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Become a UPside Hero
Your generosity will help us create a more inclusive society, provide essential support, and empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.
By making your donation a regular contribution, you join a committed group of supporters who fuel our mission every day. Your recurring gift ensures stability and allows us to plan for the future, ensuring that our programs and services can continue to grow and reach more individuals in need.
Click on the weekly or monthly tab when making your donation to join today.
Your Impact
Our programs are directly shaped by the invaluable feedback of our members, reflecting their real-life experiences and needs.
By contributing to our cause, you ensure the continuity of these essential programs, which are designed to enhance the daily lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Your donation directly fuels our commitment to improving lives and fostering a supportive community.
Did you know?
- The termination rate of pregnancies with a Down syndrome diagnosis is estimated to be as high as 90%.
- Only 8% of individuals with Down syndrome are employed.
- 46% of woman with a cognitive disability have expeirenced sexual violence.
Congratulations Initiative
Were you aware that the termination rate of pregnancies with a diagnosis of Down syndrome is estimated to be as high as 90% in our country?
Respecting the sacred choice of families is paramount, as it is fundamental to the realisation of their inherent human rights, particularly the right to make informed choices.
However, Down Syndrome NSW has heard from its members that they often receive outdated information, face relentless pressure to terminate, and encounter discussions that focus more on limitations than possibilities during such a delicate time.
This is precisely why Down Syndrome NSW introduced the Congratulations Initiative.
The Congratulations Initiative aims at educating medical professionals in their delivering a diagnosis, providing up to date information about Down syndrome through our Medical Professionals Packs, linking Down Syndrome NSW as key support partner and most importantly saying congratulations not sorry.
This program also aims to offer parents guidance and assistance, drawing from the firsthand experience of a parent who has lived experience.
Read Amelia's Story
Lucy recalled the moment they received the results from a Genetic Counsellor, who shared the news as if it was a devastating, terrible outcome. Instead of saying congratulations to the expectant parents, the medical staff said they were sorry - “I remember thinking my baby isn’t dying, why is everyone so sorry?”
Instead of providing useful, accurate and up-to-date information, the Genetic Counsellor went on to describe what they should expect of a baby with Down syndrome, stating that the baby would have moderate intellectual disability and describing physical features including small ears and stature. It all sounded like a warning.
Inclusive Education
Read Ben's Story
Ben’s experience of Inclusive Education in high school has been a work in progress, with a combination of one-on-one classes in learning support and engaging in mainstream for music, drama, assembly, house and mentor groups and swimming.
Now in Year 9, Ben has chosen music and drama for his electives and loves these subjects. He is fortunate to train at the amazing pool the school has and use their gym with his physio. The teachers in learning support are very dedicated, caring and patient – ensuring Ben is best positioned for an enjoyable and meaningful school experience.
For Ben’s parents, a core component of Inclusive Education has involved collaboration and openness with his school. Since Ben started High School, his school has been part of planning meetings with Ben’s parents and therapists to help determine his goals each term, making adjustments to the curriculum and providing support where required. They welcome input, observations and visits from specialists, willing to adapt to suit Ben’s needs.
Employment Connections
Did you know only 8% of individuals with Down syndrome are employed, in stark contrast to the 76% employment rate among those without Down syndrome. This disparity is what led Down Syndrome NSW to create Employment Connections. With Employment Connections, Down Syndrome NSW seeks to create lasting and meaningful job opportunities for adults with Down syndrome.
This initiative aims to empower them to live satisfying lives and make valuable contributions in their workplaces. By collaborating with employers, Down Syndrome NSW aim to cultivate a future that embraces diversity and offers equal success opportunities for everyone.
Read Ellen's Story
After successfully completing her studies, Ellen wanted to find a workplace where she could follow her interests in health and fitness and utilise all her skills and knowledge. With the help of Down Sydnrome NSW Employment Connections, Ellen secured an exciting job opportunity with the Sydney Swan’s women’s team
Today, Ellen enjoys interacting with the Sydney Swans players, coaching staff and people in the office, helping pack and unload the van at training sessions, setting up the field and overall being a vital help to the team. She continues to engage in a range of recreational and sporting activities and is looking for other jobs in the fitness industry where she can continue growing her skillset.
For Ellen, having an inclusive workplace has allowed her to follow her passions, find meaningful work and develop the confidence to pursue new opportunities as they arise.
While work isn’t the only important facet of Ellen’s life, having inclusivity in the workplace ensures that Ellen can spend her time doing what she loves most.
The Inclusive Institute
We are committed to providing a wide range of support and resources for all individuals with Down syndrome, their families, carers, professionals, students, and the community at large. Our offerings include information, fact sheets, books, as well as access to our helpline via phone and email. Additionally, we maintain a comprehensive website and private social media groups for ongoing engagement and support.
Our mission is to create a nurturing and empowering environment for everyone affected by Down syndrome. By fostering connections, providing resources, and promoting advocacy, we aim to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families to lead fulfilling lives.
Social Club Programs
We are dedicated to providing capacity building and community participation opportunities for adults with Down syndrome, enabling them to learn, engage, and connect. Our Up Club! and Up, Up and Away programs focus on reducing isolation, fostering further education, skill-building, promoting independence, and assisting with future planning.
At the heart of our programs is a deep commitment to the well-being and growth of every individual with Down syndrome. By providing opportunities for learning, socialisation, and skill development, we strive to create an inclusive society where all individuals can thrive and be valued for their unique contributions.
Advocacy
Did you know?
- 46% of women with cognitive disability have experienced sexual violence, compared to 16% of women without disability.
- 25% of young people (yes 1 in 4) reported violence in the last year alone.
FAQS
Where does my donation go?
Your generous donation will help fund Down syndrome NSW's programs, advocacy, and information and support services to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Down Syndrome NSW is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an Income Tax Exempt Charity: Charitable Fundraising Authority No. 11321.
All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
How else can I contribute?
There are many ways you can get involved and help change the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families and carers.
Some examples are:
- Fundraise
- Volunteer
- Participate in an event
Terms and Conditions
Down Syndrome NSW – Terms and Conditions
Donation Refund Policy
Down Syndrome NSW reviews all refund requests on a case-by-case basis, with decisions made at the discretion of Down Syndrome NSW. The organisation is committed to addressing genuine errors and will work to correct them where possible.
We do not offer refunds for changes of mind. We encourage you to carefully consider your decision to donate.
If a refund is approved, any receipt issued for the donation will be invalid and cannot be used for tax purposes.
Merchandise
Delivery
Shipping costs will be clearly identified at checkout. Delivery times are estimates only, and your delivery may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control. We will take reasonable steps to notify you of any delays. If a product has not been delivered to you, or if there is an issue with your delivery, please contact us at admin@downsyndromensw.org.au.
Returns
For all returns, please contact us at admin@downsyndromensw.org.au. Products purchased on our Online Store cannot be returned at physical Down Syndrome NSW locations.
Returning Faulty Products
We are committed to providing quality products to our customers. If a product is faulty or defective, materially different from the advertised description, or otherwise breaches a consumer guarantee under the Australian Consumer Law, please contact us at admin@downsyndromensw.org.au so we can guide you through the return, refund, or exchange process. You will need to provide proof of purchase and may be required to provide additional information or photos of the product for assessment.
If you are purchasing pre-loved goods from our Online Store, please consider the price, age, and condition of the items when evaluating whether the product breaches a consumer guarantee. If the problem with the product is confirmed and it is minor, we will decide whether to repair, replace, or refund the product.
For major problems under the Australian Consumer Law, you may choose whether to receive a replacement or refund. Any refund will be processed to the same card you originally used for the purchase. We will also cover your reasonable costs for returning the product to us.
If the product is found not to have a problem, is out of warranty, has a problem due to fair wear and tear, or results from misuse, or if you otherwise do not have a remedy under the Australian Consumer Law, we will contact you to discuss whether you would like us to dispose of the product or return it to you at your expense.
Change of Mind Returns
If you change your mind, we will happily exchange or refund the item provided that:
- You return the product to us within 14 days at your own cost.
- Proof of purchase is supplied.
- The original tags and labels are still attached to the product.
- The product is in its original packaging and condition as when you received it.
- The product is not on clearance, marked down, or disclosed to have a known defect.
- The product is not one of the following: pierced earrings, intimate apparel, swimwear, or hosiery (these cannot be returned for health reasons).
For change of mind returns, you are responsible for the cost of returning the product to us (e.g., postage costs), and any refund provided will not cover the shipping cost for sending the product to you or your return delivery costs. Refunds will only be made to the credit card or PayPal account used for the purchase.
Privacy
For details regarding the use of your personal information by Down Syndrome NSW, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection Notice on our website. By providing us with your email address or mobile phone number, you opt in to receive electronic communications regarding news, promotions, reminders, and updates on the status of returns and refunds. You can opt out of receiving electronic communications by changing your preferences through the link included in each communication. If you opt out, you will still receive certain service emails from us, such as updates regarding your purchase.
Disclaimer
To the maximum extent permissible by law (including the Australian Consumer Law), Down Syndrome NSW's liability to you arising out of or in connection with your use of the Online Store or your purchase of products is limited to providing you with a refund, replacement, or repair as applicable.
These Shopping Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, and both parties hereby submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.
Feedback and Complaints Handling Procedure
Down Syndrome NSW welcomes feedback and addresses all complaints promptly. Please email admin@downsyndromensw.org.au with any feedback or complaints.
Social Media Terms and Conditions
The purpose of Down Syndrome NSW’s social media is to achieve several objectives:
- To share information on Down Syndrome NSW programs.
- To share updates on emergencies or community activities.
- To promote ways for people to get involved with Down Syndrome NSW.
- To provide support and resources to communities.
On Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), we welcome you to engage with our content. Our team monitors social media pages between 9am and 4pm AEST, Monday to Thursday. Outside of those hours and on public holidays, posts may be automatically generated but will not be moderated until the following business day at 9am.
By interacting with our social media, we ask that you respect all users and refrain from personal attacks. Down Syndrome NSW will remove any comments that:
- May cause offense to other users.
- Contain false or misleading information.
- Are racist, sexist, or discriminatory.
- Breach someone else’s confidentiality, privacy, or security.
- Are defamatory, abusive, offensive, unlawful, violent, threatening, or use profanities.
- Advertise or offer to sell goods or services, contain spam, or other unsolicited messages.
- Infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
- Contain links to external sources that may be deemed unsafe.
To assist with content moderation and mitigate potential violations of these guidelines, Down Syndrome NSW reserves the right to disable comments on any post temporarily or permanently.
Users with multiple or recurring offenses may be blocked from contributing to Down Syndrome NSW social media profiles and may be reported to the social media platform or other authorities without notice.
Down Syndrome NSW takes no responsibility for comments from followers, and such comments do not reflect the opinions of the organization, its employees, or affiliates. Down Syndrome NSW reserves the right to update or change these guidelines at any time and will periodically review them.
Intellectual Property
Our services contain intellectual property, including software, text, graphics, images, sound recordings, audio-visual works, and other material provided by us or by third parties on our behalf. Content may be owned by us or by third parties. Unauthorized use of our content or user content may violate copyright, trademark, and other laws. You have no rights in or to the content and will only use it as permitted under these terms and conditions. No other use is permitted without prior written consent from us. You may not sell, transfer, assign, license, sublicense, modify, reproduce, display, publicly perform, create derivative works, distribute, or otherwise use the content for any public or commercial purpose.
If you breach any part of these terms and conditions, your permission to access and/or use the content and the services automatically terminates, and you must immediately destroy any copies you have made of the content.
Nothing about the services should be construed as granting, by implication or otherwise, any license or right for you to use them without our prior written permission specific for each use. All goodwill generated from the use of the services inures to our benefit.
Our services may not be copied or imitated in whole or in part, by any means, including, but not limited to, the use of framing or mirrors. None of our content may be retransmitted without our formal written consent for every instance.
Communication
When you apply to become a registered user, you understand and agree that we may send you communications from time to time, including product announcements, modifications, enhancements, and/or upgrades to the website; service announcements, including conditions or other possible interruptions affecting your use of and/or access to the website and/or any services or products offered by us; and other administrative updates. Registered users agree to receive such communications as a condition of using the website.
Although we encourage correspondence, you should not send us content that contains confidential information. As described under prohibited uses, you should not send content you do not have the right to make available. All communications sent to us, including, but not limited to, feedback, questions, comments, and suggestions, are open to use, including any content contained in your communications for any purpose, including but not limited to the development, production, and marketing of products and services that incorporate such information without payment or implied obligation.
Copyright
We will review all claims of copyright infringement received and remove any content or user content deemed to have been posted or distributed in violation of such laws.
If you believe our services or work have been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please provide notice in accordance with the requirements of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), including your current contact details (name, address, telephone number, and email address).
Regular Donations terms and conditions
It is your responsibility to ensure that there are sufficient clear funds available in your account. You should check your account statement to verify that the amounts debited from your account are correct.
Changes and Cancellations
We may vary details of your agreement or a direct debit request at any time by giving you at least 14 days' written notice.
If you wish to cancel, defer, or alter a debit payment, you must notify us by calling at least 14 days before the next donation day.
Fundraiser Terms and Conditions
As a representative of the Down Syndrome Association NSW, we kindly request that you comply with any guidelines or requirements set forth by our organisation, including obtaining appropriate permits or licenses, complying with branding and messaging guidelines, and following all relevant laws and regulations.
Guidelines and requirements include;
Hosting an event guidelines:
- When hosting an event make best endevours to ensure that you spend no more than 50% of funds raised on overhead, and the remaining 50% or more is given to Down Syndrome NSW to spend on programs and services that support our mission.
- Please only use branded materials provided to you by Down Syndrome NSW
- If you wish to create additional branded materials all Down Syndrome NSW branding on these materials must be pre-approved by Down Syndrome NSW
- Follow all laws and regulations: Community fundraisers should comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including any local, state, or federal laws governing fundraising activities, as well as any guidelines set forth by the charity being supported.
- Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Depending on the type of fundraising event, organisers may need to obtain permits or licenses from local authorities or regulatory bodies.
- Be transparent about fundraising goals and expenses: Community fundraisers should clearly communicate the purpose of the event, how funds raised will be used, and any associated expenses. It is important to be transparent about fundraising goals and expenses to build trust and confidence among donors and supporters.
- Maintain accurate records: Community fundraisers should keep accurate records of all fundraising activities, including income and expenses, in order to provide transparency and accountability to donors and supporters.
- Show appreciation: It is important to show appreciation to donors and supporters, including thanking them for their contributions and providing updates on how funds raised are being used to support the charity's mission.
- All activities and games must be approved in writing by Down Syndrome NSW
- Any costs must incurred by organiser or removed from fundraising dollars (in alignment with 50% rule in point one)
- All event registrations must be made through Down Syndrome NSW unless authorised in writing.
- Down Syndrome NSW will make best endeavors to have a representative at your event on the day however this is not guaranteed.
Collection and Use of Information:
Down Syndrome NSW prioritises the confidentiality of personal and sensitive information and adheres to relevant privacy laws and principles, including the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002, and its own Privacy Policy. Information gathered may include personal details provided during website access, posted content, and website usage data obtained through cookies. This information is used for charitable purposes, including research and evaluation. For more details on privacy matters, please visit the Down Syndrome NSW website.
Event Participation Terms:
Participation in fundraising events is at your own risk. It is your responsibility to adhere to legal requirements and secure appropriate insurance coverage. By participating, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions, Fundraising Guidelines, and Privacy Collection Statement.
Participation in Events for Children Under 15:
Children under 15 participating in events must meet age and consent criteria, accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian during the event and associated fundraising activities. Specific guidelines regarding participation duration and supervision are outlined for safety and welfare.
Credit Cards and Refunds:
Users are urged not to use invalid or unauthorised credit cards. Once a donation is made, it is final, with refunds only considered in cases of proven unauthorised card use. Immediate notification of fraudulent or lost/stolen cards to the card issuer is required.
Use of Website Material:
All website content, including text, images, and intellectual property rights, is owned by Down Syndrome NSW. Limited personal, non-commercial use of website material is permitted, provided copyright and trademark notices are retained.
Links to External Websites:
The website may contain links to external sites not under Down Syndrome NSW control. While provided for reference convenience, Down Syndrome NSW does not endorse or take responsibility for the content or changes on linked websites.
Information Uploading Guidelines:
Users warrant that uploaded material complies with specified criteria, including authorisation, non-defamatory nature, and compliance with intellectual property laws and regulations.
Conduct Standards:
Users agree not to engage in abusive, harassing, or offensive behavior on the website, including impersonation, collecting personal data, or distributing unsolicited materials.
Intellectual Property License:
By uploading intellectual property onto the website, users grant Down Syndrome NSW a perpetual, non-exclusive license to use and sublicense the material for website purposes.
Information Removal Policy:
Down Syndrome NSW reserves the right to remove any material or information from the website without explanation, including for regulatory compliance or inappropriate content.
Disclaimer:
Down Syndrome NSW, its officers, employees, and agents disclaim liability for any costs, losses, or damages arising from website use or fundraising activities. The organisation does not provide medical advice and makes no warranties regarding website content or operation.
Limitation of Liability:
Limitations on liability may not apply in certain jurisdictions. Down Syndrome NSW liability, where permitted, is limited to specified remedies for breach of warranty or condition.
Indemnity:
Users agree to indemnify Down Syndrome NSW and its representatives against losses or liabilities arising from breaches of these Terms of Use or distribution of supplied material.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction:
These Terms of Use are governed by New South Wales laws, with users acknowledging the jurisdiction of New South Wales courts.
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