You’re invited to The Big Connect on the eve of World Down Syndrome Day!Our community, spread far and wide across Aotearoa, will come together to celebrate the incredible people with Down syndrome and their whānau as we kick off World Down Syndrome Day. Join us:Friday 20 March 2026, 7.00pm – 8.30pmOnline via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89888084692...Meeting ID: […]
World Down Syndrome Day!
Join us for a special online session to recognise International World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April. This year’s theme is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.” This session is for parents and whānau supporting people with Down syndrome and autism. It is an opportunity to connect, share experiences, learn from one another, and be part […]
Because siblings need support too Have you ever wondered what your child without Down syndrome is carrying quietly? Siblings of people with Down syndrome often hold a unique mix of love, pride, responsibility, worry, and big questions about the future. But they don’t always have spaces to talk about it. Plus One is a new NZDSA project for […]
Connect with other parents and whānau who support people with both Down syndrome and autism. Share experiences, learn from one another, and enjoy a supportive and understanding environment. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82735264443?pwd=xB8uFzuNSZIwwfuRESN1oibRBXabP9.1 Meeting ID: 827 3526 4443 Passcode: 502585
A session run by people with Down syndrome for people with Down syndrome. All are welcome but focussed on +16 participants The second Saturday of the month. Join Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84754295278?pwd=9SKad6AF4On4UwAFJBao7P2waBMhc4.1 Meeting ID: 847 5429 5278 Passcode: 754340
Alex’s Good Life – How Did It Happen? Alex will share his personal journey towards creating his Good Life and how he made it happen. He will share what a Good Life means to him, the importance of having choice and control in his life, and what he has learned along the way. Drawing on […]
My Life in The Far North Working at Rawene hospital as a Patient Support Assistant and my life living in Taheke which is in the Hokianga. Presenter Talia Leach Self-advocate Biography I am hard working and put my job first, caring, bright woman, sensitive and supportive to my patients needs and respect my work managers. […]
Leadership and agency through Dance Over 25 years Jolt has built a community of dancers with intellectual disabilities, their whānau, wider disability groups and mainstream organisations. Our work focuses on the individuality of the dancer, rather than their diagnosis. We believe dance has the potential to empower, create equitable spaces, and challenge deficit perspectives about […]
Finding Your People: How to Create Community In this presentation Brigit will tell us what the research says about the impact of loneliness on health and wellbeing. She is also going to talk about ways to find “your people” and create a sense of community in your own life. Presenter Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Kaiuruki Matua – […]
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 […]