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.
Now And The Future
Claim This Podcastby Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland
5.0(5 reviews)
65 episodes
Updated Weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇦🇺
Podcast Overview
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.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/29/2021
2 verified contact emails on file for Now And The Future
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
June 24, 2026
Voices That Matter
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>We discuss:</p><ul><li>The importance of self-advocacy and having a voice</li><li>How debating builds confidence and communication skills</li><li>The positive impact Hear Me Out has on participants</li><li>Success stories from people involved in the program</li><li>Exciting opportunities and future developments for Hear Me Out</li></ul><br/><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) </strong></p><p>Website – <a href="https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/</a></p><p>Phone: (07) 3356 6655</p><p>Email: office@dsidq.org.au</p><p>Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances.</p><p>See more - <a href="www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf</a></p>
May 20, 2026
The Invisible Backbone
<p>Unpaid carers are the invisible backbone of our community.</p><p>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.</p><p>In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Martin and Louise Faulkner from Wellways to explore:</p><ul><li>What it means to be an unpaid carer</li><li>The challenges of isolation and burnout</li><li>The supports available</li><li>What needs to change to better support carers</li></ul><br/><p>As the peak body for intellectual disability, DSIDQ recognises that supporting carers is key to building inclusive communities.</p><p>🎧 Listen now and learn how we can better support those who support others.</p><p>👉 Visit our website for resources, support services, and more episodes.</p><p></p><p><strong>Wellways Carer Gateway</strong></p><p>Website – <a href="https://www.wellways.org/our-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wellways.org/our-services/</a></p><p>Phone: 1800 422 737</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:enquiries@wellways.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">enquiries@wellways.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) </strong></p><p>Website – <a href="https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/</a></p><p>Phone: (07) 3356 6655</p><p>Email: office@dsidq.org.au</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances.</p><p><a href="https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf</a></p>
April 23, 2026
More Than a Diagnosis: A Mum’s Fragile X Story
<p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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): </p><p><strong>Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA):</strong></p><p>Web - <a href="https://www.fragilex.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fragilex.org.au/</a></p><p>Phone: 1300 394 636</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:support@fragilex.org.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">support@fragilex.org.au</a></p><p><strong>Down Syndrome & Intellection Disabilities Queensland (DSIDQ) </strong></p><p>Website – <a href="https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld/</a></p><p>Phone: (07) 3356 6655</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:office@dsidq.org.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">office@dsidq.org.au</a></p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice relevant to your circumstances.</p><p><a href="https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Disclaimer.pdf</a></p>
65 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for Now And The Future
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Now And The Future?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.