News from the NZDSA
A selection of articles, stories and updates from the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
News, Articles & Stories
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New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
We are the National organisation representing the Down Syndrome community in New Zealand.
For World Down Syndrome Day 2026, the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association is proud to partner with CoorDown on the global “Just Evolve” campaign.![]()
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The campaign reflects this year’s World Down Syndrome Day theme, “Together Against Loneliness”, and asks us to choose words that build belonging rather than isolation. The words we use have the power to either include or exclude people. Ableist language reinforces stereotypes and discrimination, pushing people with Down syndrome to the margins of society and increasing loneliness and exclusion.![]()
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By evolving the language we use, we can create communities where people with Down syndrome are recognised with dignity, respect, and a genuine sense of belonging. The words we choose can help everyone feel valued, included, and connected, taking a real step towards standing “Together Against Loneliness”.![]()
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Watch the powerful international campaign video and join the global call to “Just Evolve”.![]()
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB07h9WM5A8![]()
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And don't forget: The Big Connect is back. ![]()
Save the date:![]()
www.facebook.com/share/18VcCS4AHm/![]()
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#JustEvolve #WorldDownSyndromeDay #WDSD26
JUST EVOLVE | World Down Syndrome Day 2026
www.youtube.com
Using disability-related words as insults is a thing of the past. Update your language to build a more equitable world for everyone. #JustEvolve #WorldDownSy...
My work helps me combat loneliness.![]()
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This World Down Syndrome Day, we’re focusing on Together Against Loneliness.![]()
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Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; it’s shaped by whether people are included in everyday life: in community, at school, at work, and in social and cultural spaces. Connection grows when people have real opportunities to belong, build relationships, and take part.![]()
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That’s what The Big Connect is about — coming together across Aotearoa to share stories of inclusion in action, and how we stand Together Against Loneliness.![]()
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If you have a story of how real inclusion has helped combat loneliness, we’d love to hear it.![]()
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The Big Connect is back - we are just one week away!![]()
Follow the link and save the date:![]()
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www.facebook.com/share/18VcCS4AHm/
The Big Connect is back!!![]()
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This World Down Syndrome Day, we’re focusing on Together Against Loneliness.![]()
![]()
Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; it’s shaped by whether people are included in everyday life: in community, at school, at work, and in social and cultural spaces. Connection grows when people have real opportunities to belong, build relationships, and take part.![]()
![]()
That’s what The Big Connect is about — coming together across Aotearoa to share stories of inclusion in action, and how we stand Together Against Loneliness.![]()
![]()
If you have a story of how real inclusion has helped combat loneliness, we’d love to hear it.![]()
![]()
Save the date:![]()
![]()
www.facebook.com/share/18VcCS4AHm/
The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association welcomes the announcement from Disability Support Services confirming more choice, control, and greater certainty for disabled people who use flexible funding.![]()
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From 1 April, people’s allocated budgets for flexible funding will continue the same as they are now. Disability Support Services will no longer be setting new budgets as previously indicated, as they have stabilised the system. This will be reassuring news for our community. Purchasing rules for flexible funding will also be removed, and additional support will be available to help people manage their funding in line with their plans.![]()
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Flexibility matters. It enables people with Down syndrome and their whānau to create a good life that includes participation, access, and inclusion in their communities.![]()
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This is especially important as we approach World Down Syndrome Day and this year’s theme Together Against Loneliness. Flexible supports can help people connect with others, participate in community life, and reduce the risk of isolation.![]()
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More information:![]()
www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/more-choice-control-and-certainty-for-disabled-people-with-fle...![]()
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Read the DSS Facebook announcement:![]()
www.facebook.com/MSDNewZealand/![]()
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And don't forget to join us at the Big Connect:![]()
www.facebook.com/share/1AWeruDSqM/
My voice helps me combat loneliness.![]()
![]()
This World Down Syndrome Day, we’re focusing on Together Against Loneliness.![]()
![]()
Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; it’s shaped by whether people are included in everyday life: in community, at school, at work, and in social and cultural spaces. Connection grows when people have real opportunities to belong, build relationships, and take part.![]()
![]()
That’s what The Big Connect is about — coming together across Aotearoa to share stories of inclusion in action, and how we stand Together Against Loneliness.![]()
![]()
If you have a story of how real inclusion has helped combat loneliness, we’d love to hear it.![]()
![]()
The Big Connect is back,![]()
Save the date:![]()
www.facebook.com/share/18VcCS4AHm/