The Big Connect
March 21 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Join us online on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM for The Big Connect as we come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!
This year, Down syndrome communities worldwide are calling on governments to improve support systems for people with Down syndrome and their families. Now is the time to connect, advocate, and take action!
Why Support Matters
Support isn’t just helpful—it’s a human right.
• People with Down syndrome deserve the opportunity to live, thrive, and fully participate in their communities.
• Families need the right resources to provide meaningful support to their loved ones.
• The right support at the right time ensures dignity, choice, and independence.
Support isn’t just helpful—it’s a human right.
• People with Down syndrome deserve the opportunity to live, thrive, and fully participate in their communities.
• Families need the right resources to provide meaningful support to their loved ones.
• The right support at the right time ensures dignity, choice, and independence.
What to Expect at The Big Connect
Expert Panel & Discussion – Hear from a diverse group of experts and leaders as they discuss what a strong, inclusive support system should look like.
Expert Panel & Discussion – Hear from a diverse group of experts and leaders as they discuss what a strong, inclusive support system should look like.
The panel experts include:
• Prudence Walker, Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner
• Bridget Snedden President of Down Syndrome International
• Paul Gibson, Chief Executive, VisAble former commissioner on the Abuse in Care Inquiry. As the first Human Rights Commissioner with responsibility for disability rights
• Loren Savage, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive, Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People
• Juliana Carvalho, Project Manager, Access Matters Aotearoa Trust
• Shara Turner, Advocate, IHC New Zealand
• Trish Grant, Inclusive Education Lead, IHC
• Dr Maree Kirk, Director of Networks of Expertise– Supporting Teachers Practice
• Jennifer Del Bel, Managing Director, Downlights
• Grant Cleland, Managing Director, Creative Solutions
• Andrew Oswin, STEP-UP member and Ambassador on Down Syndrome International,
• Erin Smith, Abigail Knight, Vinnie Vaccarino, Rochelle Waters, Peter Rees, Mohit Chand, all STRIVE members
• Laurie Hilsgen, CEO, Carers New Zealand
• Associate Professor Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Kaiwhakahaere – Director, Donald Beasley Institute
• Prudence Walker, Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner
• Bridget Snedden President of Down Syndrome International
• Paul Gibson, Chief Executive, VisAble former commissioner on the Abuse in Care Inquiry. As the first Human Rights Commissioner with responsibility for disability rights
• Loren Savage, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive, Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People
• Juliana Carvalho, Project Manager, Access Matters Aotearoa Trust
• Shara Turner, Advocate, IHC New Zealand
• Trish Grant, Inclusive Education Lead, IHC
• Dr Maree Kirk, Director of Networks of Expertise– Supporting Teachers Practice
• Jennifer Del Bel, Managing Director, Downlights
• Grant Cleland, Managing Director, Creative Solutions
• Andrew Oswin, STEP-UP member and Ambassador on Down Syndrome International,
• Erin Smith, Abigail Knight, Vinnie Vaccarino, Rochelle Waters, Peter Rees, Mohit Chand, all STRIVE members
• Laurie Hilsgen, CEO, Carers New Zealand
• Associate Professor Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Kaiwhakahaere – Director, Donald Beasley Institute
Community Voices – Share your insights, learn from others, and help shape the conversation.
Although our community is spread across the country, The Big Connect is our chance to unite, celebrate, and make our voices heard.
Together, we can send a powerful message to our government about real actions needed to improve support for people with Down syndrome.
Let’s make a difference! Mark your calendar and join us at The Big Connect.