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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)
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DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261014T120000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261014T130000
DTSTAMP:20260904T235737Z
CREATED:20260904T235737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T235737Z
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261015T120000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261015T130000
DTSTAMP:20260905T000224Z
CREATED:20260905T000224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T000224Z
UID:18230-1792065600-1792069200@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Your health and disability Code of Rights
DESCRIPTION:Your health and disability Code of Rights\nThe Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner and the Independent Advocacy Service will discuss your rights and how to advocate for them when receiving health and disability services. \nPresenters\nRose Wall\nDeputy Health and Disability Commissioner\nOffice of the Health and Disability Commissioner\nDr Esther Woodbury\nPrincipal Advisor\nOffice of the Health and Disability Commissioner\nRandal Southee\nChief Executive\nNational Advocacy Trust \nBiographies\nRose Wall is focused on the rights of disabled people when using health and disability services and is committed to improving the accessibility and responsiveness of HDC’s complaints process for disabled people I tāngata whaikaha. \nDr Esther Woodbury is a disability and human rights researcher and advisor. Esther has worked in disability across government\, tertiary education and community sectors\, in research\, monitoring\, community engagement and governance. \nRandal Southee is the CEO for the National Advocacy Trust\, who are contracted through the Director of Advocacy and under the Code of Rights to provide free and independent health & disability consumer advocacy across the motu to all people who use a health or disability service. \nTheme: Health and advocacy\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/your-health-and-disability-code-of-rights/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261015T193000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261015T203000
DTSTAMP:20260905T000419Z
CREATED:20260905T000419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T000419Z
UID:18232-1792092600-1792096200@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Friendship as a bridge from loneliness to connection
DESCRIPTION:Friendship as a bridge from loneliness to connection\nSelf-advocates with Down syndrome explore friendships\nFriendship is a universal human experience that plays a significant role in shaping individual well-being\, social inclusion\, and our sense of belonging. Research consistently shows that friendship is among the most meaningful interpersonal relationships people form\, contributing to connection\, belonging\, and life satisfaction.\nThis presentation shares findings from a research project in which self-advocates with Down syndrome and activist researchers worked together as co-researchers to explore friendship formation and experiences. The research highlights what people with Down syndrome value in a friend\, the importance of friendship in their lives\, and the barriers they encounter in maintaining friendships. Importantly\, the project centres the voices and lived experiences of people with Down syndrome\, with self-advocates taking an active role in interviewing their peers and bringing their perspectives into the research process. In doing so\, the project demonstrates the value of inclusive research\, where people with lived experience are not only participants but also actively contribute to creating knowledge about issues that directly affect their lives. \nPresenters\nSTRIVE members and Dr Franco Vaccarino \nBiographies\nErin Smith is a founding member of STRIVE\, the NZDSA self- advocacy and leadership and advisory group. \nAndrew Oswin is a founding member of STRIVE\, now a founding member of STEP-UP and currently the New Zealand representative on the Down Syndrome International Ambassador programme. \nDr Franco Vaccarino is a researcher specialising in intercultural communication and has been involved in several international collaborative research projects. He is also passionate about inclusive research\, in which people with learning disabilities are actively involved as co-designers and co-researchers in research that concerns their lives and experiences. \nAs an activist researcher\, Franco seeks to challenge traditional power relationships between researchers and people with learning disabilities by supporting them to become active contributors\, leaders and producers of knowledge. Emerging research paradigms\, models and methodologies have increasingly opened the research process to people with learning disabilities\, recognising the value of their lived experience and expertise. \nFor Franco\, inclusive research means conducting research with and by people with learning disabilities\, rather than simply conducting research about them. It therefore places their voices\, experiences and active participation at the centre of the research process. \nTheme: Friendship\nAudience: All welcome \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/friendship-as-a-bridge-from-loneliness-to-connection/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/strive.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261016T120000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261016T130000
DTSTAMP:20260905T000558Z
CREATED:20260905T000558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T000558Z
UID:18235-1792152000-1792155600@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:The Recreate Way – Across Aotearoa
DESCRIPTION:The Recreate Way – Across Aotearoa\nEmbodying and exemplifying the principles of EGL – the who\, how\, where\, and why of Recreate NZ.\nJourneying with and for disabled youth. \nPresenters\nBrent Jenkin\nGeneral Manager \nZoe Reining\nProgramme Coordinator and Facilitator at Recreate NZ \n\nBiographies\nBrent is an enthusiastic outdoorsman on the trails and the water. Brent has just celebrated 15 incredible years as the General Manager of Recreate NZ.\nPrior to Recreate NZ\, Brent led North Shore Riding for the Disabled for 5 years. \nZoe is a Programme Coordinator and Facilitator at Recreate NZ. She currently coordinates and facilitates Recreate’s work experience programmes as well as the Youth Board. Since July 2025\, she has also been the ADSA Social Club Coordinator. Zoe is bringing an international background with her and is passionate about topics of social and environmental justice. \nTheme: Connection\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/the-recreate-way-across-aotearoa/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261017T160000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261017T170000
DTSTAMP:20260905T000757Z
CREATED:20260905T000757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T000757Z
UID:18237-1792252800-1792256400@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Safer Walking
DESCRIPTION:Safer Walking\nThis presentation introduces Safer Walking\, a free\, national programme that promotes independence\, choice\, and inclusion\, by providing tools and strategies that support people with disabilities like Down syndrome to independently navigate their community\, while reducing personal risk.\nLearn about Safer Walking’s practical safety strategies\, available resources\, and how families\, whānau\, and support networks can work together to help people be in their communities with confidence while maintaining their freedom and connection to their community. \nPresenters\nLiz Henderson\nNational Public Safety Manager/Safer Walking Coordinator-New Zealand Land Search and Rescue \nSamantha Richards\nSafer Walking Ambassador \nNick Richards\nSafer Walking Ambassador \nBiographies\nLiz Henderson is the National Public Safety Manager for New Zealand Land Search and Rescue. With a background in disability\, health\, sport\, and emergency response\, Liz is passionate about helping people live active\, connected\, and independent lives while reducing risks to their safety and wellbeing. Liz leads Land Search and Rescue’s Safer Walking Initiative\, a national programme that provides practical tools\, resources\, and strategies to support people who may be at risk of becoming lost or going missing in the community. The disability community is a key focus for the initiative. Liz leads a range of stakeholders and organisations to promote approaches that balance safety with independence and quality of life. \nSamantha Richards and Nick Richards are proud to be ambassadors for the Safer Walking Initiative. Samantha’s younger brother Nick\, who is 25 and has Down Syndrome\, has been the driving force behind her passion for creating a safer and more inclusive world. As a family\, they are committed to learning\, growing\, and supporting Nick to live as safely and independently as possible. Being part of Safer Walking is a meaningful step in helping raise awareness and ensuring that people of all abilities can navigate their communities with confidence. \nTheme: Connections\nAudience: All welcome \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85391346886?pwd=8frdFakcplaJrKq8tl9fTrlWLu8zN0.1\nMeeting ID: 853 9134 6886\nPasscode: 632855
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/safer-walking/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/samantha-and-nick.png
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261017T163000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261017T170000
DTSTAMP:20260905T000940Z
CREATED:20260905T000940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T000940Z
UID:18240-1792254600-1792256400@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Through My Eyes: My Latest Photographic Project in Collaboration with the NZDSA
DESCRIPTION:Through My Eyes: My Latest Photographic Project in Collaboration with the NZDSA\nPhotography allows me to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes and share it with others. In my latest project\, I want to capture the beauty\, personality and uniqueness of people with Down syndrome through photographs and their stories. I hope this project will help people see the person behind the photograph and encourage others with Down syndrome to follow their dreams and share their own talents with the world. \nPresenter\nCarlos Biggemann\nInternational Award-winning photographer\, poet\, STEP-UP member \nBiography\nCarlos is a renowned photographer who has received numerous international awards. He is also a poet and has numerous publications. You may recognise him as he has appeared on a few television programmes\, most recently\, he was one of the cast members on Down For Love. Carlos is a public speaker and an active self-advocate. Carlos has received a range of awards including winning the Attitude Creative Award at the Attitude Awards in 2021. \nTheme: Self-advocacy\nAudience: All welcome\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81223265710?pwd=JJ0yQHX5CASLoLKlbq4d5zdZKETnSn.1\nMeeting ID: 812 2326 5710\nPasscode: 615830 \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/through-my-eyes-my-latest-photographic-project-in-collaboration-with-the-nzdsa/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/carlos-biggeman.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261019T120000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261019T130000
DTSTAMP:20260905T001111Z
CREATED:20260905T001111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T001111Z
UID:18243-1792411200-1792414800@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Tools and tips for talking about sexual wellbeing
DESCRIPTION:Tools and tips for talking about sexual wellbeing\nThis session introduces Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formally Family Planning). Resources available\, include Easy Read; Consent for Sex; and a new sexual wellbeing programme ‘Bodies\, Boundaries and Being Me’. Attendees will come away with an understanding of resources available and a clearer sense of how to support open\, confident conversations about sexual wellbeing. \nPresenter\nLeah Rothman\nHealth Promotion Specialist\nSexual Wellbeing Aotearoa \nBiography\nI’ve been working in the social services world for over 20 years\, walking alongside young people\, their whānau\, communities and the people that support them. \nI have a background in Social Work\, Youth Work\, Development Studies\, and Social Service Supervision\, providing direct client work\, programme development and facilitation\, project management and clinical supervision. Most recently\, I have worked in the alcohol and drug and sexual wellbeing space. \nI love working with people and communities to help create positive change where it’s needed most. My mahi is client- and community-led\, strengths-based and designed to spark reflection\, action and change.\nI’m currently based in the Wairarapa with my partner\, our small children\, a dog\, and some spirited chickens. I’ve spent a lot of my life travelling but always return to living in the Wellington region. \nTheme: Health and Sexual wellbeing\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/tools-and-tips-for-talking-about-sexual-wellbeing/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/leah-rothman.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261019T193000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261019T200000
DTSTAMP:20260905T001302Z
CREATED:20260905T001302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T001302Z
UID:18246-1792438200-1792440000@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Home & School: Joyful connections and a strong relationship
DESCRIPTION:Home & School: Joyful connections and a strong relationship\nI’m presenting in my capacity as a parent\, not in a professional capacity. My daughter Charlotte is in Year 5 at our local primary school. I’ll be sharing with you about this journey so far\, and how we work together with our school to ensure that we have a strong relationship. It’s a long-term relationship\, and it’s not always smooth – but I’ve learned some important things along the way.\nI’ll talk about how we communicate\, plan and solve problems together. And how our focus has changed over the last 5 years.\nThis year\, we have been focusing on friendships and building social connections through school and outside of school. I’m passionate about ensuring Charlotte’s continued participation in school and community life. And educating those around her to best support\, understand and include her.\nThis is suitable for anyone who has a child starting school soon or who has already started primary \nPresenter\nPaula Beguely\nParent\nADSA Education & Information Facilitator \nBiography\nI live in Auckland\, with my husband Tom\, and two beautiful daughters\, Harriet (13) and Charlotte (10). Our journey with the Down syndrome community started when Charlotte was born in 2016. I was the Community Liaison with Auckland Down Syndrome Association for 6 years\, and now I’m in a new role as Education & Information Facilitator. \n  \nTheme: Education and advocacy\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/home-school-joyful-connections-and-a-strong-relationship-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/paula-beguely.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261020T120000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261020T130000
DTSTAMP:20260905T001457Z
CREATED:20260905T001457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T001457Z
UID:18247-1792497600-1792501200@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Brain Train: SMART Actions That Might Boost Cognition and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease in People with Down Syndrome
DESCRIPTION:Brain Train:\nSMART Actions That Might Boost Cognition and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease in People with Down Syndrome\nTwo of the most common\, yet challenging\, questions that Dr. Skotko is asked by caregivers: (1) How can you prevent Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome? (2) How might we boost their cognition? While exciting research is unfolding in laboratories across the world\, there are strategies that caregivers can take right now in respect to these two questions. In this presentation\, Dr. Skotko reveals his recommendations\, which must meet all of the following criteria: (a) supported\, in part\, by quality science\, (b) have practical applications for home\, (c) be adaptable to people with Down syndrome\, and (d) pose no risk to people with Down syndrome. This is not a presentation on how best to educate people with Down syndrome. This is not a presentation about supplements or nutraceuticals. Instead\, Dr. Skotko provides a set of actions that caregivers can take that might improve the long-term wellness for their loved one with Down syndrome. Attendees will come away with immediate steps that can be implemented in their homes. \nPresenter\nDr Brian Skotko\nA Board-certified medical geneticist\, Dr Skotko is the Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome at Massachusetts General Hospital. Director of the hospital’s Down Syndrome Program. \nBiography\nDr Brian Skotko\nA Board-certified medical geneticist\, Dr Skotko is the Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome at Massachusetts General Hospital. As the Director of the hospital’s Down Syndrome Program\, he has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and development disabilities. He co-authored the national award-winning books\, Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome and Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters. He is a graduate of Duke University\, Harvard Medical School\, and Harvard Kennedy School\, and he is currently an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Dr Skotko is a leader on clinical and translational research about Down syndrome. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal\, The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, The L.A. Times\, NPR’s “On Point\,” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Dr Skotko has a sister with Down syndrome and serves on the Honorary Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. \nTheme: Health\nAudience: All welcome \n  \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/brain-train-smart-actions-that-might-boost-cognition-and-prevent-alzheimers-disease-in-people-with-down-syndrome-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brian.png
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261020T193000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261020T203000
DTSTAMP:20260905T001648Z
CREATED:20260905T001648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T001648Z
UID:18251-1792524600-1792528200@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Planet Puberty: Helping Your Young Person Navigate Puberty with Confidence
DESCRIPTION:Planet Puberty: Helping Your Young Person Navigate Puberty with Confidence\nThis session provides an introduction to Planet Puberty\, a practical resource designed to provide parents and carers with information and resources to support their young people in navigating puberty with confidence. \nTogether\, we will explore the foundational skills that help young people feel confident and stay safe\, including concepts such as consent and understanding public and private. We will explore ways to develop and build on these skills as your young person grows. \nThe session will also cover effective strategies and resources for supporting physical developments\, including menstruation\, hygiene\, and erections. It will equip parents and carers to have open\, age-appropriate conversations throughout the puberty journey. \nPresenter\nEmily McCarthy\nLeads Planet Puberty\nHealth Promotion Team Leader\nFamily Planning Australia \nBiography\nEmily McCarthy is the Health Promotion Team Leader at Family Planning NSW and leads the Planet Puberty team\, which develops accessible\, evidence-based resources for parents and carers of young people with autism and intellectual disability.\nWith a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning and more than nine years’ experience in education. \nEmily specialises in sexual and reproductive health and rights education. She has worked with international Ministries of Education to strengthen Comprehensive Sexuality Education curricula and is passionate about ensuring all young people have access to inclusive\, accessible\, and evidence-based health education. \nEmily likes ocean swimming\, playing board games (especially Mahjong)\, and vegetarian cooking. \nTheme: Health and Puberty\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/planet-puberty-helping-your-young-person-navigate-puberty-with-confidence/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/emily-mccarthy.png
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261021T120000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261021T130000
DTSTAMP:20260905T001829Z
CREATED:20260905T001829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T001829Z
UID:18254-1792584000-1792587600@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Turn and face the strange changes” – managing puberty
DESCRIPTION:Turn and face the strange changes” – managing puberty\nKrissy will talk about the topic of puberty as it relates to her experience of raising a son with Down syndrome\, and she will make some recommendations of resources that can help young people transitioning through this important stage of life. \nPresenter\nKrissy Wright\nNational Librarian\, CCS Disability Action Library & Information Service \n\nBiography\nKrissy considers her most significant role to be a mother. Krissy believes her son Joel\, who has Down syndrome\, to be her greatest educator. Krissy brings to her role as librarian a diverse range of knowledge and lived experience relating to disability and disability related issues.\nKrissy has worked at CCS Disability Action for eight years in separate roles including: Service Coordinator\, National Administrator and\, more recently\, National Librarian for the CCS Disability Action Library and Information Service based in Ōtepoti Dunedin.\nKrissy’s past roles include managing the research library at the Donald Beasley Institute\, administration for a Paediatric Ward and Needs Assessor and Coordinator for the Otago NASC. \nTheme: Health and Puberty\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals \n 
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/turn-and-face-the-strange-changes-managing-puberty/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/krissy-wright.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261021T193000
DTEND;TZID=Pacific/Auckland:20261021T203000
DTSTAMP:20260905T002018Z
CREATED:20260905T002018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T002018Z
UID:18257-1792611000-1792614600@nzdsa.org.nz
SUMMARY:Creating a Vision for a Good Life
DESCRIPTION:Creating a Vision for a Good Life – We envisioned a meaningful and good life\, and 38 years on\, our son continues to embody that vision each day.\nSoon after the birth of her son in 1988\, Bridget was determined to create a life for Alex that would follow the same ordinary path as all children. She and Alex’s dad\, Garry\, wanted him to have a strong sense of belonging in his local neighbourhood. That he would be known and cared about because he contributed to community life. Alex would be educated and play with the local children\, work\, and eventually live in his own home. Today Alex has his own house and lives his life on his terms. The decisions made over 30 years ago continue to be lived out today. Alex lives a good life because of the vision we held for him; he has a wide circle of friends\, and he has choice and control over his daily life and decisions that he considers to be good for him. He has lived in his own home and independent of his parents for over 10 years. He is deeply loved by his family and wide circle of friends. His faith is what defines him.\nBridget understands what it takes for parents to create a vision for the future\, plan for that future\, and then make it happen. She understands that it is not easy navigating a system that doesn’t always work for you. We have never deviated from our belief in a full and inclusive life. Other parents and allies with the same commitment to inclusion have influenced our lives.\nIt has been a very intentional journey\, and like all of us\, it takes time to grow and build a good life\, and today is a good place to start if you haven’t already. \n\nPresenter\nBridget Snedden ONZM\nDown Syndrome International President\nInternational Disability Alliance Board Member \nBiography\nBridget has worked in the disability sector for almost 30 years and is President of Down Syndrome International. She is a Board Member of International Disability Alliance.\nThrough her work\, she shares what she has learned so that other parents can have every opportunity to know what’s possible for their family member with intellectual impairment and\, in particular\, people with Down syndrome. \nBridget has three adult children\, and her eldest son Alex\, has Down syndrome. Alex has a good life doing what he decides gives him meaning in his life. He has lived independently of his parents for over a decade alongside neighbours and friends. Bridget and her husband Garry have never deviated from their commitment to inclusion. Other parents and allies with the same commitment to inclusion have influenced their lives. She understands that it is not easy navigating a system that doesn’t always work for you. They have always held a strong vision for Alex. Because of this vision\, they have a good life like every other empty nester\, but with a difference. \n  \nTheme: Creating a vision\nAudience: Parents\, whānau and professionals
URL:https://nzdsa.org.nz/event/creating-a-vision-for-a-good-life/
LOCATION:Zoom\, New Zealand
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nzdsa.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bridget-sneedon.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Zealand Down Syndrome Association":MAILTO:na@nzdsa.org.nz
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