Down Syndrome WA was formed because a few families with children who had Down syndrome came together to share their experiences, support each other and exchange information.  Information about Down syndrome, about how they could help with their child's development and about how to ensure 'a good life' for their sons and daughters.  It was reassuring to know that they weren't alone.

Family membership

These were the early days back in 1986, and since then the Association has developed and the membership has grown strongly.  Hundreds of families still benefit from coming together, from sharing and receiving information and from all the other positives that membership brings.  Over the years members have contributed to and have seen the benefits of raising the community's awareness of the rights, needs and abilities of people with Down syndrome. Check out the Membership Fee.

Country members

Around 70 of those families are from regional and remote areas.  The Association has always been mindful of providing supports where possible to country families.  A 1800 phone number is available for country callers.  New Parent Support Folders are sent to country families with new babies and networks are set up with other local families where possible.  In some areas support groups are run by volunteer parents.  Click here to see if there's a local contact person in your area or contact the association if you would like to be a local contact person for your area.  Information seminars and workshops are held in regional centres from time to time.  Click here to see if there are any regional seminars or workshops coming up for parents or professionals or support workers.  Sometimes when possible country members can join a meeting or workshop via video link.  If this interests you please contact the association and let us know in plenty of time so we can make every effort to organise this.  Country members are encouraged to let DSWA staff know when they will be in the city so that opportunities to network with other families can be found.

Schools and professional members

As the Association has grown a lot of effort has gone into developing the knoweldge, skills and understanding of those who work with and support people with Down syndrome.  Teacher Professional Development, workshops for nursing staff, support workers, students and the provision of resources and practical information for the community have increased.  So too the professional membership of the Association has grown.  Currently there are around 50 schools and professionals on our membership list.  Check out the Membership Fee.

Newsletters for members

Members benefit from quality bi-monthly newsletters (The Diary) and other mailouts containing news and events, information about Down syndrome and personal stories which warm the heart and celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome.  Commencing in 2009 our E-News Update will be delivered regularly to your E-mail mailbox.  Make sure we have your latest email address if you wish to receive our E-News Update.   

Library services

Members also have access to Down Syndrome WA's library collection:  books, videos, DVDs and other resources.  Library resources can be borrowed by members at any time and our librarian is available to assist members with their needs on Wednesdays. Check out the Membership Fee.

Association events & activities

Members are welcome to attend any of the events and DSA sponsored activities advertised in the newsletter or updates.  These include:  workshops, information sessions, seminars, picnics, socials, dinners, discos, Christmas party, Family Fun Day and occasionally family camps.  Sometimes there will be a charge involved for certain events, but where possible a special price will be offered to association members.   Social & Recreational groups are also running for young people with Down syndrome:  Aim High groups, Bowling groups north and south of the River, a Karate group and plans for a Dance group are on the agenda.  Many of these events and activities are fully or partially sponsored by the Association allowing members to attend at a reduced cost.  

Give-aways

Members also benefit from free tickets for movies, shows and other events donated by sponsors and advertised in newsletters and updates.

Membership Fees

Click HERE to download a pdf version of our Membership Form, or HERE to download a version in Word format

Contact us for a hard copy or for alternative formats including Braille, audio and Large Print

Send your membership form with your payment to:

Down Syndrome WA
PO Box 338
BENTLEY  WA  6982

Payment can be made in various ways:

• Online Payments - our new payment facility will soon be available online.    Find out more.  
• Direct Deposits can be made to the DSWA bank account.  Please phone (9368 4002) or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   for our account details.
• Credit Card donation is also available through the office.  Please phone (9368 4002) or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   to pass on your credit card details.
• Cheques and Money Orders should be made out to Down Syndrome WA and mailed to
    PO Box 338,
    BENTLEY WA 6982. 
• Cash donations can be brought to the DSWA office in Bentley and will be receipted on the spot.