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DSAQ Goals

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The DSAQ Inc aims to provide support and encouragement to families and others in the community through...

  • A staffed office, offering personal assistance and information.
  • Telephone support services.
  • Parent Support Program - volunteer parents visit new families when a baby with Down syndrome is born.
  • Contact for expectant parents when pre-natal testing has given a possible or confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome.
  • A state-wide network through which families can contact others in similar situations.
  • Regular social meetings and information workshops where families can share experiences.
  • An egroup for members to stay in touch.

The DSAQ Inc aims to support individuals with Down syndrome through...

  • Youth groups (Club Rainbow, Up Plus!, YAP) with emphasis on making choices and decisions, establishing friendships, extending experiences, public speaking and supporting participation in ordinary community groups and activities.
  • Organisations of specific projects for people with Down syndrome, e.g. skill development workshops and camps

The DSAQ aims to provide up-to-date information to parents and interested groups through...

  • Information folder for new or expectant parents.
  • Information kits for professionals and students.
  • Information on common concerns and on transistional stages eg: starting school
  • Information mornings/evenings for families
  • Resource library with books, journals, kits, videos, software
  • A quarterley newsletter
  • Speakers from the DSAQ for interested groups
  • Seminars and workshops on topics relating to Down syndrome
  • Information and referrals to other services

The DSAQ aims to promote public awareness and understanding through...

  • Awareness raising activities, particularly during Down Syndrome Awareness Week  which takes place anually in October and World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March each year.
  • Distribution within the community and the media of up-to-date information about Down syndrome
  • Information for specific groups, e.g. teachers, doctors, and childcare workers.