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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

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Did you know that Keziah Glenane is the Victorian Employment Ambassador for Down Syndrome Australia?

Kez shared with us what she does in the role and what she enjoys most about it.“My role as an Employment Ambassador is to assist people who would like to get a paid job. I speak at workshops and events about why employers should give people with Down syndrome a job [and] about why having a job is so great!”“I really enjoy being an Employment Ambassador because I like being able to help people to get jobs so they can save money to live on in the future.”You can read more about Kez, her role and her work at Or, if you are an employer and you would like information or support to employ a person with Down syndrome in your workplace, you can visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/…, or contact DSV's Employment Connections Manager Bree Mills on email at breem@dsav.asn.au or call 0402 799 012.ID: Three photos of Kez. In the first photo, she is posing with a young girl with Down syndrome. In the second photo, Kez is holding up a camera, and in the third photo, Kez is posing with Bree at the Having a Say Conference. They are sitting as an information stall, smiling at the camera. ... See MoreSee Less

21 hours ago
Did you know that Keziah Glenane is the Victorian Employment Ambassador for Down Syndrome Australia?

Kez shared with us what she does in the role and what she enjoys most about it.

“My role as an Employment Ambassador is to assist people who would like to get a paid job. I speak at workshops and events about why employers should give people with Down syndrome a job [and] about why having a job is so great!”

“I really enjoy being an Employment Ambassador because I like being able to help people to get jobs so they can save money to live on in the future.”

You can read more about Kez, her role and her work at www.downsyndrome.org.au/keziah-update/

Or, if you are an employer and you would like information or support to employ a person with Down syndrome in your workplace, you can visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/services-and-supports/employment-services/, or contact DSVs Employment Connections Manager Bree Mills on email at breem@dsav.asn.au or call 0402 799 012.

ID: Three photos of Kez. In the first photo, she is posing with a young girl with Down syndrome. In the second photo, Kez is holding up a camera, and in the third photo, Kez is posing with Bree at the Having a Say Conference. They are sitting as an information stall, smiling at the camera.Image attachmentImage attachment

Did you know that we have FitSkills21 happening in Geelong? FitSkills21 is a unique, evidence-based physical activity program specifically for people with Down syndrome. It’s inclusive, confidence-building and fun!

What makes FitSkills21 so unique?🏋🏽‍♀️ Tailored fitness plans for each participant, designed by a physiotherapist.🏋🏼‍♂️ One-on-one support where participants are paired with a volunteer partner who provides motivation, support and friendship.🏋🏿‍♂️ A social meal to finish at the end of each gym session to build connection and community, which are just as important as building strength and fitness.FitSkills21 Geelong is at Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Waurn Ponds, on Thursday evenings. The gym session from goes from 5:30 to 6:30pm, and the group have dinner together from 6:30 to 8pm.You could be like Patrick, one of our FitSkills21 participants from Geelong! Whether he’s boxing, flipping tyres, swinging ropes or using the weight machines, he is always giving it his all! Every week we see him grow in strength, confidence and connection and we love celebrating his progress!Whether you’re just starting out in the gym or already love being active, you’ll find your place at FitSkills21.FitSkills21 is open to all people with Down syndrome aged 18 years and over and can be accessed by using NDIS Self-Managed or Plan-Managed funding. Please note: there is an out of pocket fee for the social meal.To find out more please visit our webpage , or if you are interested, complete our enquiry form and we will be in touch with more information: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form…ID: Two photos of one of our Geelong FitSkills21 participants, who is a young man with Down syndrome. He is shown with a trainer at an outdoor gym. In the first photo, the two of them are wearing boxing gloves and holding their fists up in victory poses. In the second photo, they are using a boxing bag. ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Did you know that we have FitSkills21 happening in Geelong? FitSkills21 is a unique, evidence-based physical activity program specifically for people with Down syndrome. It’s inclusive, confidence-building and fun!

What makes FitSkills21 so unique?
🏋🏽‍♀️ Tailored fitness plans for each participant, designed by a physiotherapist.
🏋🏼‍♂️ One-on-one support where participants are paired with a volunteer partner who provides motivation, support and friendship.
🏋🏿‍♂️ A social meal to finish at the end of each gym session to build connection and community, which are just as important as building strength and fitness.

FitSkills21 Geelong is at Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Waurn Ponds, on Thursday evenings. The gym session from goes from 5:30 to 6:30pm, and the group have dinner together from 6:30 to 8pm.

You could be like Patrick, one of our FitSkills21 participants from Geelong! Whether he’s boxing, flipping tyres, swinging ropes or using the weight machines, he is always giving it his all! Every week we see him grow in strength, confidence and connection and we love celebrating his progress!

Whether you’re just starting out in the gym or already love being active, you’ll find your place at FitSkills21.

FitSkills21 is open to all people with Down syndrome aged 18 years and over and can be accessed by using NDIS Self-Managed or Plan-Managed funding. Please note: there is an out of pocket fee for the social meal.

To find out more please visit our webpage https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/dsv-fitskills/ , or if you are interested, complete our enquiry form and we will be in touch with more information: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/fitskills21-enquiry-form

ID: Two photos of one of our Geelong FitSkills21 participants, who is a young man with Down syndrome. He is shown with a trainer at an outdoor gym. In the first photo, the two of them are wearing boxing gloves and holding their fists up in victory poses. In the second photo, they are using a boxing bag.Image attachment

It is our pleasure to announce that Nick Drover will be speaking at DSV's Authentic Inclusion in Schools 2026 conference for educators on Monday 2 March 2026.

Nick will be presenting a session titled 'Getting started: a look at how Key Word Sign can support communication'.Nick is a special education teacher with a strong passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and literacy teaching for students with disabilities. He has worked in special schools in Queensland and Victoria as a teacher, curriculum leader and literacy coach.Nick has been presenting Key Word Sign for over 10 years and also serves as the treasurer for Key Word Sign Victoria. He currently works as an assistant principal at a special school in south-east Melbourne.Join us to hear from Nick and other exceptional speakers to learn how to elevate inclusion in your classroom and school. To register and for more details about the event, speakers and program are available at Early bird registration prices are available until 15 December.For more information phone 9486 9600 or email education@dsav.asn.auID: A close-up photo of Nick. He has fair hair and spectacles, and is smiling. The text reflects text in this post and is accompanied by the DSV logo. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
It is our pleasure to announce that Nick Drover will be speaking at DSVs Authentic Inclusion in Schools 2026 conference for educators on Monday 2 March 2026.

Nick will be presenting a session titled Getting started: a look at how Key Word Sign can support communication.

Nick is a special education teacher with a strong passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and literacy teaching for students with disabilities. He has worked in special schools in Queensland and Victoria as a teacher, curriculum leader and literacy coach.

Nick has been presenting Key Word Sign for over 10 years and also serves as the treasurer for Key Word Sign Victoria. He currently works as an assistant principal at a special school in south-east Melbourne.

Join us to hear from Nick and other exceptional speakers to learn how to elevate inclusion in your classroom and school. To register and for more details about the event, speakers and program are available at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/conference

Early bird registration prices are available until 15 December.

For more information phone 9486 9600 or email education@dsav.asn.au

ID: A close-up photo of Nick. He has fair hair and spectacles, and is smiling. The text reflects text in this post and is accompanied by the DSV logo.

Say hello to Julia, one of our amazing Club21 facilitators here at DSV!

Julia brings energy, laughter and plenty of banter to her role, loving every chance to share jokes and fun times with our participants.Outside of Club21, Julia is proudly cat-obsessed. You’ll also find her soaking up Melbourne’s music scene at concerts, festivals and summertime events.Fun fact: Julia also gets to work alongside her sister Kath, the Chair of the DSV Advisory Network — talk about a dynamic duo! 💜Want to learn more about Club21 and join the fun? Fill out our enquiry form at the link in our bio or here 👉 https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form… ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago

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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