The Down Syndrome Victoria Podcast

Living Advocacy: Matt O'Neil from Down Syndrome Victoria on the Everyday People Podcast

In this episode we’re doing something a bit different. We will be sharing an interview with Ben Chew and our Advisory Network Chair, Matt O’Neil that was recorded for the Everyday People podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/5k8QYI1DXfexW619rwJenM?si=114675e55f2940a3]. We hope you enjoy it.

Authentic inclusion in education for people with Down syndrome

In this episode we're discussing authentic inclusion in education. DSV's Education Manager, Ro O'Dwyer, and our Advisory Network's Kath Mansour interview the University of Melbourne Faculty of Education team about their research paper, 'Addressing the Divide: Authentic inclusion in education for people with Down syndrome' by Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown, Dr Alys Mendus, Dr Catherine Smith, and Dr Matthew Harrison. We'd like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people, on whose lands this conversation was recorded. We pay our respects to elders past and present. Contributors, Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown and Dr Catherine Smith, joined Ro and Kath for this discussion. During this episode Ro, Kath, Lisa and Catherine discuss: * The purpose of the study * The role Down Syndrome Victoria and the Melbourne Disability Institute played in this research * The results of the study including some interesting findings * The kind of education children with Down syndrome might need * And more! If you have questions after listening to this episode, you can connect with our Education Program team by emailing education@dsav.asn.au or phoning 03 9486 9600. For further information: * Read the research paper here [https://hcommons.org/deposits/item/hc:60897/] * Learn about DSV's Education Program [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/services-and-supports/education-support/] * Learn about DSV's upcoming Education Conference, March 2024 [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/conference/] * Visit the Down Syndrome Victoria website [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/]

Five tips to prepare for a new school year

We'd like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, on whose lands this podcast was recorded. We pay our respects to elders past and present. In this episode Education Manager, Ro O'Dwyer, and Education Consultant, Carolyn Warren, have a quick and fun discussion about some tips and tricks for families preparing for a new school year with their son or daughter with Down syndrome. The discussion covers: * preparing for a transition, be it a new school or new class * social stories you can develop to assist your child * developing a student profile for your child's new teacher * how to practice new skills your child will need for the school environment, from taking a jumper on and off to using a combination lock * and more! You may also like to know that DSV have an Education Program, offering a wide range of services to teachers, schools and parents to support students with Down syndrome. Find out more at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/services-and-supports/education-support [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/services-and-supports/education-support]. To speak directly with the Education Team at Down Syndrome Victoria please email education@dsav.asn.au or phone 03 9486 9600.

On Fostering Children with Down syndrome

Foster Care Specialist, Jasmine from Fostering Connections and Foster Carer, Jenny, join us in this episode with our Family Support Manager Sonia Bonadio to talk about the foster care sector in Victoria, some of the complexities around fostering kids with Down syndrome or other disabilities, and some of the common questions and myths that surround foster care. We'd like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people, on whose lands this conversation was recorded. We pay our respects to elders past and present. In this episode Foster Care Specialist, Jasmine from Fostering Connections and Foster Carer, Jenny, join our Family Support Manager Sonia Bonadio to talk about the foster care sector in Victoria, some of the complexities around fostering kids with Down syndrome or other disabilities, and some of the common questions and myths that surround foster care. We're publishing this episode on Wednesday 13 September to coincide with Foster Care Week 2023, an annual event which celebrates and raises awareness about foster care across the care services sector and within the wider community. We'll share a link where you can get more details about Foster Care Week below. In today's episode Jasmine, Jenny and Sonia chat about: * what the foster care sector looks like in Victoria * some of the common trends and questions from the community about foster care * the processes and supports that surround fostering a child * an overview of children with disability in the foster care system * some information about children with Down syndrome in the foster care system * and more, including some stories If you have questions after listening to this episode, you can connect with our Family Support Manager, Sonia Bonadio, by emailing familysupport@dsav.asn.au or phoning 03 9486 9600. For further information: * Connect with the team at Fostering Connections [https://www.fosteringconnections.com.au/] * Learn about Foster Care Week 2023 [https://fosteringconnections.com.au/foster-care-week-2023] * Visit the Down Syndrome Victoria website [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic] To learn more about our podcast and listen to other episodes as they become available, click here [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/the-down-syndrome-victoria-podcast/]. A big thank you to Jasmine and Jenny for being a part of the DSV Podcast!

Being a fit, strong and healthy woman with Down syndrome

We'd like to acknowledge both the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri people, on whose lands this conversation was recorded. We pay our respects to elders past and present. In this episode Down Syndrome Victoria's Advisory Network employee Keziah Glenane interviews Exercise and Sports Scientist, Sarah Dewsbury, about all things women's health. We're publishing this episode on Monday 4 September to coincide with Women's Health Week 2023, Australia’s largest event dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all women, girls and gender-diverse people. We'll share a link where you can get more details below. In today's episode Kez and Sarah chat about: * why it is important for women with Down syndrome to maintain health and fitness * what happens during a work-out with a personal trainer * how the NDIS might be able to support someone with Down syndrome to access a personal trainer * struggles with motivation * metabolism and women with Down syndrome * tips on good foods to eat * and more! If you'd like to know more for yourself or your loved one with Down syndrome about maintaining health and wellbeing, you can connect with our Adult Support Manager by emailing info@dsav.asn.au or phoning 03 9486 9600. For further information: * Connect with Sarah via her Instagram page, LA Health Ballarat [https://www.instagram.com/la_health_ballarat/] * Visit the ⁠⁠Down Syndrome Victoria [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic]⁠⁠ website * View the Down Syndrome Federation's Health Resources [https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/resources/health/] * Find out more about Women's Health Week 2023 [https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week/] Finally, a big thank you to Kez and Sarah for being a part of the DSV Podcast!