ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability

05/08/2025

Have you seen the amazing Easy Read Resources created by Women's Legal Centre ACT?

The Women’s Legal Centre ACT has launched a freely available Easy English booklet called “About Family Violence” — explaining what family violence is, its effects, how to stay safe, and how to apply for a Family Violence Order in the ACT.

Developed to support women with intellectual disability, diverse English literacy backgrounds, or anyone facing barriers to standard legal materials, the booklet uses simple language, images, and clear structure to share life-saving information with dignity and clarity.

Access and download the resource here:
https://wlc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/AI2326_About-family-violence_update_Web-accessible-UPDATED-May-2025.pdf

Please share widely to reach those who could benefit most—everyone deserves access to critical legal and safety information.

29/07/2025

Did you know that there is accredited online learning for medical professionals about how to best support people with Down syndrome?

Down Syndrome - The Essentials was created in partnership with Down Syndrome Australia and the University of Melbourne.

In 2020, Down Syndrome Australia asked members with Down syndrome what they wanted health professionals to know. People with Down syndrome want health professionals to not only know more about Down syndrome but also about communication with people with Down syndrome.

“...don’t talk to me like I AM Down syndrome. I am a PERSON who has Down syndrome.”

This e-learn addresses the wants and needs of people with Down syndrome.

To access the e-learning, follow this link:

This e-learn provides the learner with a single place to access much of what is needed to be able to provide the best health care to people with Down syndrome. The e-learn also invites and equips the learner with information and tools to challenge bias and stigma towards intellectual disability and....

22/07/2025

On Saturday we spent the morning with the amazing team at The Easy Read Toolbox grabbing photos that will be used in Easy Read documents!

We had 7 amazing models come through the doors, showing off their amazing personality and modelling skills.

Big thank you to Sam for grabbing some behind the scenes shots!

21/07/2025

If you are out and about tomorrow night wondering why so many of our amazing landmarks are orange, its for World Fragile X Day!

Awesome 🧡 9 ACT landmarks on board for World Fragile X Day 2025
🌟 Canberra Times Fountain
🌟 Light Rail Stops
🌟 Museum of Australian Democracy - MoAD
🌟 Treasury Building
🌟 Shine Dome
🌟 National Film & Spund Archive
🌟 John Gorton Building
🌟 Malcolm Fraser Bridge
🌟 National Carillon

Brilliant 🙏

18/07/2025

Check out this fantastic guide from Down Syndrome Australia:
“A Guide for Employers – Practical Strategies for Employing People with Down Syndrome.”

It’s full of clear, practical tips to help you confidently employ and support people with Down syndrome in your workplace — from recruitment to on-the-job support and beyond.

Creating inclusive employment opportunities isn’t just the right thing to do — it benefits everyone.

Read the guide here: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DSA_A-guide-for-employers_Practical-strategies_2022.pdf

Want to learn more about employing people with disability? Contact us today – we’re here to help!

17/07/2025

What a great video from the DSAN Team at Down Syndrome Australia!

16/07/2025

Inclusion Australia have released their submission to the Government's Supported Employment Consultation. This important document outlines how we can build a better future for people with an intellectual disability in work – with real wages, real jobs, and real inclusion.

Read the full submission here https://www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Final_IA-submission_Supported-Employment-Consultation.pdf

The Department of Social Services asked the disability community for feedback on what the Government should do to improve employment supports.

This is part of making sure more of the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations happen.

We talked to people with an intellectual disability and families about their ideas. Our member organisations also ran consultations with their communities.

We used everyone’s ideas to write a submission to DSS. You can read it here: www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/submission/next-steps-in-supported-employment/

11/07/2025

What About Sal is now streaming on Netflix Australia!

This film follows Sal, a young man with Down syndrome, as he sets out to find the rock musician father he’s never met before his mother dies of cancer — a feel-good, deeply human story of identity, love and family. At its heart, it’s about Sal, but it’s also about all of us — as we all long for connection, respect, and agency.

As this is a Netflix-first release, the first 14 days are everything! To have this film be available globally, we need as many people to watch the movie as we can!

Share with your friends, family, workmates and anyone else who would like to watch another great film staring Gerard O'Dwyer The Actor and John Jarratt.

https://www.netflix.com/au/title/82043736

10/07/2025

What does having a job mean to you?

What a great video from Down Syndrome Australia and Down Syndrome Victoria!

07/07/2025

On July 2nd, Angela and Gemma delivered an information session to over 50 staff from the Community Care team at Canberra Health Services with people attending both in person and online!

They spoke about the importance of including people with intellectual disability in their own healthcare, and how small changes can make a big difference.

Angela was incredible, confidently sharing her personal experiences with health professionals and showing just how powerful lived experience is in creating change.

Thank you to the Community Care team for having us - we hope this is just the beginning!

05/07/2025

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, and identity of people with disability in our community.

We asked our Advocacy Reference Group what they’re proud of this Disability Pride Month, and this is what they said.

04/07/2025

A couple of weeks ago, Charlotte and Gemma visited Carers ACT to chat with parents and carers about supported decision making.

It was a powerful session where families came together, asked questions, and shared experiences. Charlotte spoke about why making her own decisions matters and how she gets support when she needs it.

A big thank you to Carers ACT for hosting such an important conversation and to ACT Government for providing the funds to make this possible!