Now And The Future

Data from the final report of the Disability Royal Commission and Australian Bureau of Statistics surveys have found that about 72% of people with cognitive disability (including intellectual disability, but also those who have had a stroke or brain injury) aged 15 and above have experienced abuse or violence.

A staggering one in two women with intellectual disability have experienced sexual abuse. So, are we doing enough to prepare and protect young people?

In this episode, Carly Lassig, Lead Education Consultant at DSIDQ, speaks with Natasha Milner, Education Coordinator, Disability at True Relationships & Reproductive Health.

Natasha answers some Frequently Asked Questions from schools about bodies, boundaries, and relationships.

Carly and Natasha also discuss advice and practical strategies for supporting young people with Down syndrome or intellectual disability to learn about puberty, respectful relationships, and sexual health and consent, and to reduce their vulnerability.

This podcast was created with educators in mind. However, many of the messages are also relevant for families and allied health professionals working with young people with Down syndrome or intellectual disability.

For further information and resources on this topic, see:

• Down Syndrome Australia’s Adolescence Guide: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DSA_Adolescence_June-22_WEB.pdf
• Down Syndrome Australia’s Healthy Relationships and Sexuality Guide: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DSA_Healthy-relationships-guide.pdf
• True’s programs and resources for people with disability and their families and caregivers: www.true.org.au/education/community-support/disability

For schools interested in tailored support, please contact the Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) Education Team.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (07) 3356 6655

Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/services-and-supports/education-services/

Disclaimer: 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

Caring for a loved one with intellectual disability can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also be isolating.

Many carers face daily challenges, including social isolation, limited respite, navigating complex support systems, and balancing their own wellbeing.

In this episode of Now and the Future, host Michael Harrison is joined by Janene McPhillips, facilitator of the MyTime groups in Lawnton and Caboolture.

As both a dedicated facilitator and a mum with lived experience as a full-time carer, Janene shares her personal journey, the power of connecting with others who truly understand, and why MyTime has become such an important source of support for so many families.

Together, they explore how finding your tribe, building friendships, and taking time for yourself can make a real difference—not only for carers, but for the entire family.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the MyTime program is and who it's for
• The biggest challenges facing carers today
• How MyTime helps reduce social isolation
• The importance of connection, friendship, and peer support
• Janene's journey from attending MyTime to becoming a facilitator
• Why taking time for yourself makes you a stronger carer

If you're a parent, family member, or carer of a child with disability, developmental delay, or a chronic medical condition, this episode is for you.

Learn more about MyTime and find a group near you:

https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/services-and-supports/family-carers-and-friends/mytime/

Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ)

Website – www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/

Phone: (07) 3356 6655

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: 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

Inclusive employment isn't just good for people—it’s good for business.

Australians with intellectual disability remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce, despite growing evidence that inclusive workplaces benefit from stronger employee engagement, loyalty, and a more positive workplace culture.

In this episode of Now and the Future, host Michael Harrison, Community Engagement Manager at Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland, is joined by Anthony Barnes, Queensland Operations Manager at Capital SMART, to discuss how one organisation is turning its commitment to inclusion into meaningful action.

Anthony shares how Capital SMART's inclusive employment journey began, the practical steps they've taken to create opportunities, and the positive impact these initiatives have had on both employees and the business. From recruitment and onboarding to workplace culture and long-term success, this conversation provides valuable insights for employers looking to build a more inclusive workforce.

Whether you're an employer, business leader, family member, or passionate advocate for inclusion, this episode demonstrates how creating opportunities can transform lives while strengthening organisations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why inclusive employment matters
• Capital SMART's approach to employing people with intellectual disability
• Practical tips for creating an inclusive workplace
• The benefits for employers, teams, and employees
• How businesses can take their first steps towards inclusive hiring

Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ)

Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/

Phone: (07) 3356 6655

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: 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

Research shows that only around 30% of people with intellectual disability feel they have full choice and control over their lives. Building skills in communication, confidence, self-advocacy, and decision-making is an important step towards changing this.

In this episode of the Now and the Future Podcast, "Voices That Matter," we explore the Hear Me Out debating program and how it empowers people with intellectual disability to express their views, have their voices heard, and actively participate in their communities.

We discuss:

• The importance of self-advocacy and having a voice
• How debating builds confidence and communication skills
• The positive impact Hear Me Out has on participants
• Success stories from people involved in the program
• Exciting opportunities and future developments for Hear Me Out

Joining us are Christina Ranck, Hear Me Out Program Coordinator, and Dylan Benstead, a former participant who has gone on to become a peer supporter. Together, they share valuable insights from both the facilitator and participant perspectives, highlighting the transformative impact of the program.

Whether you're a person with disability, family member, supporter, educator, or advocate, this episode showcases the power of being heard and the difference it can make in creating more inclusive communities.

Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ)

Website – www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/

Phone: (07) 3356 6655

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

See more - www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf

Unpaid carers are the invisible backbone of our community.

In Queensland, around 642,000 carers support people with intellectual disability of whom live at home with family. Their role is critical, yet often unrecognised.

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Martin and Louise Faulkner from Wellways to explore:

• What it means to be an unpaid carer
• The challenges of isolation and burnout
• The supports available
• What needs to change to better support carers

As the peak body for intellectual disability, DSIDQ recognises that supporting carers is key to building inclusive communities.

🎧 Listen now and learn how we can better support those who support others.

👉 Visit our website for resources, support services, and more episodes.

Wellways Carer Gateway

Website – https://www.wellways.org/our-services/

Phone: 1800 422 737

Email: [email protected]

Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ)

Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/

Phone: (07) 3356 6655

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: 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 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 394 636

Email: [email protected]

Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ)

Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/

Phone: (07) 3356 6655

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: 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].

For 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=OD1SqlUX4iA

Additional Resources

Circles of Support Resources: 

• Circles of Support - A manual for getting started
• Circles of Support - Inclusion Melbourne 

Vision and Planning Resources:

• The Power of Planning - Community Resource Unit
• Why it Matters Succession Planning - Community Resource Unit

Supported 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].

For 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]

Phone: 07 3356 6655

Website: www.mytime.net.au

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].

For 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].

For more information please visit the DSQ website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Mentioned in this episode:

Down Syndrome Queensland