Assume I Can. Parents’ Journeys: Creating a Good Life for Their Children

I wear many hats. I have a background in Education (music, economics and special ed), and I am a qualified communication therapist (use music, colour, movement and drama). My son Luka has Down Syndrome and he has big ideas about what he wishes to achieve and how he wants to live. I often feel I should take a leaf out of his book. He lives life like Aquaman – nothing is impossible and his life is rich and full.

What does the future hold? I watch the world with wonder and hope for the best.

Dr Carey-Ann Morrison is the Chief Disability Advisor in Commissioning at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. She joined Te Whatu Ora in February 2024 following 10 years working in the community/NGO space. Most recently, she was the Chief Executive of SAMS and was a member of the National Enabling Good Lives Leadership Group. She also holds an honorary position at the University of Waikato. Underpinning her work is a commitment to prioritising the voice and self-determination of disabled people and their families as experts on their own lives and community needs. Carey-Ann is a proud parent to a young disabled son.

Hi, I’m James Lonsdale – father to 3 kids, the eldest, Hannah has Downs Syndrome. We have lived in Christchurch for all of Hannah’s life apart from 2 years when we lived in Toulouse, France  Hannah was aged 11 – 13. I enjoy the outdoors and try to drag Hannah out when I can. We have a tandem bike that we enjoy riding (especially when we ride it to a café).

Hannah turns 23 early October and has two younger siblings – Jasper 21 and Penelope 19. I am married to Rachel who is working full time as a primary school teacher doing the Nurture Class and Reading literacy. I work for Air NZ engineering as a Project Manager.

My name is Kaye and my husband Roger and I, are the proud parents of three sons, all of whom live in Christchurch. Our second son – James has Down syndrome, Autism and Coeliac disease and for the last 7 years has lived in a house 5 minutes away from us. We purchased the house for him, and 3 classmates moved in with James, when they all finished school at the age of 21. James and his flatmates are still living together successfully and enjoying a good life in the community. Staff from a local residential provider provide 24/7 support through EGL Funding.

Roger and I live on a lifestyle property on the outskirts of Christchurch, which keeps us busy, alongside pursuing our own interests. For the last 8 years I have been a keen tramper and love being out in the mountains. When our sons were still at home, I was very involved in charity work as a volunteer with the Canterbury Down Syndrome Association, founded the UP Club in Christchurch, was instrumental in getting Sunshine Football going for children with a disability and for a couple of years I worked for Parent to Parent. Prior to that I did a commerce degree at Canterbury University and majored in accountancy.