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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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Services and Supports

Our work and strategic plan

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Annual Reports
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Financial Statements
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Policies and Procedures
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Strategic Plan 2024-2026
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Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan
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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

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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 Caitlin O'Neil, in her words:"Anyone who knows me well is aware that my brother Matt is one of the most special people in my life: he’s a passionate advocate, the life of any party, a loving brother and all round legend. He’s also one of the nearly 15,000 Australians with Down syndrome. I’m getting involved in this challenge to support DSV in continuing their important work – empowering people with Down syndrome to live the lives they choose. I will be trekking with a team of fundraisers including my friends Bree and Rose and am looking forward to exploring this part of Australia."Caitlin, whose brother Matt O'Neil is DSV's Advisory Network Chair, has raised over $6,600 since signing onto the challenge. Can you help her reach her current goal of $7,500? To help get her there, visit Caitlin's 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: Caitlin with Matt and their sister. They have their arms around each other's shoulders and are standing in front of a DSV sign. ... See MoreSee Less

5 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 Caitlin ONeil, in her words: Anyone who knows me well is aware that my brother Matt is one of the most special people in my life: he’s a passionate advocate, the life of any party, a loving brother and all round legend. He’s also one of the nearly 15,000 Australians with Down syndrome. I’m getting involved in this challenge to support DSV in continuing their important work – empowering people with Down syndrome to live the lives they choose. I will be trekking with a team of fundraisers including my friends Bree and Rose and am looking forward to exploring this part of Australia. Caitlin, whose brother Matt ONeil is DSVs Advisory Network Chair, has raised over $6,600 since signing onto the challenge. Can you help her reach her current goal of $7,500? To help get her there, visit Caitlins fundraising page at https://dsv.grassrootz.com/dsv-larapinta-2025/caitlin-o-neil 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: Caitlin with Matt and their sister. They have their arms around each others shoulders and are standing in front of a DSV sign.

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

It’s deep into the AFL season and at DSV the thing we have been the most excited about is how much the participants of the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience have been getting out of it.

The program aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for individuals to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for the AFL umpires on match day. One of those guest trainers is Sammy. His mum Jenny told us that his siblings and niece recently went along to a match where Sam was a guest and that they were blown away by the whole experience. And the experience just kept on giving when Jenny, Sammy and their family went to visit friends the next day and watched the match together. “We were so excited to see him running and dancing in the background at the final siren when Magpies won!” Not only did Sam have the absolute time of his life and is asking to go again already, Jenny told us, “My daughter said Sammy did not stop smiling the whole night. He will remember this for years to come.” This year the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience features 22 rounds and 22 participants, which is more than ever before. There are chaperones who support the participants on the day, most of who are retired ALF umpires, so they really know their stuff. We love being able to support this program and, more than that, we love to hear the stories from participants. Thank you for sharing your story, Sammy and Jenny. And thank you to @aflumpiresassociation (Instagram) @AFLUAofficial (Facebook) for supporting our guest trainers!If you would like to read more about the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience, visit https://downsyndrome.org.au/vic/…ID: Five photos of Sammy on game day at a football stadium. He wears an umpire jersey. In photo one, Sammy smiles at the camera and he holds a football in one hand. He is near a bench and his family are standing, smiling behind him. In photo 2, Sammy is handing the football to someone in the stands. In photo 3, Sammy is standing on the oval with an umpire. In photo 4, Sammy is standing on the oval with the Collingwood banner behind him. Sammy had his arms raised in a strong pose. In photo 5, Sammy is standing on a balcony at the stadium. There are city buildings in the background. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
It’s deep into the AFL season and at DSV the thing we have been the most excited about is how much the participants of the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience have been getting out of it. The program aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for individuals to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for the AFL umpires on match day. One of those guest trainers is Sammy. His mum Jenny told us that his siblings and niece recently went along to a match where Sam was a guest and that they were blown away by the whole experience. And the experience just kept on giving when Jenny, Sammy and their family went to visit friends the next day and watched the match together. “We were so excited to see him running and dancing in the background at the final siren when Magpies won!” Not only did Sam have the absolute time of his life and is asking to go again already, Jenny told us, “My daughter said Sammy did not stop smiling the whole night. He will remember this for years to come.” This year the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience features 22 rounds and 22 participants, which is more than ever before. There are chaperones who support the participants on the day, most of who are retired ALF umpires, so they really know their stuff. We love being able to support this program and, more than that, we love to hear the stories from participants. Thank you for sharing your story, Sammy and Jenny. And thank you to @aflumpiresassociation (Instagram) @AFLUAofficial (Facebook) for supporting our guest trainers! If you would like to read more about the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience, visit https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/fiona-mcburney-match-day-experience/ ID: Five photos of Sammy on game day at a football stadium. He wears an umpire jersey. In photo one, Sammy smiles at the camera and he holds a football in one hand. He is near a bench and his family are standing, smiling behind him. In photo 2, Sammy is handing the football to someone in the stands. In photo 3, Sammy is standing on the oval with an umpire. In photo 4, Sammy is standing on the oval with the Collingwood banner behind him. Sammy had his arms raised in a strong pose. In photo 5, Sammy is standing on a balcony at the stadium. There are city buildings in the background.Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Say hola to Catalina, one of our fabulous Club21 facilitators!

Catalina joined the Club21 crew as a Zumba instructor in 2020 and stepped into the role of facilitator in 2021. She runs our online programs for adults and often jumps in to support our weekend social programs, Club21 Teens and FitSkills21 when needed.Her favourite part of the job? The incredible people she gets to work with. From laughter to learning, Catalina says every session is filled with fun and connection.Want to join the Club21 fun? Fill out our enquiry form: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form…You can learn more about Club21 at ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
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0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Carer burnout affects many members of our community. Take some time out for yourself on Monday 4 August and join MyTime's interactive session that will focus on understanding carer burnout and explore some of the strategies carers can use to promote self-care.

All carers from the MyTime and Down Syndrome Victoria communities are invited to attend. Kim Repcak from Carers Victoria will be presenting.You will learn about:💙 what carer burn out is💙 recognising the signs of carer burn out in yourself💙 strategies to promote self-care and prevent burn out💙 services and supports to assist with self-care.This event is presented with the support of Carers Victoria.You can find out more and register at https://downsyndrome.org.au/self-care-and-preventi…ID: A picture of an adult lying under bed covers with their head covered and their arms outstretched. In one hand they are holding a mug and they are making the peace sign with their other hand. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Carer burnout affects many members of our community. Take some time out for yourself on Monday 4 August and join MyTimes interactive session that will focus on understanding carer burnout and explore some of the strategies carers can use to promote self-care. All carers from the MyTime and Down Syndrome Victoria communities are invited to attend. Kim Repcak from Carers Victoria will be presenting. You will learn about: 💙 what carer burn out is 💙 recognising the signs of carer burn out in yourself 💙 strategies to promote self-care and prevent burn out 💙 services and supports to assist with self-care. This event is presented with the support of Carers Victoria. You can find out more and register at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/self-care-and-preventing-carer-burnout/ ID: A picture of an adult lying under bed covers with their head covered and their arms outstretched. In one hand they are holding a mug and they are making the peace sign with their other hand.

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

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

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

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