New Zealand Down Syndrome Association

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association We are the National organisation representing the Down Syndrome community in New Zealand.

SATURDAY: SELF-ADVOCACY IN ACTIONThis Saturday afternoon, self-advocate voices are front and centre in two NZDSA Virtual...
09/10/2026

SATURDAY: SELF-ADVOCACY IN ACTION
This Saturday afternoon, self-advocate voices are front and centre in two NZDSA Virtual Conference sessions about friendship, connection and belonging.

4:00pm — Friendship Matters: Building Real Connections

Hannah Verry and Hamish Gilbert will introduce the IHC Friendship Programme and explore how it helps people build genuine friendships and connections. Hamish is a Self-Advocate Ambassador for the Online Friendship Programme.

QUICK JOIN LINK:
https://events.zoom.us/ej/AvuVj5N3jprjyTOWhBvY68LWJp35QxDmfzagOimq4Nw0cONu7ieO~A1bcCrn_uXfvA_gl-OoZyKc9TJvJrAG45-jS_Xosf6F6q204w7-fCJXRD8vpQ

4:30pm — How I Keep From Being Lonely

Self-advocate Amelia Eades shares the activities, friendships and community connections that help her stay connected and live a busy life.

QUICK JOIN:
https://events.zoom.us/ej/Apd4-7cIwc1czTuSZbuZ2qZ5ioQZuG-JAHuoKND9apse6je_85ME~A8f9edPKTjYqqicg-JXV_iMzpebf8C-GS-eQwl2ilXIyRfY015-gV3dfiCngA

To make joining as easy as possible, we’re sharing these Quick Join links right here.
If registration has been tricky, simply come back to this post on Saturday and use the link for the session you’d like to attend.

Both sessions are free and everyone is welcome.

Connection starts here.

INDEPENDENCEWhat does independence really look like?It doesn’t always mean doing everything on your own. Often, it means...
07/10/2026

INDEPENDENCE

What does independence really look like?

It doesn’t always mean doing everything on your own. Often, it means having the right tools, information and support to make choices, build confidence and have more control over everyday life.

Two upcoming NZDSA Virtual Conference sessions explore this idea from different angles:

TODAY — THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER — 7:30PM
Connecting with Volition

Explore how digital tools can support people to communicate what matters to them, share their preferences and have greater choice and control in decision-making.

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER — 12:00PM

An Introduction to the Online Independent Living and Money Game Stand Tall

Discover an accessible online game designed to help people explore money, everyday decisions and independent living skills.

Both sessions are free to attend and form part of this year’s NZDSA Virtual Conference for Down syndrome awareness month.

Explore the programme and register here:
https://events.zoom.us/eo/AkhTIN177wmGGRACwn7QU3504ZCO_iiGV39k4mwYH1cXtyLCevoD~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg

Sessions are live and will not be recorded.
Connection starts here.

QUICK JOIN LINKS: STRAIGHT FROM OUR STORIESWe know that sometimes you decide to join a session at the last minute, or yo...
07/10/2026

QUICK JOIN LINKS: STRAIGHT FROM OUR STORIES

We know that sometimes you decide to join a session at the last minute, or you simply need the quickest way in.

So throughout the NZDSA Virtual Conference, we’ll be sharing quick join links in our Stories for each day’s conference sessions.

If you’re having trouble registering, you’re running a little late, or you just want to jump straight into the session, simply tap the link in our Story, and it will take you straight there.

Keep an eye on NZDSA Stories each day for the sessions happening that day.

And remember: our conference sessions are live and won’t be recorded, so we’d love to have you join us.

Connection starts here; see you soon.

Kia ora koutou,I recently joined representatives from other disability organisations to meet with the Minister for Disab...
06/10/2026

Kia ora koutou,
I recently joined representatives from other disability organisations to meet with the Minister for Disability Issues at the Parent, Family and Whānau Network meeting. We raised the barriers our children face at school, and explained that much of what our families experience isn't captured in the official attendance data. The Minister asked for evidence and data on attendance (or non-attendance!) rates for our kids at school, so we're all now reaching out to our communities to gather it.
Informal exclusion usually isn't recorded, and we know this is a critical issue for our community. If your child has been sent home early, told they can only attend part-time, steered away from your local school, or left out of camps, trips or activities, please help us show what's really happening. Your lived experience matters.
The survey takes about 5 minutes and every question is optional. Your answers will be anonymised and any identifying details removed before we write to the Minister. If you have more than one child affected, please complete one survey per child.
If you have any questions, or would rather share your story directly, email me at [email protected].

Ngā mihi,
Zandra Vaccarino
National Executive Officer, New Zealand Down Syndrome Association

https://us7.list-manage.com/survey?u=eddf73f0c9f66c9e4e337ed88&id=fa98d8d62a&attribution=false

What a way to start!Yesterday’s opening sessions were a fantastic way to begin this year’s NZDSA Virtual Conference.A hu...
04/10/2026

What a way to start!

Yesterday’s opening sessions were a fantastic way to begin this year’s NZDSA Virtual Conference.

A huge thank you to Alex and Talia for sharing their stories with us, and to everyone who joined us online.

And that was just the beginning.

Here’s what’s coming up this week:

MONDAY 5 OCTOBER
12:00 pm — Leadership and Agency Through Dance
7:30 pm — Finding Your People: How to Create Community

TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER
12:00 pm — What Your Other Children Without Down Syndrome Are Thinking
7:30 pm — Together, Not Alone: Supporting Relationships, Connection and Belonging for People with Down Syndrome

WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER
12:00 pm — Empowering Support for Breastfeeding Mothers of Babies with Down Syndrome
4:00 pm — IHC Disability Election Forum
7:30 pm — The Power of Sport: Connection, Belonging and Participation

The IHC Disability Election Forum runs from 4–6 pm and can be joined online or in person in Wellington.

THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER
12:00 pm — Rights and Belonging: How Practical Understanding of Rights Can Combat Loneliness
7:30 pm — Connecting with Volition

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER
12:00 pm — An Introduction to the Online Independent Living and Money Game Stand Tall

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER
4:00 pm — Friendship Matters: Building Real Connections
4:30 pm — How I Keep From Being Lonely

From performing arts and friendship to relationships, health, rights, independence, sport and community, there is plenty to explore this week.

All conference sessions are free to attend. Register here:

https://events.zoom.us/eo/AkhTIN177wmGGRACwn7QU3504ZCO_iiGV39k4mwYH1cXtyLCevoD~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg

Remember, sessions are live and will not be recorded, so we’d love to see you there.

Connection starts here.

THE NZDSA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE STARTS TOMORROW!After weeks of planning, we’re almost there.Tomorrow we launch this year’s ...
02/10/2026

THE NZDSA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE STARTS TOMORROW!

After weeks of planning, we’re almost there.

Tomorrow we launch this year’s Virtual Conference for Down syndrome awareness month with two self-advocate-led sessions.

Two voices. Two stories. One powerful start.

4:00 pm — Alex’s Good Life: How Did It Happen?
Join Alex Snedden as he shares his personal journey towards creating his Good Life, what choice and control mean to him, and what he has learned along the way.

Register here:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AuPIzR1ySEOzLmP34RIpUs0t-KDfglg9qwWfEx41JXCUHzEjSO4f~ApxnIJFweyNGjcVOKI0cJ8N90H-Vr_xnWRKA6CsIM9eqUET5R8tIQFUOmg

4:30 pm — My Life in the Far North
Join self-advocate Talia Leach as she shares her life in Taheke in the Hokianga and her experience working as a Patient Support Assistant at Rawene Hospital.

Register here:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkL475pw74A1vXybRM3ohA6rvqQyWzSqcMEmu1nGNBilnds6lwiu~An4XkR0km4SdMfQR40C1ASprV_vB1YWNGFESS98Mw61LG9Gl5y0ASzap4Q

Both sessions are free to attend and everyone is welcome.

And this is just the beginning: more than 30 live sessions will follow across 3–21 October.

We can’t wait to get started.

Explore the full conference here:
https://events.zoom.us/eo/AkhTIN177wmGGRACwn7QU3504ZCO_iiGV39k4mwYH1cXtyLCevoD~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg

How can we help people with Down syndrome build stronger relationships, connection and belonging?Together, Not Alone: Su...
01/10/2026

How can we help people with Down syndrome build stronger relationships, connection and belonging?

Together, Not Alone: Supporting Relationships, Connection And Belonging For People With Down Syndrome

7:30 pm
Tuesday 6 October

Loneliness is about more than simply being alone. It can also come from barriers to belonging, meaningful relationships and participation in community life.

Join Claire Ryan, founder of To Be Frank, for a practical session exploring how families, whānau and professionals can support people with Down syndrome to build healthy relationships, develop self-advocacy skills, understand boundaries and make informed choices about their lives.

Drawing on almost 40 years of experience in disability, Claire will share accessible strategies, resources and conversation starters designed to support relationship wellbeing, reduce social isolation and uphold the rights of people with Down syndrome to live connected, self-determined lives.

This session is for parents, whānau and professionals.

Free to attend.

Register for this session here:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/Akv2-zIHv36WYeq4rhv-4wY1GHIa7mXuPlXUh9GoRl_NtlaOJWWw~Av_uOTY7kfWfe10pxXE3-Q0mBP8BP19t8_bIUZ1-FFfkLcUEKvLPZX_RHw

Or explore the full NZDSA Virtual Conference programme:
https://events.zoom.us/eo/AkhTIN177wmGGRACwn7QU3504ZCO_iiGV39k4mwYH1cXtyLCevoD~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg

2026 DISABILITY ELECTION FORUM, ONE WEEK TO GONext Wednesday, 7 October, the 2026 Disability Election Forum will take pl...
30/09/2026

2026 DISABILITY ELECTION FORUM, ONE WEEK TO GO

Next Wednesday, 7 October, the 2026 Disability Election Forum will take place during the NZDSA Virtual Conference programme.

NZDSA is pleased to be one of a number of disability organisations collaborating with IHC on this event, creating an opportunity for the disability community to hear directly from representatives of political parties and put forward questions about the issues that matter to them.

You can join the forum in person in Wellington or online from anywhere around Aotearoa.

Wednesday 7 October
4:00–6:00 pm
Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, 2 Taranaki Street, Wellington

Or join online.

This is an external event running alongside the NZDSA Virtual Conference programme.

Find out more and register here:

https://ihcnewzealand.eventsair.com/ihc-election-event-2026/electionevent2026/Site/Register?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0eecyq8d&fbclid=IwY2xjawUpVoNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMTdCODd1Y2NLV0daTkg1dzNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeoy2gCZdlRMC9YNxlmv8a0FfbPyeOqFnDQ6T98VcXAeuT3OxHl_S3MvecOwk_aem_a0SgbgpoMQ5i2Llpi_ZEZQ

We’re only a few days away from this year’s NZDSA Virtual Conference…For us, this conference is about much more than a s...
29/09/2026

We’re only a few days away from this year’s NZDSA Virtual Conference…

For us, this conference is about much more than a series of online sessions.

It is a way to bring our community together.

People with Down syndrome, families, whānau and professionals live right across Aotearoa. We may be separated by towns, cities and hundreds of kilometres, but technology gives us a way to share the same space.

Across the conference, we can listen to one another, share information and skills, learn from lived experience, ask questions and hear ideas from people here in New Zealand and around the world.

But just as importantly, we can connect.

We can see familiar faces, meet new people, share experiences and be reminded that wherever we are, we are part of a wider community.

That is why this year’s theme, TOGETHER AGAINST LONELINESS, matters so much to us.

Connection • Belonging • Participation • Human rights

The virtual conference gives us a way to be together, even when we are far apart.

And this Saturday, we begin.

Explore the programme and register for the sessions you would like to join:

https://events.zoom.us/eo/AkhTIN177wmGGRACwn7QU3504ZCO_iiGV39k4mwYH1cXtyLCevoD~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg

What are your other children without Down syndrome thinking?Join us on Monday 6 October for a practical lunchtime sessio...
28/09/2026

What are your other children without Down syndrome thinking?

Join us on Monday 6 October for a practical lunchtime session exploring sibling issues for parents.

WHAT YOUR OTHER CHILDREN WITHOUT DOWN SYNDROME ARE THINKING

12:00 pm
Monday 6 October

Through a series of interactive exercises, parents will explore some of the questions, needs and concerns often raised by children who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome — and come away with practical ways to respond.

The session is presented by Dr Brian Skotko and Susan Levine, co-authors of Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters.

Both bring decades of professional and personal experience working with people with Down syndrome, siblings and families.

This session is designed for parents, with professionals and whānau also very welcome.

Free to attend.

Register for this session here:

https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkucwwJtMjHj1dxNf8NMVzO47De4sbqgNv9Pk00UaOaVAa9Qgd6W~As7nKz6plJcWZyYa6aGwhk0a7nRtnReYomUTJ9mmryz1kqSFUBp0RgdUzQ

Or explore the full NZDSA Virtual Conference programme:

https://events.zoom.us/eo/AkhTIN177wmGGRACwn7QU3504ZCO_iiGV39k4mwYH1cXtyLCevoD~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg

Address

Auckland

Telephone

+64800693724

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when New Zealand Down Syndrome Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category