Support Services
The DSAQ provides parents, people with Down syndrome and the community with various services.
Contact Centre
Since 1990, the DSAQ has maintained a contact centre through which members and the wider community can access information and support. Our Information & Support Services Coordinator is available Monday through Friday from 9:00am till 4:00pm, and can be contacted by mail, phone, fax or e-mail. For personal matters at other times, particularly for families of new babies a phone number is always available.
New Parent Support
A very successful way of supporting new and expectant parents is through contact with other parents who have been through the same experience. A dedicated group of volunteers is available to visit hospitals when a baby with Down syndrome is born. These volunteers are able to provide information and to give encouragement and support. For contact numbers in your area please phone the office.
Information Folder
The DSAQ provides an information folder to new and expectant families. This folder contains relevant information about Down syndrome, about the DSAQ and its activities and any other community services that are available.
On-going Support
Our Information & Support Services Coordinator is available for 'not so new' parents who may want to talk to someone about a particular issue they are currently facing with the child (starting school, specific health issues, finding employment etc.) Various information resources are always available for families. Our Community Outreach Coordinator can also help link families in with other services at times of need.
Library
A borrowing library is available for use by members of the DSAQ. The library contains the latest information about Down syndrome through books, journals, video and computer software for children is also available on trial. Items are posted out to members free of charge and are to be returned in 4 weeks.
Newsletter
A quarterley newsletter, the "dsaq digest", is an important form of communication for the DSAQ. It provides an avenue for keeping families up to date with current developments and covers topics of interest to those concerned with Down syndrome. Subscription to the "Digest" is covered in membership of the DSAQ.
Social Activities
Regular coffee mornings, picnics and barbeques are organised by the DSAQ as a way of linking families. These gatherings provide an opportunity for parents to share experiences and information. They also provide a chance for children to meet and form friendships. This year DSAQ has a sub committee devoted entirely to social events.
Parent Education
The DSAQ regularly organises guests speakers, workshops and seminars on topics of interest. Notice of these functions is given in the "Digest" (and also on this site and the egroup). Our committed staff ensure areas outside of Brisbane also have regular workshops and information sessions.
Support for Teachers
The DSAQ Information and Support Services Coordinator is available to answer queries and to send out resources from our library, which has a dedicated section for teachers.
Library Resources
Library Resources
The library has all of the latest information and research on schooling children with Down syndrome. (To be able to access the library, the school needs to be a member, items are posted out free of charge).
Education Consultant
Education Consultant
Our Education Consultant is available to be contacted via phone and email for any specific queries or concerns. Phone or email the DSAQ office.
Workshops & Presentations
Each year in March, the DSAQ provides a comprehensive workshop for teachers who have or are expecting a child with Down syndrome in their school/class.
Information Kits
The DSAQ has compiled information kits which combine information and ideas from many different sources, with a balance between the latest literature on teaching students with Down syndrome and suggestions from classroom teachers themselves.
Information For Teachers - (Free to DSAQ members, $10.00 for non members)
Creating an environment within an early childhood setting that welcomes and supports a child with Down syndrome. - Cost $10.00
Creating an environment within an early childhood setting that welcomes and supports a child with Down syndrome. - Cost $10.00
Finished School – What Now? (Free to DSAQ members, $30.00 for non members)
The Support for Teachers information sheet provides further information, however if you wish to speak to someone, call the office on 3356 6655.
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