Now And The Future Down Syndrome Queensland

This podcast episode brings together interviews with advisors from each of the three education systems in Queensland (State, Independent, and Catholic) to discuss students with intellectual disability accessing curriculum aligned with their year level curriculum, alongside their age peers, but that is adjusted to the expectations of a lower year level or to highly individualised goals.
We delve into how teachers make decisions about who should access these individualised curriculum plans, what evidence and processes are involved, how to make decisions about what year level curriculum should be the access point for the student, and what the implications of these plans might be.
For schools wanting tailored advice on decisions around an individual curriculum plan for their student with Down syndrome/Intellectual Disability, please register for our free ID:8 service (https://downsyndrome.powerappsportals.com/id8/) or one of our QEST services (email: education@downsyndromeqld.org.au).
DSQ’s Education Services are proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
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

Through work supporting families through prenatal screening and diagnosis, we often hear stories of misinformation about life with Down syndrome and an assumption that following a diagnosis, prospective parents would choose termination.
We also hear stories of choices not being supported or respected; and frequently, families have to stumble upon support services themselves rather than being referred to them as part of ongoing care during the remainder of their pregnancies.
Research suggests that currently, many families may not be making fully informed choices about prenatal testing.
We are concerned that some families may be making decisions that are based on negative community attitudes and inaccurate, outdated information about Down syndrome.
As part of our mid-year appeal, we invite you to support Down Syndrome Queensland's efforts in providing crucial prenatal screening support.
Your donation helps us continue our mission of ensuring families have access to accurate information and the support they need during their prenatal journey.
Donate at the Down Syndrome Queensland Fundraising Page. 
Visit the Prenatal Screening website for all the information.
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

In this episode of the Now and the Future podcast we talk about the World Down Syndrome Congress, coming to Brisbane between 9–12 July.
This week we meet with three congress presenters; music therapist Kate Becroft-Fletcher, speech pathologist Amanda Hartmann and Associate Professor in Sleep Medicine at the University of Queensland, Dr Jas Chawla.
Our guests will tell us about their field of expertise, give us a sneak peek into what to expect for their presentation at the World Down Syndrome Congress and tell us the importance of attending this significant event in Brisbane.
To find out more and register for the World Down Syndrome Congress, visit the WDSC website.
This is a once in a generation event so don’t miss out! We hope to see you there.
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

This week we have a special Mother’s Day episode of the Now and the Future podcast and we are joined by the mums and grandmother of four young men with intellectual disability.
We chat about life, love, challenges and what makes them smile.
DSQ supports an inclusive environment for people with an intellectual disability which allows them to live their best lives.
It is important to respect the rights of parents to choose the development path that is best for their person.
DSQ is here to support them along the way.
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.

On this episode of the Now and the Future podcast, we are joined by Breeanna Kars, the Business and Community Officer for Your Caring Way.
Your Caring Way is an innovative and unique program that helps unpaid carers reach their employment, study, volunteer and self employment goals.
We discuss with Breeanna what a carer is and why many carers inAustralia don’t identify as a carer, what the challenges are for carers to return to their vocational goals, how the Your Caring Way program can assist carers and how the program also supports employers.
To get in touch with the Your Caring Way program you can visit their website - To get in touch with the Your Caring Way program you can visit their website: yourcaringway.com.au
Call them on 1300 585 636 or email them on info@yourcaringway.com.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

In today’s episode we catch up with Ruth Faragher, Queensland Down Syndrome Advisory Network member and member of the World Down Syndrome Congress organising committee.
We're also joined by Darryl Steff, the CEO of Down Syndrome Australia and father of a child with Down syndrome.
During these conversations we hear Ruth and Darryl's stories about living with Down syndrome and what we can look forward to at the upcoming World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane from 9–12 July 2024.
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