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X-WR-CALNAME:New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)
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DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261014T120000
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UID:18222-1791979200-1791982800@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:From Data to Dignity 2026: new insights and evidence
DESCRIPTION:From Data to Dignity 2026: new insights and evidence\nThis presentation will explore what the latest data tells us about the lives and experiences of people with intellectual disability in Aotearoa New Zealand. It will provide an update on From Data to Dignity\, highlighting key changes and ongoing inequalities\, before turning to Untapped Potential\, IHC’s new research into employment and the barriers that prevent people with intellectual disability from fully participating in the workforce. The presentation will also preview forthcoming research into special schools\, examining educational experiences and outcomes and what the data tells us about different schooling settings. Together\, these three pieces of research provide a picture of where people with intellectual disability are being excluded and where there are opportunities to do things differently. \nPresenter\nShara Turner\nSenior Advocate\, IHC \nBiography\nShara is a dedicated advocate for the rights of intellectually disabled people\, with a robust background in law and a passion for fostering inclusivity. Transitioning from her legal practice in Australia to her current advocacy work in New Zealand\, Shara leverages her expertise in privacy law and human rights to drive meaningful societal change.\nShara’s legal career focused on navigating complex privacy law landscapes\, advising clients on data protection\, compliance\, and safeguarding sensitive information. Her deep understanding of privacy legislation across Australia and New Zealand has equipped her to champion the rights of marginalised individuals effectively.\nNow fully immersed in advocacy\, Shara is committed to dismantling ableism and creating a society that values the strengths and contributions of intellectually disabled people. She is particularly passionate about using data to highlight systemic barriers and promote evidence-based solutions\, ensuring that the voices of those she represents are heard and respected. \nTheme: Research and advocacy \nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals \n  \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/from-data-to-dignity-2026-new-insights-and-evidence/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/shara-turner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
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DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261014T130000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261014T140000
DTSTAMP:20260904T235932Z
CREATED:20260904T235932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T235932Z
UID:18225-1791982800-1791986400@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Community connection: Shifting the inclusion focus
DESCRIPTION:Community connection: Shifting the inclusion focus\nThis workshop is designed for neighbours\, peers\, community leaders and local groups who want some simple\, actionable ways to be inclusive community members for the people who have Down Syndrome in their community.\nPolly Newton will share practical strategies for community-minded people to build meaningful\, two-way connections and communication with people who have Down syndrome.\nParents already have impossibly long to-do lists\, so this session isn’t about giving families more tasks. Instead\, it equips the wider community with the tools\, practical resources\, and points them towards existing programmes to support them to actively step in\, reduce isolation\, and share the joy of connection.\nPolly clearly remembers wanting to interact with people with Down Syndrome and other additional needs at her school and in her community\, prior to training as a Speech Language Therapist\, but she didn’t know how\, and nobody thought to show her. This workshop shares the information she wished she’d had\, all those years ago. \nPresenter\nPolly Newton\nSpeech Language Therapist\nExpert Adviser Speech Sound Disorders\, New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association \nMeet Polly\, the friendly face behind Speech Teacher! With a heart full of dedication\, Polly launched Speech Teacher to lend a helping hand to parents and children navigating speech challenges. As a seasoned Speech Language Therapist and a parent herself\, Polly understands the realities of family life. Her mission? Ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard loud and clear\, without any doubts. \nPolly holds a Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy from Massey University\, Auckland\, New Zealand\, though she jokes it sounds more like a delicious sandwich (mmm\, B.SLT!). She’s proudly affiliated with the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) as a registered member and expert adviser for speech sound disorders. \nWith over 20 years of expertise in the New Zealand education sector\, Polly’s journey has been remarkable. Her path includes roles with the Ministry of Education\, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)\, Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP)\, and Special Schools\, among others. She’s now been running and evolving Speech Teacher – her private practice (and third baby) for over 13 years. \nThrough the years\, Polly’s honed her craft to perfection. She’s not just about teaching and speeching; she’s about working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for everyone and in the process\, delivering an exceptional experience. By staying updated with the latest research\, listening and adapting to families’ needs\, and embracing newfound inspirations\, Polly ensures that her practice continues to evolve in the best possible way. Perfecting her approach is a top priority – all to serve families like yours\, in the most remarkable way. \nTheme: Communication\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/community-connection-shifting-the-inclusion-focus/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/polly-newton.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261014T190000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261014T193000
DTSTAMP:20260905T000046Z
CREATED:20260905T000046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T000046Z
UID:18228-1792004400-1792006200@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Education For All Election Forum
DESCRIPTION:14th October\n7.00pm or 7.30pm TBC \nEducation For All Election Forum \nDetails to TBC via the NZDSA Website and Facebook \nTheme: Education and advocacy \nAudience: All welcome \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/education-for-all-election-forum/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
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