Our Inspiration

The inspiration for our work comes from the people with Down syndrome themselves.

To celebrate the achievements of people with Down syndrome, the association in 2007 initiated the inaugural NZDSA National Achievement Awards which are handed out by the Governor General and coincide each year with World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.

The NZDSA is also inspired by the amazing people who make up the leadership and self-advocacy group STRIVE.

STRIVE was created in 2012 by the NZDSA to support a group of young adults with Down syndrome to undertake self-advocacy training and become a valued voice within the association. STRIVE members continue their workshops and their work in their own community and in 2016 the first STRIVE committee member was appointed as a representative on the NZDSA National Committee.