $4,000. If you would like to give her a boost, you can visit her fundraising page at https://dsv.grassrootz.com/dsv-larapinta-2025/…Or if you would like to donate to the general trek fundraising goal to help DSV run our programs, advocacy and work with our community, you can do that at ID: The first photo shows Loren, her toddler niece and two young nephews. They look like they are out on a hike with trees around them. Loren is carrying her niece on her back. The second photo is of Loren's niece playing with a box. She is inside the box and has her hair tied with a ribbon on top of her head. The third photo is of Loren having a video chat with her niece and her sister. Her sister and niece are on a screen behind Loren and Loren is looking back at them with a smile on her face. ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Many of our intrepid hikers have been busy raising funds for DSV ahead of our Larapinta Challenge 2025, which is just around the corner! In the lead up to the trek, wed like to introduce you to some of our trek team.

This week, meet Loren Pettigrew, in her words:
Hello! My mischievous and magical niece Sienna has Down syndrome and opened my eyes to a whole new world. Since connecting with the Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) community, I have been welcomed with open arms. Sienna lives in the US. Im paying things forward, supporting the Victorian community. 

I am fundraising money to help DSV, where donations are critical to continue the important work they do, supporting individuals and families of people with Down syndrome.

Loren, who also happens to be one of DSVs newest Board members, has already raised over $2,000 towards her goal of $4,000. If you would like to give her a boost, you can visit her fundraising page at https://dsv.grassrootz.com/dsv-larapinta-2025/loren-pettigrew

Or if you would like to donate to the general trek fundraising goal to help DSV run our programs, advocacy and work with our community, you can do that at https://dsv.grassrootz.com/dsv-larapinta-2025

ID: The first photo shows Loren, her toddler niece and two young nephews. They look like they are out on a hike with trees around them. Loren is carrying her niece on her back. The second photo is of Lorens niece playing with a box. She is inside the box and has her hair tied with a ribbon on top of her head. The third photo is of Loren having a video chat with her niece and her sister. Her sister and niece are on a screen behind Loren and Loren is looking back at them with a smile on her face.Image attachmentImage attachment

Do you have experience working with families? We are recruiting two regional MyTime roles.

MyTime is a peer support program for parents and caregivers of children aged 0 to 18 years with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.💛 MyTime Play Leader in Horsham 💛The MyTime Play Leader is responsible during a MyTime group, to ensure a safe children’s activity environment, provide age-appropriate activities for children, and to work with the facilitator.💛 MyTime Facilitator in Geelong 💛MyTime groups are conducted by a facilitator who is responsible for leading parent discussions on various topics throughout the term. Play sessions for children run concurrently, so that parents and carers can participate and engage in the discussion and participate in group sessions and activities.You can read the position description for either role at For more information about the roles or about MyTime, you can email Madison Robinson at madisonk@dsav.asn.au.ID: An image of a mother and toddler. The toddler has Down syndrome and looks engaged in an activity. The mother looks over the toddler's shoulder and appears to be giving instructions. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
Do you have experience working with families? We are recruiting two regional MyTime roles.

MyTime is a peer support program for parents and caregivers of children aged 0 to 18 years with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.

💛 MyTime Play Leader in Horsham 💛

The MyTime Play Leader is responsible during a MyTime group, to ensure a safe children’s activity environment, provide age-appropriate activities for children, and to work with the facilitator.

💛 MyTime Facilitator in Geelong 💛

MyTime groups are conducted by a facilitator who is responsible for leading parent discussions on various topics throughout the term. Play sessions for children run concurrently, so that parents and carers can participate and engage in the discussion and participate in group sessions and activities.

You can read the position description for either role at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/mytime-hiring/

For more information about the roles or about MyTime, you can email Madison Robinson at madisonk@dsav.asn.au.

ID: An image of a mother and toddler. The toddler has Down syndrome and looks engaged in an activity. The mother looks over the toddlers shoulder and appears to be giving instructions.

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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