Building community cohesion and resilience
Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) presents the following suite of resources to build community cohesion and resilience among people with Down syndrome and their families, following a disaster event in regional Victoria. DSV aims to foster long term recovery support systems and networks to ensure people with Down syndrome are provided a chance to create a resilient future.
There are more than 13,000 Australians who have Down syndrome with 3,600 who reside in Victoria. According to the ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016 and 2021, 6.9% of the population in regional Victoria, have a disability. Studies have shown the adverse effects on people with disabilities having limited access to information and resources and participation in social activities being a leading factor of depression and social isolation. Those affected by a natural disaster exacerbate these statistics driving a need to improve their health and wellbeing. It is proven that local support, reliable information and resources can inform, advocate and rebuild community cohesion.
Please see below our emergency preparedness suite including preparing for fire, preparing for extreme heat and preparing for flood.
These documents specifically reference your family member with Down syndrome.
