For Teachers
2009 Workshop Dates & Locations
URGENT - Teachers please note that the half day behaviour seminar planned for the 26th May has been postponed.
20th March - Mackay Education Workshop
29th April - Brisbane half day Teachers Workshop
15th May - Rockhampton Teachers Workshop
18th June - Northside Teaching Reading Workshop
26th June - Southside Teaching Reading Workshop
13th October - Awareness Week Brisbane Teachers Presentation
Workshop Handouts
Curriculum Matters
Monica Cuskelly - Behaviour Presentation - April 2009
Information for Teachers
Position Statement regarding the enrolment of students with Down syndrome
The Down Syndrome Association of Queensland supports the right of parents to enrol their son or daughter at the school of their choice. This right of choice is widely acknowledged in our society, referred to by politicians and embedded in the Education Bill.
We believe that this right also extends to the families of children who have the label of Down syndrome. When a family chooses a regular school for their son or daughter with Down syndrome, this choice is not only a reflection of a wider community value but is further protected by the Education Standards of the Disability Discrimination Act and by Education Queensland's Inclusive Education Policy.
The DSAQ further supports the choice of regular school based on the research evidence. There is no empirical evidence for segregated, special education for any student with Down syndrome. Studies have shown definitively that all children with Down syndrome benefit when they learn, with their peers, in regular classrooms. Studies have also shown that the whole school community benefits from embracing an inclusive philosophy.
Welcoming students with Down syndrome into a regular school is best practice from a human rights perspective and from an educational one. It is a matter of community vision. Segregation teaches people to be fearful and ignorant. Our students (and teachers) need schools that will help them develop relationships and which reflect life in the wider community. Only inclusion has the potential to reduce fear and build respect, friendship and understanding.
The DSAQ believes therefore, that there can be no justification for segregating a student with Down syndrome or excluding them from a school against a parent's wishes.
Please contact the DSAQ for information about inclusive practice, to access research findings or to enquire about the ways in which the association can assist you in including students with Down syndrome.
My voice and my life through and with literacy
Christina E. van Kraayenoord, School of Education, The University of Queensland Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Inclusion activities for students - Primary School
Inclusion activities for students - Secondary School
Noah's Ark Resource Centre 
(The above link will take you to the Noah's Ark website)
Noah's Ark is a place for children and their families, teachers, therapists, childcare workers and other professionals. It is a support service for children with disabilities or additional needs. They provide specialist resources, learning and educational materials and therapy equipment.
Noah's Ark Resource Centre is a separate organisation from DSAQ.
Noah's Ark Contact details:
20 Norman Street,
East Brisbane, QLD, 4169
Email: contact@noahsark.net.au