Down Syndrome Victoria

16/06/2026

EOFY* is around the corner and it’s the perfect time to donate to DSV.

Funding may continue to be limited in the disability sector, but our role is as vital as ever, and the feedback we receive from service and program participants keeps spurring us on to deliver for our community.

If you are able, we invite you to donate to DSV. This is the kind of real impact you could make:
⚡ $50 helps keep our phone line running so people can call us to access trusted, evidence-based information when they need it most.
⚡ $96 can cover one hour of phone support, helping individuals and families navigate key decisions with confidence.
⚡ $145 supports our team to plan training on topics like health, education and the NDIS
⚡ $500 contributes towards the cost of a home or hospital visit.

You can donate at https://donate.mycause.com.au/charity/12244 to make our day today.

It would also really help us if you could share this post with your network.

*end of financial year

ID: A graphic with a photo of four teenagers with Down syndrome who are sitting in a cinema foyer. They are smiling and look like they are having fun. There is also text that reads: We need your support. You can donate.

16/06/2026

We are on the lookout for a person with social work qualifications and experience working with people with disability.

We are recruiting for an Adult Support Manager, seeking an experienced individual for this meaningful role that build skills, independence and inclusion for adults with Down syndrome.

The Adult Support Manager is responsible for providing families and adults with Down syndrome (18 years+) with evidence-based information, emotional support, and advocacy, enabling them to make informed choices, build resilience, and connect with mainstream and specialist support services.

This role is a hybrid, part-time position (22.8hrs per week). For the position description, please email Karen Peters, Senior Manager Service Delivery, at [email protected].

You can read more about the role and how to apply at www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/dsv/adult-support-manager

If you know someone who would be great for the role, we invite you to share this post with them.

ID: A close-up photo of a young man with Down syndrome. He is smiling at the camera and there is another person behind him.

15/06/2026

FitSkills21 are offering another round of fun, active experiences in the winter holidays.

All sessions are open to adults with Down syndrome, with all fitness levels welcome. After each session we’ll spend some time together enjoying each other’s company over lunch. We've already locked in boxing and yoga and there will be more to come, so join in the fun!

FitSkills21 can be accessed by using NDIS Self-Managed or Plan-Managed funding. Please note: there is an out of pocket fee for the social meal.

If you would like to participate in our winter program or in FitSkills21, please complete the enquiry form: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/fitskills21-enquiry-form

ID: A graphic that includes four photographs of young adults with Down syndrome doing different types of workouts, including gym, boxing and stretching.

15/06/2026

Would you like to take some time out for a casual chat? Join us on Thursday 25 June at 8pm for our monthly chance to chat and network with other families with a family member with Down syndrome.

This is a chance for parents and carers of teens and adults with Down syndrome aged 15+ years to connect with peers across Victoria.

This month the chat will be led by DSV's Family Support Manager Sonia Bonadio. The conversation is informal, so bring your cuppa and any topics or questions you might want to discuss. We would love for you to join us.

💲 The topic this month is managing money and money skills.

☕ To register, visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/june-coffee-and-chat/

ID: A photo from above and a cup of tea and teapot on a table.

11/06/2026

Voice is one of a kind. It's the national magazine for Australia’s Down syndrome community.

For many years, Voice has been a place where people with Down syndrome share their stories and what matters to them. Each issue includes Easy Read articles, community stories and topics from everyday life.

You might not realise how much work goes into each issue. This includes writing and editing stories, and designing, printing and posting the journal.

For many years, Voice has been free. As costs have increased, we now need to move to a paid subscription so we can continue producing the journal.

Choose the option that suits you:
📰 Print subscription at $40 per year. Two printed issues delivered to your door.
📰 Digital subscription at $20 per year. Two issues delivered straight to your inbox.

ID: A photo of a teenage boy with Down syndrome. He is smiling and holding up a large white card that reads: Subscribe to Voice magazine today.

08/06/2026

It might be the King's birthday, but what are your plans for yours?

If you would like to turn your birthday or another event into a fundraiser for DSV, we have created a page that makes it easy.

Fundraising events can be whatever you find fun:
💙 a bake sale or barbeque
💙 workplace morning tea
💙 a fun run or swim challenge
💙 a scavenger hunt
💙 an art or garage sale
💙 anything else that takes your fancy.

Check out the fundraiser page at https://vic.fundraise.downsyndrome.org.au/

IG: A photo of two young adults with Down syndrome who are both wearing spectacles and have party hats on.

06/06/2026

Morning everyone. It's Dan Payne here, CEO of Down Syndrome Victoria. Some of you may have seen this Channel 7 News article yesterday outlining the story of American YouTuber Jesse Ridgway sharing the story of their termination of a baby with Down syndrome - a decision that has seen quite a bit of online backlash for Ridgway and his family. This is clearly a deeply personal and difficult decision for this couple. Regardless of people’s views, no one deserves abuse or threats for decisions made in the context of grief, fear, and uncertainty.

At the same time, I think it’s really important that conversations about termination include accurate, up‑to‑date information about Down syndrome, as the reality is that life with Down syndrome today is very different from what many people assume.

People with Down syndrome are living longer, healthier lives than ever before, with average life expectancy now around 60 years in Australia. People with Down syndrome go to school, form friendships, work, and contribute meaningfully to their communities, with the right supports in place.

Many people with Down syndrome and their families report a high quality of life, and people with Down syndrome themselves express a strong desire for independence, relationships, and employment, just like anyone else.

It’s also true that Down syndrome can come with medical challenges and varying support needs, but it’s important that people don’t reinforce the idea that a life with Down syndrome is inherently without value or joy, because evidence and lived experience show that simply isn’t the case.

If anything, this moment should encourage more compassionate, informed discussion, supporting both parental choice and a better understanding of disability, inclusion, and an authentic picture of the lives people with Down syndrome actually lead today - not just the type of lives people think they might lead.

Unfortunately, many misinformed views about Down syndrome still persist - not only in the US, but here in Australia and Victoria as well. Too often, those views focus only on limitations rather than the full, rich lives that people with Down syndrome can and do lead as valued members of our communities.

As an organisation, we fully respect parental and family choice. What we cannot accept is when parents are not provided with complete, balanced, and unbiased information and support during their prenatal journey. Families deserve to understand both the challenges and the very real possibilities, because people with Down syndrome can and do live meaningful, connected, and fulfilling lives.

These are life shaping decisions, and they should be made with a full and respectful understanding and consideration of personal circumstances.

I recognise this is a deeply emotive topic for our community. If this article has raised concerns or you need support, including prenatal support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us Monday - Thursday on 03 9486 9600, or [email protected].

Regards, Dan Payne

The YouTuber made the shock disclosure across his social media channels, sparking a wave of death threats.

04/06/2026

We asked our facilitators what a great FitSKills21 session feels like and this is what one of them said: "Human joy and connection. A great session feels like it's cool to be out and about getting fit and being social. At the restaurant afterwards it feels like Christmas lunch. Volunteers actively engaging participants in conversation. Group discussions and jokes."

It's more than just a workout, it's a community! FitSkills21 is open to all people with Down syndrome aged 18 years and over and can be accessed by using NDIS Self-Managed or Plan-Managed funding. Please note: there is an out-of-pocket fee for the social meal.

If you would like to participate in FitSkills21 please complete the enquiry form: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/fitskills21-enquiry-form

ID: There are four photos, all of them are of FitSkills21 participants, volunteers and facilitators out for a meal together at different restaurants. Some of the photos are of the adults seated at tables and one of the photos is taken out the front of a restaurant where are four people wearing green hats and masks.

03/06/2026

We have an online workshop coming up on Wednesday 10 June designed for family members and carers who are looking for straightforward ways to promote healthy eating habits and overall wellbeing for adults with Down syndrome.

The presenter will be nutritionist Nicky Clark who will provide simple, practical strategies you can use at home and when eating out.

You will learn about:
🍊 nutrition priorities for supporting health in people with Down syndrome
🍊 what a balanced “healthy plate” looks like to guide everyday meals and eating out
🍊 practical and realistic weight management strategies for people with Down syndrome
🍊 how the home food environment influences eating habits and independence
🍊 Nicky’s top practical tips for making sustainable nutrition changes at home.

This workshop is supported by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).

Find out more and register at www.downsyndrome.org.au/healthy-eating-workshop-for-parents/

IG: A photo of two adults, one with Down syndrome. They are standing in a kitchen and there is some food on the bench in front of them.

02/06/2026

Do you know someone who's been thinking of volunteering with DSV? We have an online information session on Tuesday 16 June to find out what is involved.

Learn how you can become part of a supportive and exciting community. Whether you’re a student, professional, retiree or simply someone with some spare time to give, this evening will give you insight into the meaningful opportunities available to volunteer with us.

You will learn about:
💛 what Down syndrome is
💛 the work of Down Syndrome Victoria
💛 how you can get involved as a volunteer
💛 next steps.

Volunteering is a way to connect with your local community and learn new skills. If you know someone who might want to find out about volunteering with DSV, we invite you to tag them or share this post with them.

The session will be co-hosted by DSV's Daniel Kennedy and Volunteer and HR Coordinator Johanne Zuleta.

To find out more and register at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/volunteering-april26/

ID: The photo is of four young adults who are sitting and standing together under a market marque. They are all wearing orange DSV volunteer t-shirts and smiling at the camera.