Medical Professionals
We are available for in-service training for midwives, nurses, social workers, genetic counsellors and other health professionals working with people with Down syndrome and their families in a medical setting.
Sharing the news and supporting families
Down Syndrome Victoria understands the importance of informing patients of all the relevant up-to-date medical information as well as all of the choices that are available to them. However, parents also need to be informed about the opportunities and possibilities available to people with Down syndrome, as well as the many services that are out there to support families.
Our 'Sharing the news and supporting families' session is designed for midwives, nurses and social workers in the hospital environment, the session draws on the extensive experience of our family support team with the most up to date information and research on best practice to support families through a new diagnosis.
To check for current availability of our training programs, please check our
EVENTS page. Alternatively in-service sessions can be held onsite for your group, contact
training@dsav.asn.au
Universities
We are alway pleased to address student doctors, midwifery and nursing students and other relevant course students to provide valuable insight into how best to share the news and support families through the early stages of diagnosis and beyond. We would be please to discuss your needs.
Education Professionals
Annual Education Conference
Our annual Education Professional Day early each year is an extremely popular event which is suitable for schools who support students with Intellectual Disability, Down syndrome and Developmental Delays. Topics at our one day workshop vary each year but may include an overview of learner profiles, behaviour and a variety of other crucial topics and special guest speakers.
This year, on 18th May we are running another conference in Geelong. For more information and to register, click here
Working with children with Down syndrome in early childhood
Click here for workshop details - This 2 ½ hour workshop offers up to date information and practical guidance for preschool educators working with children with Down syndrome from birth to school age. The workshop information and skills are also easily transferrable for children with other disabilities within your classrooms. In-services can be tailored to the specific group i.e. with a health, education or intervention slant.
Aged Care Professionals
Ageing and Down syndrome
This workshop is suitable for aged care professionals and carers. Topics covered include and overview of Down syndrome, the impact of ageing, behaviour support, family perspectives and resources.
Employers
Employees with Down syndrome
Many adults with Down syndrome are very willing and capable of working in mainstream settings, indeed there are quite a number who we know of working in a range of business settings. Down Syndrome Victoria can customise an information session for your organisation, to ensure you can confidently and successfully employ someone with Down syndrome and make best use of their skills and talents in your workplace. See also Down syndrome- An Employer’s Guide, available as a download on the employment page.
Family Workshops
Our support teams run a variety of workshops throughout the year. See our EVENTS page for dates.
Workshops are geared toward transition stages of life when families need the most information and support.
Workshop topics include:
The first 18 months
Early Days Support 1- Our New Parent Information Sessions. Meet other New Parents and learn about DSV
Pre school years
Early Days Support 2 - Start thinking about a vision, how to set goals and family balance
Transition to Primary School - Choosing a school and school readiness
Primary school years
Navigating the school years - Successful transitions, inclusion, current research, curriculum, positive partnerships with school.
Pre teen years
Moving to Teens - Social, emotional and physical development
Transition to Secondary School - Choosing a school, friendships and curriculum
Late teen and young adult years
Looking ahead leaving school - What you need to know, funding, options and community inclusion
Living Life to the Full - Visions, goals, social, emotional and physical wellbeing
All ages & stages
NDIS Information Sessions - Introduction to the NDIS, planning and preparing, becoming a savvy consumer, visions/goals and draft a plan.
Most of these workshops are FREE for Down Syndrome Victoria members.