Down Syndrome Queensland (DSQ) works for a better quality of life for people with Down syndrome by supporting and strengthening families and promoting positive and realistic images of people with Down syndrome.  

We provide a range of vital advocacy, information, education and support services, programs and events throughout Queensland that aim to remove barriers to community participation for people with Down syndrome and their families.

We are committed to the social model of disability support to empower and strengthen the capacity of individuals & families across the life-span including NDIS, prenatal and parent support, early years play groups, social groups for 5-11 years, youth and adult personal development and empowerment programs, peer support/social clubs, Continued Education Program and the LatchOn literacy program.

We also educate the broader community including health, education, sporting and financial groups to increase social inclusion and understanding to better meet the needs of people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities and their carers.

The team is supported by a number of wonderful volunteers including the Board with services funded through grants, sponsorships, donations and fundraising (such as Lady Grady!).

To find out more about Down Syndrome Queensland, and the services we provide please click the button below.

Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells. In each cell there are tiny structures called chromosomes. The DNA in our chromosomes determines how we develop. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes in each of their cells (46 in total). People with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes in their cells. They have an extra chromosome 21, which is why Down syndrome is also sometimes known as trisomy 21.

People with Down syndrome may have:

areas of strengths and other areas where they need more support, just like everyone else in the community

• some level of intellectual disability

• some characteristic physical features

• increased risk of some health conditions (many of which are treatable)

• some developmental delays.

Down syndrome occurs at conception. People from all different backgrounds and ages have children with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition, not an illness or disease. It is nobody’s fault. There is no cure and it does not go away.

Every person with Down syndrome is an individual. Just like everyone else they will have different things they are good at and other things that they find harder.

To find out more about Down syndrome, please click the button below.

Many of the activities of Down Syndrome Queensland are funded by Government grants, or by individuals using their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) packages to access our services.

These sources of income do not cover all of our costs of delivering our services, and we also deliver essential services which are not funded through these means such as prenatal support, advocacy and NDIS support. We rely on the generosity of donors and fundraisers such as Lady Grady to be able to continue these services.

Down Syndrome Queensland is exceptionally grateful for the support shown by Lady Grady who have raised well over $148,000 for us over the past 20+ years.

To make a donation directly to Down Syndrome Queensland please click the button below.