Now And The Future

Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Fortnightly

The Now And The Future podcast is an exciting way of sharing stories of Down Syndrome Queensland members, as well as opportunities, challenges and provide support and expert advice for the Down Syndrome community. Down Syndrome Queensland’s vision is to support, advocate for and empower people with Down Syndrome to take their rightful places as valuable and contributing members of their community, both now and into the future.

  1. Voices That Matter

    3 days ago

    Voices That Matter

    Research shows that only around 30% of people with intellectual disability feel they have full choice and control over their lives. Building skills in communication, confidence, self-advocacy, and decision-making is an important step towards changing this. In this episode of the Now and the Future Podcast, "Voices That Matter," we explore the Hear Me Out debating program and how it empowers people with intellectual disability to express their views, have their voices heard, and actively participate in their communities. We discuss: The importance of self-advocacy and having a voiceHow debating builds confidence and communication skillsThe positive impact Hear Me Out has on participantsSuccess stories from people involved in the programExciting opportunities and future developments for Hear Me Out Joining us are Christina Ranck, Hear Me Out Program Coordinator, and Dylan Benstead, a former participant who has gone on to become a peer supporter. Together, they share valuable insights from both the facilitator and participant perspectives, highlighting the transformative impact of the program. Whether you're a person with disability, family member, supporter, educator, or advocate, this episode showcases the power of being heard and the difference it can make in creating more inclusive communities. Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) Website – www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/ Phone: (07) 3356 6655 Email: office@dsidq.org.au Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances. See more - www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf

    36 min
  2. The Invisible Backbone

    20 May

    The Invisible Backbone

    Unpaid carers are the invisible backbone of our community. In Queensland, around 642,000 carers support people with intellectual disability of whom live at home with family. Their role is critical, yet often unrecognised. In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Martin and Louise Faulkner from Wellways to explore: What it means to be an unpaid carerThe challenges of isolation and burnoutThe supports availableWhat needs to change to better support carers As the peak body for intellectual disability, DSIDQ recognises that supporting carers is key to building inclusive communities. 🎧 Listen now and learn how we can better support those who support others. 👉 Visit our website for resources, support services, and more episodes. Wellways Carer Gateway Website – https://www.wellways.org/our-services/ Phone: 1800 422 737 Email: enquiries@wellways.org Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/ Phone: (07) 3356 6655 Email: office@dsidq.org.au Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances. https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf

    28 min
  3. More Than a Diagnosis: A Mum’s Fragile X Story

    23 Apr

    More Than a Diagnosis: A Mum’s Fragile X Story

    In this week’s episode of the Now and the Future Podcast – More Than a Diagnosis: A Mum’s Fragile X Story - we meet Mandy Barker, a Brisbane-based advocate and mother of two children with Fragile X syndrome. During this discussion, Mandy shares her personal journey of living with Fragile X syndrome, the challenges faced by parents of children with intellectual disabilities, and some of the methods she has used to find balance and happiness. For more information about Fragile X syndrome and other intellectual disabilities contact Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA) or Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ): Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA): Web - https://www.fragilex.org.au/ Phone: 1300 394 636 Email: support@fragilex.org.au Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/ Phone: (07) 3356 6655 Email: office@dsidq.org.au Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances. https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf

    37 min
  4. An Interview with Emma Memma

    04/12/2024

    An Interview with Emma Memma

    In this podcast, Dr Carly Lassig (DSQ’s Lead Education Consultant) interviews Dr Emma Watkins, also known as Emma Memma (previously known as the Yellow Wiggle). This interview came about in response to the increasing interest from schools in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and Key Word Sign (a visual communication approach that adds signs, borrowed from Auslan, to spoken words), and the DSQ’s Education Team’s observations of how music is such an effective way to teach children signing. Emma tells us about the development of Emma Memma, which teaches Auslan through music and movement, and is based on her PhD research. We learn about what first motivated Emma to learn to sign and how she continues to develop her Auslan skills and understanding of Deaf culture. We also discuss some considerations for introducing signing in schools. This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland. If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - engagement@downsyndrome.qld.org.au. For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Mentioned in this episode: Down Syndrome Queensland

    33 min

  5. 30/10/2024

    Planning for the Future: Vision and Plan

    Planning for a future where you may no longer be around to support your loved one with an intellectual disability is a worrying thought. We all know that we need to have our financial and legal affairs in order, but what about your vision and plan? These aspects of planning for a future can often be overlooked or downplayed. This podcast is a condensed version of an online presentation that is designed to make you think about the future planning needs of your person with an intellectual disability.  To view the presentation in its entirety please access it here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD1SqlUX4iA Additional Resources Circles of Support Resources:  Circles of Support - A manual for getting startedCircles of Support - Inclusion Melbourne  Vision and Planning Resources: The Power of Planning - Community Resource UnitWhy it Matters Succession Planning - Community Resource Unit Supported Decision Making Resources: The La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework: This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland. If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - engagement@downsyndrome.qld.org.au. For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Mentioned in this episode: Down Syndrome Queensland

    18 min
  6. My Time is Your Lifeline

    18/09/2024

    My Time is Your Lifeline

    In today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast, we are sitting down with Naomie Macquarie, MyTime Support Group Coordinator, to discuss the benefits and impact MyTime support groups can have on parents and carers of children with disabilities or other additional needs. MyTime is your lifeline. Reach out to Naomie today to find out more. Email: naomie@mytimeqld.org.au Phone: 07 3356 6655 Website: www.mytime.net.au This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland. If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - engagement@downsyndrome.qld.org.au. For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Mentioned in this episode: Down Syndrome Queensland

    29 min
  7. Communicate Your Way – Speech Pathology Week

    21/08/2024

    Communicate Your Way – Speech Pathology Week

    In the lead up to Speech pathology, Week from 25 – 31 August, in today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast we meet speech pathologist Amanda Hartmann.  In this episode Amanda will take us on a journey through the ever-evolving world of speech pathology, share some fantastic real stories from the community and look at different ways to communicate your way.    See the below links for more information about Amanda and AAC:  AAC:  https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Communication_Hub/Resources/Fact_Sheets/Augmentative-and-Alternative-Communication.aspx  https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/674172/aac_pro.pdf  Amanda Hartmann:  https://www.instagram.com/amandahartmann_slp_aac/?hl=en  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwqbiepG71hZBz0e20hp07Q  https://www.facebook.com/p/Amanda-Hartmann-SLP-AAC-100057332654773/  This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland. If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - engagement@downsyndrome.qld.org.au. For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Mentioned in this episode: Down Syndrome Queensland

    32 min
  8. Healthy Living

    17/07/2024

    Healthy Living

    Welcome to season 11 of the Now And The Future podcast from Down Syndrome Queensland! This episode of the podcast focuses on health and how we can live healthier lives. This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland. If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - engagement@downsyndrome.qld.org.au. For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

    20 min
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out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Now And The Future podcast is an exciting way of sharing stories of Down Syndrome Queensland members, as well as opportunities, challenges and provide support and expert advice for the Down Syndrome community. Down Syndrome Queensland’s vision is to support, advocate for and empower people with Down Syndrome to take their rightful places as valuable and contributing members of their community, both now and into the future.

Information

  • Creator
    Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland
  • Show Website
    Now And The Future