News from the NZDSA
A selection of articles, stories and updates from the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
News, Articles & Stories
NZDSA Fortnightly Enews
You can view our recent fortnightly Enews here.
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New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
We are the National organisation representing the Down Syndrome community in New Zealand.
A huge congratulations to Paula Bequely, Auckland Down Syndrome Association 's incredible Community Liaison Officer, who has been selected as one of only 3 finalists for the Westfield Albany Local Heroes programme.![]()
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This nomination is a fantastic recognition of Paula’s dedication and the incredible work she does for the Auckland community. The successful Westfield Local Hero with the highest number of community votes for each Westfield centre will be announced and awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation.![]()
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We need your help to make this happen! Please cast your vote for Paula and let’s bring home this prize for the Auckland DSA community.![]()
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Vote now:![]()
www.westfield.co.nz/albany/news/7hNBJSYcKtYDAhjC95XQhP/local-heroes-2024
Great news! The NZDSA Annual Youth/Adult Development Camp is back for 2024, and it promises an incredible experience. This year's camp is a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, make new friends, engage in fun outdoor activities, explore future goals, and enhance your independence.![]()
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Details:![]()
Date: 22nd – 24th November 2024![]()
Venue: Vaughan Park Retreat Centre, Long Bay, Auckland![]()
RSVP: Please apply soon as spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet all the requirements.![]()
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To apply:![]()
Email Linda at [email protected] by 15th August 2024 to request all necessary documents.![]()
Submit completed registration forms by 23rd August 2024.![]()
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Important: This event is for individuals with Down syndrome who are 18 and older. The camp caters for participants who are independent and those that may need support. ![]()
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Don’t miss this exciting chance to grow, connect, and have fun. Apply now and secure your spot!
Last month some of Canterbury Down Syndrome Association’s members hit the bowling green for Have another go at Lawn Bowls on a recent stunning Canterbury morning. We were hosted by Kevin Smith and his team at Riccarton Racecourse Bowling Club.![]()
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A full look at the adventure is available in the last edition of CHAT 21 check it out here:![]()
nzdsa.org.nz/chat-21-winter-2024/
The NZDSA acknowledges that the recent announcement by Minister Upston regarding changes to Disability Support Services in New Zealand may have come as a shock to our community, and we understand that you most likely have many questions.![]()
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Unfortunately, neither the NZDSA nor the wider disability sector received prior notice of these changes. We are deeply concerned that these decisions were made without adequate consultation and leadership from disabled people and their whānau.![]()
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We are actively advocating on your behalf in meetings with Whaikaha and Minister Upston. To ensure our advocacy is as effective as possible, we need your input.![]()
Join us for online forums to connect and share your feedback. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for us to gather information to guide our advocacy and address key questions that arise. Please note these are not Q&A sessions as we are still gathering information.![]()
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We have set up Facebook events for both forums; here are the links:![]()
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September 2nd at 12pm:![]()
www.facebook.com/share/YbT1M5iPzSnrXHzh/![]()
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September 9th at 7:30pm:![]()
www.facebook.com/share/s4mQV8SKrXCrcrc1/![]()
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Your feedback is essential for shaping our advocacy efforts and ensuring that we address the community’s concerns effectively. We appreciate your participation and support.
Reminder: Down Syndrome International Health Equity Survey Closing Soon!![]()
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Down Syndrome International is conducting a crucial global survey on health equity, and they want to make sure every voice is heard. The survey closes at the end of this week.![]()
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The NZDSA has completed the organisational survey, and STRIVE, our self-advocacy and advisory group, has also facilitated a focus group to include the views of people with Down syndrome.![]()
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Your input matters! If you have some time, please share your perspectives by completing the individual survey. Your feedback is invaluable.![]()
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Here is a link to the survey:![]()
forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RCc80-rENkCGZxHZ49mX3nuktTYLsxBNiQuR9sXXT-ZUMDRQT0laM...![]()
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Thank you for your participation and support!