In this week’s episode of the Now and the Future Podcast – More Than a Diagnosis: A Mum’s Fragile X Story - we meet Mandy Barker, a Brisbane-based advocate and mother of two children with Fragile X syndrome.During this discussion, Mandy shares her personal journey of living with Fragile X syndrome, the challenges faced by parents of children with intellectual disabilities, and some of the methods she has used to find balance and happiness. For more information about Fragile X syndrome and other intellectual disabilities contact Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA) or Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ): Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA):Web - https://www.fragilex.org.au/Phone: 1300 394 636Email: [email protected] Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/Phone: (07) 3356 6655Email: [email protected]: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances.https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf

In this podcast, Dr Carly Lassig (DSQ’s Lead Education Consultant) interviews Dr Emma Watkins, also known as Emma Memma (previously known as the Yellow Wiggle). This interview came about in response to the increasing interest from schools in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and Key Word Sign (a visual communication approach that adds signs, borrowed from Auslan, to spoken words), and the DSQ’s Education Team’s observations of how music is such an effective way to teach children signing. Emma tells us about the development of Emma Memma, which teaches Auslan through music and movement, and is based on her PhD research. We learn about what first motivated Emma to learn to sign and how she continues to develop her Auslan skills and understanding of Deaf culture. We also discuss some considerations for introducing signing in schools.This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Planning for a future where you may no longer be around to support your loved one with an intellectual disability is a worrying thought. We all know that we need to have our financial and legal affairs in order, but what about your vision and plan? These aspects of planning for a future can often be overlooked or downplayed. This podcast is a condensed version of an online presentation that is designed to make you think about the future planning needs of your person with an intellectual disability. To view the presentation in its entirety please access it here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD1SqlUX4iAAdditional ResourcesCircles of Support Resources: Circles of Support - A manual for getting startedCircles of Support - Inclusion Melbourne Vision and Planning Resources:The Power of Planning - Community Resource UnitWhy it Matters Succession Planning - Community Resource UnitSupported Decision Making Resources:The La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework:This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

In today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast, we are sitting down with Naomie Macquarie, MyTime Support Group Coordinator, to discuss the benefits and impact MyTime support groups can have on parents and carers of children with disabilities or other additional needs. MyTime is your lifeline.Reach out to Naomie today to find out more.Email: [email protected]: 07 3356 6655Website: www.mytime.net.auThis podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

In the lead up to Speech pathology, Week from 25 – 31 August, in today’s episode of the Now and the Future podcast we meet speech pathologist Amanda Hartmann. In this episode Amanda will take us on a journey through the ever-evolving world of speech pathology, share some fantastic real stories from the community and look at different ways to communicate your way.   See the below links for more information about Amanda and AAC: AAC: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Communication_Hub/Resources/Fact_Sheets/Augmentative-and-Alternative-Communication.aspx https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/674172/aac_pro.pdf Amanda Hartmann: https://www.instagram.com/amandahartmann_slp_aac/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwqbiepG71hZBz0e20hp07Q https://www.facebook.com/p/Amanda-Hartmann-SLP-AAC-100057332654773/ This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Welcome to season 11 of the Now And The Future podcast from Down Syndrome Queensland!This episode of the podcast focuses on health and how we can live healthier lives.This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

This podcast episode brings together interviews with advisors from each of the three education systems in Queensland (State, Independent, and Catholic) to discuss students with intellectual disability accessing curriculum aligned with their year level curriculum, alongside their age peers, but that is adjusted to the expectations of a lower year level or to highly individualised goals. We delve into how teachers make decisions about who should access these individualised curriculum plans, what evidence and processes are involved, how to make decisions about what year level curriculum should be the access point for the student, and what the implications of these plans might be.For schools wanting tailored advice on decisions around an individual curriculum plan for their student with Down syndrome/Intellectual Disability, please register for our free ID:8 service (https://downsyndrome.powerappsportals.com/id8/) or one of our QEST services (email: [email protected]).DSQ’s Education Services are proudly supported by the Queensland Government.This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

Through work supporting families through prenatal screening and diagnosis, we often hear stories of misinformation about life with Down syndrome and an assumption that following a diagnosis, prospective parents would choose termination. We also hear stories of choices not being supported or respected; and frequently, families have to stumble upon support services themselves rather than being referred to them as part of ongoing care during the remainder of their pregnancies.Research suggests that currently, many families may not be making fully informed choices about prenatal testing. We are concerned that some families may be making decisions that are based on negative community attitudes and inaccurate, outdated information about Down syndrome.As part of our mid-year appeal, we invite you to support Down Syndrome Queensland's efforts in providing crucial prenatal screening support. Your donation helps us continue our mission of ensuring families have access to accurate information and the support they need during their prenatal journey. Donate at the Down Syndrome Queensland Fundraising Page. Visit the Prenatal Screening website for all the information.This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

In this episode of the Now and the Future podcast we talk about the World Down Syndrome Congress, coming to Brisbane between 9–12 July.This week we meet with three congress presenters; music therapist Kate Becroft-Fletcher, speech pathologist Amanda Hartmann and Associate Professor in Sleep Medicine at the University of Queensland, Dr Jas Chawla.Our guests will tell us about their field of expertise, give us a sneak peek into what to expect for their presentation at the World Down Syndrome Congress and tell us the importance of attending this significant event in Brisbane.To find out more and register for the World Down Syndrome Congress, visit the WDSC website.This is a once in a generation event so don’t miss out! We hope to see you there.This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Mentioned in this episode:Down Syndrome Queensland

This week we have a special Mother’s Day episode of the Now and the Future podcast and we are joined by the mums and grandmother of four young men with intellectual disability. We chat about life, love, challenges and what makes them smile.DSQ supports an inclusive environment for people with an intellectual disability which allows them to live their best lives. It is important to respect the rights of parents to choose the development path that is best for their person. DSQ is here to support them along the way.This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - [email protected] more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.