News and resources

Employment

People with Down syndrome want to work for the same reasons as everyone else – so that they can be independent, contribute to society, earn their own money, learn new skills, meet new people, and feel valued. Down Syndrome Australia has developed the following resources to help people with Down syndrome and their families understand employment opportunities.

We have also developed resources for employers, providing information about adjustments that can be made to support people with Down syndrome in paid employment.

YouTube Video

The resources developed by DSA include:

For people with Down syndrome and families

Information sheet – for families of people with Down syndrome about Employment

A Guide for Employees (Plain English)

A Guide for Employees (Easy Read)

For employers

A Guide for Employers

A Practical Guide for Employers – coming soon!

Schedule – Daily schedule example and template

PowerPoint – Employment and Down syndrome

For everyone

Fact sheet – People with Down syndrome and employment FAQ’s

Video – Employment and Down syndrome

Case study – Social enterprise

Case study – Peter’s story – coming soon!

Other helpful resources

The value that employees with Down syndrome can add to organisations – McKinsey & Company

Source: Down Syndrome Australia

Community and Sporting Groups

A recent survey conducted by Down Syndrome Australia indicated that one of the top three barriers to participation in community activities was a lack of awareness and understanding of organisers or leaders of activities or groups.

The resources have been developed to provide information and advice on considerations and adjustments that can be made to support participation in the community for a person with Down syndrome. The resources are for families, people with Down syndrome, community group facilitators, sporting instructors and dance group co-ordinators.

YouTube Video

The resources developed by DSA for Community Groups include:

For people with Down syndrome and families

About me – a template for people with Down syndrome and families to provide relevant information to support inclusion – PDF

About me – a template for people with Down syndrome and families to provide relevant information to support inclusion – Word

For dance instructors, sporting group leaders and community groups

Fact sheet – Community participation

Fact sheet – Dance instructors – for kids up to 12 years old

Fact sheet – Dance instructors – for young adults

Fact sheet – Inclusion for social groups

For everybody

Fact sheet – Inclusion and sporting clubs

Video – Community and sporting groups and Down syndrome

Other helpful resources are:

Disability Policy template for sporting clubs – Play by the Rules

AllPlay – an initiative to support inclusion in sport and team activities

AllPlay Footy – a joint initiative with the AFL to maximise inclusion in the AusKick program

Source: Down Syndrome Australia

Education

These resources have been developed for educators and teachers, families and people with Down syndrome and the general community to promote better understanding of inclusive education and what adjustments, both academic and social, can be made to support the participation of all.

YouTube Video

The resources developed by Down Syndrome Australia include:

For people with Down syndrome and families

Tip sheet – Advice for supporting the transition to the early childhood setting

For teachers and educators

Information sheet – for Teachers and educators

Fact sheet – Taking the next steps towards inclusion for teachers

Poster – Supporting social inclusion in schools

Fact sheet – Supporting social inclusion in schools

Fact sheet – Supporting inclusive therapy

For everybody

Fact sheet – What is inclusive education

Video – Education and Down syndrome

Animation – Coming soon!

Case study – Ryan’s story

Case study – Inclusion at University

Other helpful resources:

Imagine More – Inclusive Education – Tips for Families from Families

All Means All – Toolkit for Parents

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) – Inclusion in Education: Towards Equality for Students with Disability

Voice article – Inclusive education: When research evidence is not enough

Voice article – Functional mathematics in a digital age: What do we really need to teach?

Voice article – Starting school

Source: Down Syndrome Australia

Health

Access to appropriate care within hospitals and the general health system can be difficult for people with Down syndrome. It is essential to ensure that everyone has access to good quality health care and is supported to access information and make informed health decisions.

Down Syndrome Australia has developed resources to provide evidenced-based advice to health professionals to better understand how to support people with Down syndrome within the health system. Resources have also been developed for people with Down syndrome and their families to be prepared and informed about hospital stays, building relationships with GPs and decision making.

YouTube Video

The resources developed by DSA include:

For people with Down syndrome and families

Fact sheet – Hospital stays

Fact sheet – Finding the right General Practitioner

Health record – About me – PDF

Health record – About me – Word

For health professionals and the health setting

Fact sheet – Communication tips for health professionals

Post card – Communication tips for health professionals

Poster – coming soon!

Information sheet – Dental health and Down syndrome – coming soon!

For everyone

Video – Health and Down syndrome

Other helpful resources:

Inclusion Europe – How to get easy to understand information about health care

Fact sheet – MBS item numbers

A GP’s and Allied Health Professional's guide to the NDIS

NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSWCID) – My Health Matters

Voice article – Doctors need to look beyond Down syndrome

Voice article – Resilience in hospital

Source: Down Syndrome Australia

Deafness Forum of Australia is deeply concerned about the continuing, widespread lack of recognition and effective management of hearing loss in aged care services. This is despite government accreditation requirements, overseen by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency, having been in place for two decades. Deafness Forum became aware of the absence of necessary hearing […]

Source: Deafness Forum of Australia