February 2008 Update - Down Syndrome New South Wales

You can now submit your photos for the 2009 edition of the Down Syndrome NSW Calendar.

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Morning Tea/support group - Coonabarabran area

Tammy Barron would like to establish an informal support group for parents of children with Down syndrome in the Coonabarabran area of NSW.
Please phone Tammy on 6842 3286 or email her at tambarron@aapt.net.au for further details.

Northern Suburbs Coffee Morning

will be replaced by dinner at
7.00pm, Friday 22 February 2008.

Julian’s, Florence Street Mall, Hornsby.

Please let Pauline Frewen know if you are coming, sowe can book enough seats! Phone 9659 7875.

Sutherland & St George Shires

Our coffee mornings will continue in 2008 with one taking place each term. Stay tuned for more information - details will appear in the March Update.

My Time: Fathers Group

My Time is a new national program for parents of young children with a disability or chronic illness. Fathers who are eligible for the Carers Allowance for a child under school age can join a My Time group. The My Time Fathers group is a great opportunity for fathers to get together in a relaxed informal setting to discuss issues important to men, establish networks and gather information.

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What does it cost to raise a child with an intellectual disability?

Professor Stewart Einfeld (University of Sydney), Professor Bruce Tonge (Monash University) and Associate Professor Chris Doran (University of Queensland) are currently investigating the costs, to families, of raising a person with an intellectual disability. This information will assist in future advocacy for government support. We need information from families to answer this important question. If you would like to participate in the study, or require further information, please contact Research Assistant, Sian Horstead, via email shorstead@med.usvd.edu.au or by calling 02 9351 0884.

Drive and Co-ordinate AART.BOXX 08

AART.BOXX is an innovative arts initiative that provides a platform and a voice for young artists and creative thinkers with a disability. The project has been running for two years and is developing into a high profile art event.

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NSW Ombudsman, Community Services Division

Do you work in disability or community services?

Do you help clients with problems? Maybe we can assist!!

You are invited to attend a special information forum

9.30am-12noon, Wednesday 13 February 2008

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2008 Calendars Available

We still have a few 2008 calendars available. $15.00 each - order form was posted with October Update, or download from www.dsansw.org.au

Early Childhood Updates: Lismore - 20 February 2008

With Judy Davidson (Parent Support Manager, DS NSW) (Parent Support Manager, DS NSW)

At Summerland EIS, Rifle Range Rd, East Lismore.

1. Early Childhood Update – for parents of children with Down syndrome aged 0 – 7 years: 9.30am -12.00pm

2. Early Childhood Update – for early childhood services professionals: 1.00pm –3.30pm

Wednesday 20 February 2008

There is no charge to participants for these events, but we do need you to register for numbers and catering. Call the DS NSW office on

02 9683 4333 to book, and/or for a flyer. The flyer is available from our website: www.dsansw.org.au Go to the What’s On? menu for the link, or call to have it emailed or posted out.

DS NSW Events in Armidale:
March 2008

Workshop presenters, DS NSW staff: Jill O’Connor (Information Services Manager) and Judy Davidson (Parent Support Manager)

1. Early Childhood Update – for parents of children with Down syndrome aged 0–7 years
9.30am–12.00pm Thursday 27 March 2008

Speaker: Judy Davidson (Parent Support Manager, DS NSW)
Armidale Ex-Services Club, Dumaresq Street, Armidale
Cost: $22.00 per person, inc. GST

2. Early Childhood Update – for early childhood services professionals
1.00pm–3.30pm, Thursday 27 March 2008

Speaker: Judy Davidson (Parent Support Manager, DS NSW)
Armidale Ex-Services Club, Dumaresq Street, Armidale
Cost: $44.00 per person, inc. GST

3. Update on Down Syndrome – for disability services providers

The latest information about the effects of Down syndrome, focusing on: health and communication. Relevant for anyone who works closely with older children, Adolescents and adults with Down syndrome.
9.30am–3.00pm Thursday 27 March 2008

Armidale Ex-Services Club, Dumaresq Street, Armidale
Cost: $88 per person (members DS NSW) or $110.00 per person (non-members)
(includes GST, morning tea and lunch)
Speaker: Jill O’Connor, Information Services Manager, DS NSW

4. Playing to Their Strengths

A workshop for teachers and school personnel working with students with Down syndrome
9.30am – 3.00pm Friday 28 March 2008

Armidale Ex-Services Club, Dumaresq Street, Armidale
Cost: $88 per person (members DS NSW) or $110.00 per person (non-members)
(includes GST, morning tea and lunch)
Speakers: Jill O’Connor, Information Services Manager, DS NSW and
Judy Davidson, Parent Support Manager, DS NSW

5. Communication ….. . it’s so much more than talking!

A workshop for parents and family carers of children (8 yrs +), adolescents and adults with Down syndrome
10.00 am –3.00pm Saturday 29 March 2008

A workshop for parents and family carers of children (8 yrs +), adolescents and adults with Down syndrome Armidale Ex-Services Club, Dumaresq Street, Armidale
Cost: $33.00 per person (includes GST, morning tea, lunch); Adult siblings welcome – no charge

This event is funded by NSW Health under the NSW Carers Program, and Down Syndrome NSW, as a component of the "All the Way" project, 2007 – 2010

DS NSW members and services in the local region have been mailed detailed flyers and registration forms Flyers are also available on request or to download from the DS NSW website: www.dsansw.org.au under the "What’s On?" menu.

All enquiries to Siena O’Brien, Carer Education Coordinator Ph. 02 9683 4333 Fax: 02 9683 4020 Email: carereducation@dsansw.org.au