We are excited to announce that the DSAQ book, Enabled Learning  - Educating a Student with Down syndrome in a Primary School Environment will be launched at this year's Brisbane Education Conference.

 

The book aims to provide guidance for educators working with students with Down syndrome. It combines information, insights, research, practical strategies and ideas to help you expand your understanding and provide you with tools, ideas and resources that you can incorporate into your own educational context. It is our hope that this guide will inspire you to revolutionise the way you work with students with Down syndrome in order to maximise their educational outcomes.

 

It will be available to purchase at the Education Conference or you can download the order form to secure your copy now!

Education Resource Order Form (610 KB)

The Gold Coast Music Therapy Program for Term 1 is now up and running!

 

This is a fantastic opportunity for DSAQ members who live on the Gold Coast.

 

Music playgroups are fun and developmentally stimulating programs for children up to 5-years-old. Parents and children don't have to be musical to attend, as the focus is on the children learning through involvement. Music therapy playgroups can enhance early childhood development and nurture relationships between parent and child through musical play. The experience will also give parents hands-on ideas for using music at home to stimulate, calm and interact with their baby or toddler. Musical activities could include music and movement, singing, instrumental play and relaxation.

 

Where: Meeting Room 2, Bicentennial Community Centre, 833 Southport-Nerang Rd, Nerang.

When: Every Tuesday

Time: 9:30am-10:30am

Cost: FREE to DSAQ members

 

Please contact the DSAQ Office with your RSVP on 3356 6655.

Come & Try Day and BBQ - Ipswich

The Brisbane Paralympic Football Program is expanding! If you live in the Ipswich area and you are looking for a sport your child would enjoy it will be worthwhile to head along to the 'Come and Try' day and BBQ at Westminster Warriors Soccer Club on the 10th March.

It is a social day for anyone with a disability that enjoys kicking a football in their back yard, at the local park, at school or at their local club. This fun filled day will include a visit from Brisbane Roar's mascot "ROARY"!

Where: Westminster Warriors Soccer Club, Redbank Plains Recreational Reserve, Redbank Plains Road, Redbank Plains.

When: 10th March 2012

Time: 10:00am

For all enquiries contact Jay Larkins (Program Officer)

Brisbane Paralympic Football Program

cpfootballbrisbane@hotmail.com

0411 134 531

 

The DSAQ would like to thank the Labrador Tigers Australian Football Club for sponsoring the Gold Coast Christmas Party this year. Not only did the club provide their venue free of charge but they also covered the costs of refreshments and entertainment too. DSAQ member family's had a fantastic afternoon meeting santa and dancing up a storm.

 

Yesterday the Gold Coast Music Therapy Group were featured on ABC Gold Coast radio. Hamish King the Gold Coast Music Therapist and two parents; Cally Ward and Nerys Lewis were interviewed and did a fantastic job. Congratulations to Maree McIntosh for helping to facilitate the radio segment and thank you to Candice Marshall the journalist who produced the story. 

You can listen to the interviews and see the photos by clicking the link here.

 

United Nations adopts resolution to designate 21 March as “World Down Syndrome Day” from 2012

Down Syndrome International (DSi) has coordinated World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) since 2006, held on 21 March (21/3) to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of chromosome 21 which causes the genetic condition Down syndrome. The aim of the day is to raise awareness and understanding of a condition which affects approximately 1 in 800 births worldwide, and to promote the inherent rights of persons with Down syndrome to enjoy full and dignified lives and be active participants in their communities and society.

 

From 2012, the United Nations will invite all its Member States, relevant organisations of the UN system, international organisations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organisations and the private sector, to observe WDSD and actively raise public awareness of Down syndrome.

 

Read the full press release from DSi here.

DSAQ would like to say thank you to the Post of Brisbane authority for their kind donation of $20,000. These funds will go towards the continued operation of the DSAQ in much needed areas of support including: education, new and expectant parent support, correct information and awareness and the development of the transition to work program.

 

The staff, committee and members of the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland Inc would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to Dawn, Warren, Melissa and Scott Dowling, Anne McInnes, Lyn and Katy Grant and their many supporters for all their efforts with the Monto Tea Party.

 

After thirteen years and raising more than $40,000 for the Association, the Tea Party went out with a bang! 7 Local News came along and put a lovely story together. You can watch it here. View some of the photos from the last Tea Party here. 

Thanks again for making us feel so welcome.

Hi Everyone

 

As you may be aware Queensland hosted four Buddy Walks this year! Rockhampton and Toowoomba got the ball rolling on the 9th October and had amazing support from their areas. The Gold Coast and Brisbane followed suit on the 16th October to wrap up Down Syndrome Awareness Week.

 

All four events were very successful and special thanks must go to the Regional Representatives in each area for all their hard work and dedication to spreading awareness about people with Down syndrome leading inclusive, productive and fulfilling lives.

In Rockhampton, Kathy Bailey was instrumental in pulling together over 150 people. Thank you Kathy and your team of volunteers!

In Toowoomba, Belinda Swain and the Toowoomba & District Down Syndrome Support Group welcomed just over 135 participants. Thank you Belinda and TDDSSG for your efforts!

On the Gold Coast, Maree McIntosh was ecstatic to greet over 200 attendees! Thanks Maree and your helpers!

The Brisbane Buddy Walk attracted between 400 and 450 participants, our biggest turn out yet! Thank you to all of the volunteers who made the day run so smoothly.

 

Please see the attached links for photos from other organisations, individuals and groups. More photos from the DSAQ are still to come so stay tuned!

 

Montage from the Rockhampton Buddy Walk

Photos from the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program - Brisbane

Photos from the Redback Garrison, 501st Legion - Brisbane
Photos from the pREDixS; QLD REDS prematch entertainers - Brisbane
News Clips from the Rockhampton Buddy Walk:
    Channel 7
    Channel 9

Photos from the Gold Coast

Photos from Toowoomba - more still to come!

 

This page will feature up-to-date news and events from the Association. We hope you 'Like' us.

http://www.facebook.com/DSAQLD

A huge thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets during Down Syndrome Awareness Week. We would like to acknowledge the company's and individuals who provided prizes that made this raffle possible:

 

Helen and Tasmin of Lightbox Studio (http://www.lightboxstudio.net.au/) Helen and Tasmin have supported the Association for the last three years. Thank you both for your continued support this year.

Michael Harrison of OAKS Group who has gone to great lengths over the years to provide us with sort-after accommodation, hospitality and entertainment packages.

Arana Leagues Club who welcomed us to their venue for Celebration Night and also provided items for our raffle.

The Villager Hotel Gastrobar and Supper Club for their generous support.

Tracy Davis MP for providing the lucky door prize at Celebration Night.

 

The raffle was drawn on 16th October 2011 at Brisbane Buddy Walk. Winners have been notified by phone.

 

Winners are as follows:

 

First Prize - Lightbox Studio Location Package - Tricia Stickley

Second Prize - Oaks Group Accommodation Package - Trish Patterson

Third Prize - The Villager Restaurant Package - Megan O'Neil.

We are excited to share that Down Syndrome is being featured on Disability Online this week!

www.qld.gov.au/disability

Follow the link to read stories about DSAQ members, the Association and getting involved with Down Syndrome Awareness Week.

It’s the Queensland Government’s first audience-specific website—written for people with disability, their families and carers about programs, services, supports and initiatives you want to know about. You don’t need to know which department offers which service—or even whether it’s a state, federal or local government program: let www.qld.gov.au/disability lead you.

Consultation within the disability sector informed the website’s construction and content—and feedback continues to help it grow. www.qld.gov.au/disability is part of a broader Queensland Government commitment to provide responsive online services for all Queenslanders.

DSAQ would like to thank all involved for making this feature possible. Special thanks to the staff at Disability Online as well as our members for particapting in interviews.

 

The Down Syndrome Association of Queensland Inc. is proud to announce the 2011 Award recipients. 

 

Firstly, we would like to thank all of the people who made the effort to submit nominations. It is exciting that the number of nominations increased significantly this year!

 

Secondly, we would like to acknowledge the hard work that each nominee contributes in their various roles within the community, in order to create a more inclusive society. We found all of the nominations truly inspiring and therefore will be making sure that each nominee receives a certificate of recognition from the Association.

 

Individual Achiever Award Recipient 2011 - Keltie Butler nominated by BMA Coal Blackwater

Primary School Teacher Award Recipient 2011 - Blair Smith - St Therese's Catholic School Monto, nominated by Melissa Dowling

Secondary School Teacher Award Recipient 2011 - Anne Spinks - Ryan Catholic College Thuringowa, nominated by Marcia Jones

 

We would like to thank the Brisbane City Council Libraries and the State Library of Queensland for supporting the Association and parents of children with Down syndrome. They have taken steps to introduce our list of recommended resources, for service providers and organisations who work with people who have Down syndrome, into all Brisbane libraries. You can find the list here. Our vision is for all Queensland libraries to stock these resources and we are working our way towards this. Brisbane City Council Libraries are also going to remove outdated materials from their shelves and would appreciate feedback on obsolete items.

 

From the 1st of July, The Better Start for Children with a Disability initiative aims to assist eligible parents of children with Down syndrome to access funding and new Medicare items. Funding is for early treatment, diagnostic and management services. Find more information about Better Start  and how to register here.

More information can be found on the Better Start website: http://betterstart.net.au

 

You can now access the DSAQ Library Resource Catalogue from our website! 
Browse through Fine Motor and Gross Motor resources, pick out literacy and numeracy games and see what else we have available for borrowing to financial DSAQ members. The book catalogue is currently being updated too.

 

Take five minutes to watch this video on self advocacy of people with Down syndrome by the National Down Syndrome Congress in America. You can also visit their youtube channel and check out some of their other movies and a mini documentary. Share it with everyone you know!

The DSAQ would like to thank Ansvar Insurance for providing funding for the 2011 DSAQ Camp. This funding allowed members to attend the weekend of workshops, pottery, music, group activities like the talent show, sport and art at a subsidised rate. View photos from the camp in our website gallery.

We have added another booklet for free download to the 'DSAQ Publications' section. This booklet, titled 'Visual Supports' aims to provide information and ideas about the use of visuals to support communication for people with Down syndrome of all ages.

 

You can download the booklet here.

 

 

DSAQ would like to congratulate Ty Belnap for being the recipient of a World Down Syndrome Day Award. On 21st March 2011, the President of Down Syndrome International (DSi) Mr Pat Clarke of Ireland announced the recipients whose voluntary, professional or scientific activities have strengthened and enriched the lives of people with Down syndrome, or contributed to scientific advancement related to Down syndrome.

Ty was the only Australian and one of only four people with Down syndrome recognised worldwide with an International Achievement Award. He was nominated for his life-time of breaking down barriers, providing a positive role model and an example of realising the potential of all people with disabilities. Ty will be presented with his award at the World Down Syndrome Conference in South Africa in 2012. You can watch a news story on Ty here. You can listen to an interview with Ty from ABC Sunshine Coast radio here.

The 2011 Down Syndrome Association of Queensland  Inc Education Conference was held on the 22nd-23rd February. Overall, we had approximately 65 participants each day from varied educational contexts. The conference provided educators with the opportunity to share with other professionals, listen and engage with dynamic speakers and learn more about educating students with Down syndrome. The topics that were covered included: behaviour, literacy, what is Down syndrome and its implications on learning, multi modal communication, creative therapies in education, use of technology in education and inclusive school environments. Everyone also enjoyed the engaging musical performance by David Waldie. A huge thank you to all speakers and attendees of this years Two Day Education Conference. Some of the speaker presentations will soon be downloadable from our website.

Some feedback from the 2011 Education Conference is below:

• "Very practical and relevant speakers."
• "The information was relevant and directly linked to practical situations."
• "I liked the variety of topics covered and the timeframes given to them. I got a lot out of the day - very interactive."
• "I came with lots of questions, many of which were answered during the conference. I look forward to implementing many of the ideas presented in my classroom."

The DSAQ Guide for iPad and iPod Touch Apps is now available. The guide provides information on aps in areas of: fine motor, english, maths, music and more. You can download the Aps booklet from the DSAQ Publications page here

Bruce Sullivan is an internationally known keynote speaker, relationship specialist and author. Bruce is currently a director of six companies, a husband for twenty-two years and father of two children Declan and Hannah. His unique understanding of how we relate to one another in the workplace and at home, combined with his practical experience in the worlds of sport, business and the community, is what sets his work apart and gives a very practical and timely insight into the human side of the corporate environment. Hannah's Christmas Gift is a story about your life and the choices you make! $10.00 from every book sold will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association in your nominated state or Country. $60,000 has already been raised by the sales of the book.  If you would like to purchase your copy or learn more about Bruce please visit: http://www.brucesullivan.com or http://www.hannah'schristmasgift.com.au

DSAQ is one of Donate A Car's chosen charities. If you are trying to free yourself of an old car, motorbike, boat, bus, trailor, truck, jet ski or even artwork, you can visit the DONATE A CAR website and select the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland as your charity of choice to receive the funds generated by your item. Visit their website now for more details: http://www.donateacar.com.au