About ACTDSA

The ACT Down Syndrome Association is a self help organisation which was formed in 1987 by a group of interested parents.

Aims

The aims of the Association are to provide support and information to families with a member who has Down syndrome, to promote improvements in the quality of life of persons with Down syndrome and to stimulate, within the wider community, an awareness of the very real abilities and needs, of people with Down Syndrome.

Family Contact

One of the Association's greatest concerns is that of the family with a new born baby with Down syndrome. Through our parent support contacts we provide information, support and encouragement to help these families. We encourage the parents of new babies to meet with the parents of older children, not only because of the particular information that can be passed on, but also because there can be a special kind of rapport between people who have shared the experience of having a baby with Down syndrome. Our parent support contacts are available to visit the parents of a new baby either in the hospital or in the home, wherever parents feel that they would be more comfortable to meet another parent.

Information Services

The Association has a resource library of books and DVD’s to provide information on different aspects of Down syndrome. We also have a Computer Resources Library for parents to borrow and trial educational software to see if it meets their child's needs. The Association publishes a newsletter four times a year and provides speakers to any group wishing to know more about Down syndrome. The Association also liaises with other Australian state Down syndrome associations, providing access to a wide range of information and resources.

Communication Camps

In recent years, the association has organised communication camps for children with Down syndrome and their families. This has provided an opportunity for the children to receive speech therapy input and assessment, which is a holistic approach to communication.

Financial Assistance

The Association receives no government funding and is therefore dependent upon the support of community and business groups and individuals, supplemented by fundraising activities.

Objectives of the Association

1. To provide support and information to parents and guardians of people with Down Syndrome.
2. To ensure that parents of babies with Down syndrome have all available information to assist them during the early period of their child's life.
3. To stimulate interest and awareness of the community and the medical profession as to the needs and capabilities of people with Down syndrome.
4. To bring people with like needs together by a. Organising social outings; b. Newsletters; and c. Any other means.
5. To liaise with other interested groups in related fields.
6. To identify the needs of people with Down syndrome, and where appropriate to represent those needs to Government and Community bodies.
7. To promote the development of educational facilities and programmes for all people with Down syndrome in ACT, including early intervention programmes, appropriate ongoing education and vocational training.
8. To encourage people with Down syndrome to develop self-confidence and self esteem.
    

ACTDSA Committee

President:
Tracey Herbert
e: president 'at' actdsa.asn.au

Vice-President:
Cathi Brinkman
e: vp 'at' actdsa.asn.au

Secretary:
Mary Hooper
e: secretary 'at' actdsa.asn.au

Treasurer: 
Paul Kruger
e: treasurer 'at' actdsa.asn.au