Canterbury Down Syndrome Association

18/06/2026

Here we are at another IN FOCUS FRIDAY! Today, CDSA agrees with NZDSA in celebrating the wonderful support that Jennifer Del Bel, through Downlights, has provided to people with Down syndrome and their whanau.👏

Please read below for NZDSA’s lovely tribute to Jennifer. 🧡

Also, you might like to show your support one more time as Downlights prepares to close, by purchasing one more thing in their final clearance sale – there is 50% off everything online. Stock up for some lovely Christmas or birthday gifts or just buy something you enjoy for yourself! 😍

https://www.downlightsnz.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorgnnH37JidifNVqbu7o7AT9IbUeD8tAKNKFeVNPMsIzVoMC9Tb

The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jennifer Del Bel and Downlights for their longstanding support of people with Down syndrome and their whānau.

An important arm of Downlights was the establishment of the Downlights Trust. The NZDSA was fortunate to be one of a number of organisations that received funding from the Trust through the sale of Downlights products. This funding helped support our free online Virtual Conference, held from 3–21 October, enabling people with Down syndrome, their whānau, and supporters from across Aotearoa New Zealand to access valuable information, education, and connection opportunities.

Jennifer has been the driving force behind Downlights and its commitment to making a difference in the lives of disabled people and their whānau. Through Downlights, she has created meaningful Living Wage employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome while also supporting community organisations and initiatives that promote inclusion, participation, and equity.

We are saddened to see Downlights closing after years of dedicated service and community support. The impact Jennifer and Downlights have had on people with Down syndrome and their whānau will continue to be felt for many years to come.

As Downlights prepares to close, they are holding a final clearance sale with 50% off everything online. Whether you are stocking up on everyday favourites or discovering a fragrance you have never tried before, now is the perfect time to shop. Once products are sold out, they will not be returning.

We encourage our community to show their support one final time and help celebrate the remarkable contribution Jennifer and Downlights have made.

Thank you, Jennifer, for your vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for people with Down syndrome and supporting disabled people and their whānau.

Your legacy will leave a lasting impact on our community.

https://www.downlightsnz.com

16/06/2026

out this very cool new initiative especially for SIBLINGS aged 18+…..

We know that Down syndrome is a family affair. There are plenty of resources for parents, carers, and people with Down syndrome. But for siblings, the support often stops after the picture book “Why is my sibling different?”

Plus One is here to change that. It’s a new project designed specifically for siblings aged 18+ across Aotearoa. 🧡

It’s a space to connect with other siblings, learn together, and talk honestly about what life as a sibling really looks like.

Led by Siobhan Vaccarino, a younger sibling working in the disability sector, these online workshops will explore the topics siblings actually want to discuss. 👏

The good.
The complicated.
And the things we don’t usually say out loud.

The first online workshop will be in early July.

If you're a sibling wanting to connect with others who "get it", complete the following survey to help shape the conversation and register your interest.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx...

14/06/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week (NVW) - June 14th to the 20th!

NVW is Aotearoa’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate, and appreciate the millions of volunteers who enrich New Zealand. 🧡

This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao, has been chosen to mark International Year of the Volunteer 2026. It both recognises those who are volunteering, and encourages others to start.

CDSA would certainly cease to exist if it weren’t for the amazing Team who give so tirelessly and willingly to make sure CDSA continues to function well. 👊

So this week we take time to thank our awesome “unsung heroes” who make up the CDSDA Committee….

Vicki Lynch, Chairperson; Alina Mora, Treasurer; Eunice Chan, Secretary; Leanne Flanagan; Kezia Rodden; Dan te Kaat (graphics & flyer designer extraordinaire); Susie Chisnall, and Claire Blaikie.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH CDSA COMMITTEE PEOPLE – YOU ALL ROCK!!! 👏🧡

11/06/2026

It’s IN FOCUS FRIDAY and CDSA focus on the fact you only have until 1pm TODAY to get your submissions into the Select Committee regarding the Disability Support Services Bill. (For more information refer to our previous posts on this page)

But, don’t panic! NZDSA have made it super easy so check out this link to find out more https://nzdsa.org.nz/disability-support-services-bill.../

If you have been meaning to make your submission but time has escaped you, here is the link from NZDSA where you will find an EASY TEMPLATE you can cut and paste, then get it sent in.

https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Family-and-whanau-Quick-Submission-Plain-Language.pdf

If the Select Committee don’t receive enough submissions from the disability community, they may then assume the majority are happy with the Bill as it stands. So, please can we urge you – MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD for the future of Disability services in Aotearoa.

To make your submission on the Bill, simply click on the link below and follow the steps outlined.

https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCSSC_SCF_E6D8596D-C177-486B-CCF2-08DEB47E5457/disability-support-services-bill

09/06/2026

CDSA encourages you to make your voice heard on the Disability Support Services Bill by submitting your feedback before the deadline of 1.00pm this Friday, 12 June.

We cannot emphasise enough how important this opportunity is. The decisions made now could shape Disability Support Services in New Zealand for many years to come. If only a small number of submissions are received, it may be assumed that the disability community is comfortable with the proposed changes.

A huge thank you to NZDSA for making the submission process as straightforward as possible. Check out their DSS Bill Resource link below for helpful information and guidance on preparing your submission. It is not hard to do and so important!

07/06/2026

Last week, CDSA enjoyed having Danielle Robb from Autism Canterbury speak to some of our families about Down Syndrome & Autism – Dual Diagnosis. Thanks so much Danielle, we learnt heaps. 🙂

Check out the photos below….

07/06/2026

Submissions close this Friday 1pm. All the information on the bill and how to write a submission are include in this link. Let’s flood the select committee with our thoughts on this bill!

02/06/2026

CDSA encourage you to attend this very important online Community Hui hosted by NZDSA regarding the DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES BILL. If you are wondering what the Bill will mean for your whanau member who has Down syndrome, please join in tonight. See below for more from NZDSA....

31/05/2026

CDSA wishes you all a very happy King’s Birthday weekend; the first long weekend of the winter months. 🫅

Fun Facts about King Charles III – He reigns overs the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms, including New Zealand. He ascended the throne on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and was crowned on May 6, 2023. 🫅

He served as the longest-serving Prince of Wales in British history (1958–2022) before acceding to the throne at age 73. 🫅

28/05/2026

It’s IN FOCUS FRIDAY and CDSA again focus on the fact that TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY to register for the DOWN SYNDROME & AUTISM – DUAL DIAGNOSIS workshop.

Send me your registration today – [email protected] You will be so glad you did!