ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability

07/04/2026

Congratulations to Sam, on publishing his first article in the Canberra Daily about his experience at Parliament House for World Down Syndrome Day. The article also includes photos that Sam took himself on the day.

Thanks to Down Syndrome Australia Employment Project, we are able to support employers creating meaningful employment and inclusive workplaces!

You can check out Sam's article in the Canberra Daily in the link below:

https://canberradaily.com.au/world-down-syndrome-day-at-parliament-house/

28/03/2026

🌟 An Evening with SHFPACT 🌟

Join us for an informative and welcoming evening to learn how Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) can support you or someone you care for who lives with a disability.

SHFPACT staff will share information about the services they offer and how they are accessible for Canberrans living with an intellectual disability. Topics will include:
• Painful periods
• Menopause
• Breast and cervical cancer prevention
• Safe relationships
• Contraception
• Sexual health screening
• Education and counselling for people with disability

This session is open to people living with disability, families, carers, and anyone interested in learning more about sexual health supports.
📅 When: March 31st, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
📍 Where: In Person and ONLINE
📝 RSVP: Please RSVP by 5:00pm, March 30th, 2026

To register please visit:

https://events.humanitix.com/an-evening-with-shfpact-free-event?_gl=1*1culv9y*_gcl_au*MTgxODg4NDA4LjE3NzE3OTg0NzEuMTIwNTY2NTg3NC4xNzczNjIzMDI5LjE3NzM2MjMwMjk.*_ga*NjMxMzQzMjAwLjE3NDAzNzMxNjE.*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3NzQ1ODM5NTQkbzIwOCRnMSR0MTc3NDU4Mzk3NSRqMzkkbDAkaDA.

We hope to see you there for a supportive and informative conversation. 💬

26/03/2026

Check out ACTDSID upcoming events Calander for 2026!

If you want to learn more about any of the upcoming events listed, please contact the office at 02 6290 0656 or email Gus - navigator@actdsid.org.au

24/03/2026

📍 Out and about on Thursday!

Gus, our Community Navigator, will be at the Woden Library on Thursday from 10am–12pm.

Have any disability related questions about support for your child or family? Drop in for a friendly chat - everyone’s welcome!

24/03/2026

Congratulations Jackson on your new job at SportsTec Clinic 🎉

Thanks to Down Syndrome Australia's Employment Project, we are able to support mainstream employers in creating meaningful roles and inclusive workplaces!

20/03/2026

Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2026 🎉🎉🎉

Today we're celebrating our amazing community and all our incredible members!

This year we're wanting to highlight the growing problem of loneliness. Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience. These feelings can also extend to families of people with Down syndrome who feel lonely too and cut off from support.

Loneliness grows when people are left out of schools, workplaces, and community life. It can be not having a close, special person to share your feelings with. You can also experience feeling lonely in the same room as others, being present is not the same as being included.

Loneliness is a serious problem.

The answer is real inclusion! It's about having good friendships and relationships, feeling valued, and knowing you belong.

Let’s stand 'Together Against Loneliness' so every person with Down syndrome and an intellectual disability can feel connected, valued, and included.

20/03/2026

Congratulations Tim!

Tim has been working alongside other researchers at Toward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, where he champions the idea that people with disability are experts in their own lives and powerful changemakers.

We wish you a safe trip there and back, and hope the experience is everything you dreamed it to be!

We are delighted to welcome Tim Cologon from Australia to the 15th World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations on 23 March 2026.
Tim is a self-advocate, researcher, and dancer with Down syndrome. He works at Toward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, where he champions the idea that people with disability are experts in their own lives and powerful changemakers. Tim is passionate about the arts, and believes dance and creativity are powerful ways to build relationships and connect with others.

Tim will share research carried out with 24 children aged 3 to 9 years old — many of whom, like Tim, have Down syndrome. The research team listened to the children using drawing, play, movement, art, signing, and communication devices, so that every child could share their ideas in a way that worked for them.
The children had a clear message: loneliness happens when people are left out. Not because of disability — but because of exclusion. They want friends. They want to belong. And they have powerful ideas about how to make schools and communities more welcoming for everyone.
Tim's presentation is a reminder that when we truly listen to children, they can help change the world.

Watch LIVE on UN Web TV on 23 March.
Find out more about the conference here: https://zurl.co/zsrY6

19/03/2026

Today is your last chance to donate to the Canberra Day Appeal! Help us pass our goal of $5,000 by donating today at https://canberra-day-appeal-2026.raiselysite.com/o/act-down-syndrome-intellectual-disability

There are less than 24 hours left to give where you live to support the wonderful organisations in our community, working with those in need.

So come on Canberra, raise your hand for CBR. Donate today!

19/03/2026

Achilles Canberra is a volunteer based running club that supports people with disabilities to be active in a safe and friendly environment. Trained guides walk, jog or run alongside participants, providing encouragement and support at a pace that suits each person.

Sessions will include a gentle warm-up, a walk or run tailored to each participants ability, and a cool down and social chat at the end. Family members, friends and support workers are welcome to join in.

The program is free to attend. You do not need NDIS funding to participate.

Achilles Canberra’s goal is to create a welcoming, accessible and social space where people can improve their fitness, build confidence and connect with others in the community. All fitness levels are welcome, from first-time walkers to more experience runners.

To find out more, please contact achillescanberra@gmail.com or contact David Williams at 0412 237 695.

17/03/2026

Last chance to grab tickets to our World Down Syndrome Day Celebration movie - GOAT 🍿

Come and join us for a special community screening of the fun family friendly movie 🎥

Tickets sales close Thursday 19th of March.

Lucky door prize of 2 x Family tickets (4 tickets each) to be won 🎫

Tickets can only be purchased through the link below. Tickets CAN NOT be purchased on the day at Limelight Cinemas.

https://events.humanitix.com/world-down-syndrome-day-celebration-goat-limelight-cinema?_gl=1*74gs9v*_gcl_au*MTgxODg4NDA4LjE3NzE3OTg0NzE.*_ga*NjMxMzQzMjAwLjE3NDAzNzMxNjE.*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3NzIwNjM3NzkkbzE1NiRnMSR0MTc3MjA2NDE0MCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.

17/03/2026

Me and You is a school holiday program delivered by SHFPACT (Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT) for young people aged 10-16 who have an intellectual disability and/or are on the autism spectrum, helping them understand their changing bodies, emotions, needs and relationships. The program works closely with parents and carers so they can support their young person’s developmental journey.

Running on the 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th of April and can be billed to NDIS under Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living, with scholarships also available.

For more information or to book, families can complete the online intake form or contact SHFPACT on 02 6247 3077 or disabilityservices@shfpact.org.au

16/03/2026

World Down Syndrome Day is 4 days away and the Down Syndrome Australia Down Syndrome Advisory Network are sharing some tips on how they stay connected.