What your other children without Down syndrome are thinking Sibling Issues for Parents Through a series of interactive exercises, parents will explore what questions, needs, and concerns are often raised by children who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome. Parents will come away with practical answers to commonly raised questions. This presentation draws […]
Together, Not Alone: Supporting Relationships, Connection and Belonging for People with Down Syndrome Loneliness is more than being alone—it is often the result of barriers to belonging, connection and meaningful relationships. In this session, Claire Ryan from To Be Frank will explore how families, whānau and professionals can support people with Down syndrome to build […]
Empowering Support for Breastfeeding Mothers of Babies with Down Syndrome The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises breastfeeding as a critical component of infant health and feeding, and this offers numerous benefits to babies, including those with Down syndrome (World Health Organization, 2019). This presentation examines the evidence supporting the unique advantages of breastfeeding for infants […]
IHC Disability Election Forum Register here IHC Election Event Registration 2026 - Join us at the Vote for Inclusive Futures Event Theme: Advocacy Audience: All welcome
The Power of Sport: Connection, Belonging and Participation Fran will share how sport creates opportunities for friendship, belonging, confidence and participation, and the difference this can make in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Presenter Fran Scholey Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics New Zealand. Biography Fran Scholey is the Chief Executive Officer of […]
“Rights and Belonging” How practical understanding of rights can combat loneliness Matt and Brian will explore, using practical examples, how knowledge of rights and how to use them can reduce and combat loneliness. Whether it’s knowledge that you have the human right to connect together, how you can use education to learn about friendship, or […]
Connecting with Volition We all want connection. An important part of this is communicating to others the things that matter to you. This session will show how the Volition app can help you share what is important to you with other people. We will also look at the Whaimana website about Supported Decision Making and […]
An introduction to the online independent living and money game Stand Tall Stand Tall was designed by the IHC Library for all young people in New Zealand including those with intellectual disabilities, neurodiversity and autism. Stand Tall is a free online money game available to play on the web – www.ihc-standtall.com or download from the […]
Friendship Matters: Building Real Connections Learn more about the IHC Friendship Programme, how it supports people to build genuine friendships and connections, and how you can join the programme. Presenters Hannah Verry Online Volunteer Coordinator (National) IHC Hamish Gilbert Self-Advocate Ambassador for the Online Friendship Programme IHC Biographies Hannah Verry is IHC’s Online Volunteer Coordinator, […]
How I keep from being lonely I'm talking about all of the activities I do to stay in touch with friends and feel like I'm part of the community. Presenter Amelia Eades Self-advocate Biography I'm 29 and flatting with a friend in Auckland. I have two part time jobs, I'm in Special Olympics Swimming, I […]
Friendship Matters: Planning Opportunities for Connection, Capability and Wellbeing Friendship is a key part of wellbeing, belonging and a good life, yet opportunities for friendship and social connection do not always happen naturally for people with Down syndrome. Drawing on my PhD Theory of Wellbeing, in which friendship is a key domain, and my subsequent […]
Helping Children with Down Syndrome Sleep Better: Poor Sleep Isn’t “Just Part of It” Sleep problems are often normalised in children with Down syndrome. Families may not seek help, thinking this is “part” of having a child with Down syndrome or may be dismissed when presenting to health professionals. However, sleep is one of the […]