The Down Syndrome Victoria Podcast

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:

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!

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:

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:

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 Down Syndrome Victoria's Family Support Manager Sonia Bonadio interviews Royal Children's Hospital, Specialist Autism Team and Trisomy 21 Clinic Paediatrician, Doctor Laura Marco and a parent from our community, Cher Jimenez, about:

• What a co-occurring diagnosis is, within the context of Down syndrome
• The process of getting a diagnosis and some of the challenges that may present
• How prevalent co-occurring diagnosis is for people with Down syndrome
• What signs or characteristics might be an indicator of a co-occurring diagnosis
• The experience of learning your child has a co-occurring diagnosis
• Advice for parents

This episode is part one of a two-part series.

Whilst this particular podcast discusses co-occurring diagnosis with a focus on Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we wish to acknowledge that having a co-occurring diagnosis can include ADHD, OCD and a number of other conditions. The very definition of co-occurring diagnosis is one condition occurring simultaneously with another or others, meaning it is not limited to ASD.

To speak directly with the Family Support Team at Down Syndrome Victoria please email info@dsav.asn.au or phone 03 9486 9600.

For further information:

Esther Tuddenham is a poet, sound artist , photographer, dancer and intermedia creative mind. Esther explores human emotions and their utterance in her work.

In this episode Matt O'Neil interviews Esther. They talk about:

• Esther's work, specifically her poetry
• Esther's book, The Sea-er, including a reading from the book
• Advice for others who would like to explore a creative career

Catch up with DSV Club21 members Kieran, Eddie and Chris to hear all about their favourite scary movies, and recommendations for those interested in getting a little creepy this Halloween!

In this episode Kieran, Eddie and Chris chat about:

• Halloween and its history
• Modern vs classical horror movies, and some favourites
• Favourite things about Halloween
• Where to get started if you're new to Halloween and all things spooky!

This episode might be a little bit scary for young kids.