ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability

24/04/2026

On ANZAC Day, we pause to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served our country.

Lest we forget.

24/04/2026

We are hiring a Project Officer to facilitate workshops, responsible for the co-design, coordination and delivery of inclusive workshops for people with a disability.
This position is full-time and focuses on creating accessible, engaging learning experiences that build skills, confidence and connection for people with disability.

For more details see below:

Applications close 5:00pm 20 May 2026.

Please apply at: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/ACTDSA/project-officer-workshop-facilitator

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon (ceo@actdsid.org.au).
Share this with anyone you think would be a good fit! 😃

23/04/2026

We are hiring a Project Officer to deliver community consultation on a range of projects, including ACT Government initiatives, national projects and other commissioned work.
This position is part-time and involves engaging directly with the community to ensure people with intellectual disabilities, their families and support networks have their voices, ideas and priorities reflected in project outcomes.

For more details see below:

Applications close 5:00pm 13 May 2026.

Please apply at: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/actdsa/project-officer-community-consultation?locations=15

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon (ceo@actdsid.org.au).
Share this with anyone you think would be a good fit! 😃

23/04/2026

Disability Representative Organisations joint statement:

Alongside other Disability Representative Organisations, the Down Syndrome Australia Consortium is calling for people with disability to lead the design of NDIS reforms — not just be consulted.

We recognise the need to address NDIS fraud and ensure the scheme is sustainable long‑term, and we’re committed to working constructively with the Government to achieve this.

Following today’s announcement by the Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, we want our community to know we are actively engaged and advocating to ensure critical supports are protected.

Read the full joint statement: https://buff.ly/2JYG2s4

23/04/2026

📍 Out and about today!

Gus, our Community Navigator, is at the Woden Library today from 10am–12pm.

Have any disability related questions about support for your child or family? Drop in for a friendly chat - everyone’s welcome!

22/04/2026

Returning for the final time, the Big Meeting is a conference event led by people with disability, for the social and sexual safety of people with disability. Hosted by SHFPACT (Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT) and Safer Me, Safer You.

Help us celebrate the conclusion of the Safer Me Safer You Project with an incredible line-up including Natale Wade, Associate Commissioner and Chief Legal Counsel at NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Heidi La Paglia, performers, panel discussion and more!

Free in Canberra, and live-streamed.

Tickets: https://safermesaferyou.org.au/

Registrations close for the in-person meeting on 9 June.

We hope to see you there

07/04/2026

Congratulations to Sam, on publishing his first article in the Canberra Daily about his experience at Parliament House for World Down Syndrome Day. The article also includes photos that Sam took himself on the day.

Thanks to Down Syndrome Australia Employment Project, we are able to support employers creating meaningful employment and inclusive workplaces!

You can check out Sam's article in the Canberra Daily in the link below:

https://canberradaily.com.au/world-down-syndrome-day-at-parliament-house/

28/03/2026

🌟 An Evening with SHFPACT 🌟

Join us for an informative and welcoming evening to learn how Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) can support you or someone you care for who lives with a disability.

SHFPACT staff will share information about the services they offer and how they are accessible for Canberrans living with an intellectual disability. Topics will include:
• Painful periods
• Menopause
• Breast and cervical cancer prevention
• Safe relationships
• Contraception
• Sexual health screening
• Education and counselling for people with disability

This session is open to people living with disability, families, carers, and anyone interested in learning more about sexual health supports.
📅 When: March 31st, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
📍 Where: In Person and ONLINE
📝 RSVP: Please RSVP by 5:00pm, March 30th, 2026

To register please visit:

https://events.humanitix.com/an-evening-with-shfpact-free-event?_gl=1*1culv9y*_gcl_au*MTgxODg4NDA4LjE3NzE3OTg0NzEuMTIwNTY2NTg3NC4xNzczNjIzMDI5LjE3NzM2MjMwMjk.*_ga*NjMxMzQzMjAwLjE3NDAzNzMxNjE.*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3NzQ1ODM5NTQkbzIwOCRnMSR0MTc3NDU4Mzk3NSRqMzkkbDAkaDA.

We hope to see you there for a supportive and informative conversation. 💬

26/03/2026

Check out ACTDSID upcoming events Calander for 2026!

If you want to learn more about any of the upcoming events listed, please contact the office at 02 6290 0656 or email Gus - navigator@actdsid.org.au

24/03/2026

📍 Out and about on Thursday!

Gus, our Community Navigator, will be at the Woden Library on Thursday from 10am–12pm.

Have any disability related questions about support for your child or family? Drop in for a friendly chat - everyone’s welcome!

24/03/2026

Congratulations Jackson on your new job at SportsTec Clinic 🎉

Thanks to Down Syndrome Australia's Employment Project, we are able to support mainstream employers in creating meaningful roles and inclusive workplaces!

20/03/2026

Happy World Down Syndrome Day 2026 🎉🎉🎉

Today we're celebrating our amazing community and all our incredible members!

This year we're wanting to highlight the growing problem of loneliness. Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience. These feelings can also extend to families of people with Down syndrome who feel lonely too and cut off from support.

Loneliness grows when people are left out of schools, workplaces, and community life. It can be not having a close, special person to share your feelings with. You can also experience feeling lonely in the same room as others, being present is not the same as being included.

Loneliness is a serious problem.

The answer is real inclusion! It's about having good friendships and relationships, feeling valued, and knowing you belong.

Let’s stand 'Together Against Loneliness' so every person with Down syndrome and an intellectual disability can feel connected, valued, and included.