Building Capability Through Supported Independence

Focus: Improved Wellbeing and Resilience–Improved Lives

Audience: Parents, whānau and professionals  

Dr Maree Kirk’s presentation situates the World Down Syndrome 2025 theme — Improved Support, Improved Lives — within the New Zealand context. Drawing on her PhD research, she developed the theory of wellbeing for children with a disability, which identified three principles of acceptance, recognition, and supported independence. She highlights how capability must be intentionally built across home, school, and community. Supported independence is not about doing everything alone, but about balancing autonomy and support to enable full participation in education, family, and community life. Maree also shares insights from recent Ministry of Education pilot projects and the national Network of Expertise (NEX) contract, alongside findings from her action research on the Transition Capability Pathway. Her presentation shows how family-led, holistic, and rights-based approaches to support can transform independence and inclusion for learners with Down syndrome.