Who we are
The Toowoomba & District Down Syndrome Support Group Inc was formed
in 1989 in Toowoomba by a small group of parents of children who had
been born with Down Syndrome. Today the group has a membership of
over 80 families encompassing the Lockyer Valley out to Miles, St
George and down to Stanthorpe.
Support for New Parents:
The Group formulated a
parent pack to be placed in Hospitals in Toowoomba and outlying
areas, designed to give information that would be helpful to new
parents. We have designated people who are available to visit new
parents on request and to offer any support that is needed.
Monthly luncheons are held in various members' homes on the 3rd
Thursday of the month to provide an opportunity for families to make
contact with and to meet and share with group members, who can
provide understanding and support.
Management Committee
Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each
month currently using the Dr Price Rooms in Little St. The Group is
a non-funded, not for profit organisation depending on annual
membership fees ($20 per family or $10 per single), and fund raising
efforts to maintain the group and its various activities including a
monthly newsletter either mailed or emailed to all members.
Library
Education
We
are currently starting a new initiative of liaison with and
support for teachers in schools to provide them with information
to help them to more fully understand the educational needs and
behaviours of children with Down Syndrome.
Discos
Since 1996 our Group has run monthly
discos which are open to people with disabilities of all types
whether it be intellectual or physical. They are held at St Paul’s
Lutheran Church Hall on a Saturday night from 7.00 until 9.30 p.m.
We provide supper and great music for an entry fee of $7. The discos
have proved very popular, drawing a crowd on average of 75 providing
people with a disability with a place where they can enjoy a night
out in a safe and friendly environment.
Lions Camp Duckadang
Since 1999 we have held an annual
family camp to give families an opportunity to get away into the
country, enjoy some good food, good fun and fellowship and great
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The Lions Club Toowoomba West kindly give their time to cater for the weekend giving our parents a much needed break. The camp facilities include a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, table tennis, mini golf and canoeing.