Tony started as a volunteer at Down Syndrome Victoria approximately 51 years ago. Tony had a son called Rohan, who had Down syndrome, and was born in 1974. Around the time, Tony dealt with the constant battle of advocating for Rohan, when all the doctors and nurses told Tony that Rohan should be institutionalised and live his life in a facility. Tony disagreed with all of the advice she was given and thus began a life of advocating for her son, Rohan, as well as in turn, hundreds of people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and physical disabilities.
Tony’s impact
Tony’s first mission when she started at DSV was to become direct supports to the hospitals, and to parents with newborn children with Down syndrome. This was in hope to change the very critical conversations, where she felt was lacking in empathy and understanding when it came to the doctors and nurses. Tony managed to begin this support service and became a 24/7 available support for parents who had children with Down syndrome both over the phone and through hospital visits. During this time, Tony’s mother-in-law would crochet jackets as gifts for the parents of newborn kids. This service is still a part of DSV today.
Tony’s second mission at DSV was to be able to become a support service to people living regionally, who had little access to supports or information regarding Down syndrome. Tony and her family would spend most weekends travelling around regional Victoria to be these supports for those families, helping them with any questions they may have and providing information in pamphlet form, which was all done voluntarily. This service still exists at DSV today.
Steph’s thoughts
“If it wasn’t for Tony, thousands of people with Down syndrome and their families would not have the opportunities, they have today.
Tony had a wonderful impact on our DSV life, and bringing everyone together. I’m sure she was an excellent mentor for people.
Tony shared countless stories about her son Rohan and the good times she spent with her son. Tony played a key role in establishing and then volunteering at DSV and had many critical roles for over 20 years. Tony is one of the founders of DSV alongside both of my parents. Tony was part of Valid as a board member.
People with disability should be treated the same as people who do not have disabilities. Rohan was a pioneer and showed the world that he could achieve the things just the same as other people.”