The Now And The Future podcast is an exciting way of sharing stories of Down Syndrome Queensland members, as well as opportunities, challenges and provide support and expert advice for the Down Syndrome community.
Down Syndrome Queensland’s vision is to support, advocate for and empower people with Down Syndrome to take their rightful places as valuable and contributing members of their community, both now and into the future.
Publisher
Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland
What does it mean to have a voice, make your own decisions and be treated with dignity and respect?
In this episode of Now and the Future, Michael Harrison from Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland (DSIDQ) is joined by John Chesterman, Queensland’s Public Advocate, to explore the rights of people with intellectual disability and the need for meaningful inclusion and reform.
Together, they discuss supported decision-making, adult safeguarding and challenges within the justice system, examining how Queensland can better protect people's rights and ensure they have a genuine say in decisions that affect their lives.
In this episode, we explore:
Supported decision-making and the right to make choices about your own life.
Adult safeguarding and protecting the rights and wellbeing of people with intellectual disability.
Barriers within the justice system and the need for meaningful reform.
Moving beyond token consultation to ensure people with intellectual disability are heard, respected and included.
Join us for an important conversation about turning the promise of inclusion into everyday practice and building a future where everyone’s voice matters.
About the podcast
Now and the Future is a DSIDQ podcast sharing essential information, resources and lived experiences to help connect today to build tomorrow.
Learn more about Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland:
Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ)
Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/ (https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/)
Phone: (07) 3356 6655
Email: office@dsidq.org.au
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 (https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf)
23 Sept 2026
Safe & Healthy Bodies, Boundaries & Relationships: Supporting young people with Down syndrome or intellectual disability to learn about puberty, relationships, sexual health and consent.
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 (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 (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 (http://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: education@dsidq.org.au
Phone: (07) 3356 6655
Website – https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/services-and-supports/education-services/ (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 (https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf)
19 Aug 2026
My Time is Your Time
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/ (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/ (https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/)
Phone: (07) 3356 6655
Email: office@dsidq.org.au (mailto:office@dsidq.org.au)
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 (https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf)
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