News from the NZDSA
A selection of articles, stories and updates from the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
News, Articles & Stories
NZDSA Fortnightly Enews
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New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
We are the National organisation representing the Down Syndrome community in New Zealand.
The NZDSA National Achievement Awards - a call for nominations.![]()
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The NZDSA National Achievement Awards, hosted by Her Excellency the Governor-General, will take place on Friday 23 October 2026 in Wellington. ![]()
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Nominations are currently open, so seize the opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of people with Down syndrome in your community. ![]()
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Please email Zandra [email protected] for the nomination form. Nominations close on the 1st June 2026.
Free online course: Understanding The DSS Flexible Funding Changes ![]()
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On Tuesday, 28 April, from 7.00-8.15pm, DSS will join FLA to cover common questions + how flexible funding and an EGL approach can support more choice and control. ![]()
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On 1 April, the flexible funding purchasing rules were removed. DSS will join FLA to give a high level overview of what this means. Please send questions in advance to help shape the discussion, as there will be limited time for individual questions. ![]()
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JOIN HERE:![]()
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teams.microsoft.com/meet/453 79358218384?p=NDZWJKChvaNEUI8751 ![]()
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Meeting ID: 453 793 582 183 84 ![]()
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Passcode: iU9D9NE9 ![]()
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Or Contact: [email protected]
The Importance of Speech and Language Therapy![]()
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Did you know that speech and language therapy can be life-changing for children with Down syndrome? ![]()
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UpsideDowns Education Trust is dedicated to making this vital support accessible for Kiwi kids, helping families from birth through to young adulthood. Discover why early and ongoing therapy is crucial at every stage, how it supports communication, learning, and independence.![]()
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UpsideDowns exists so that no child has to miss out on the amazing benefits of speech and language therapy. We help our members access this life-changing intervention by providing subsidies for therapy costs. We support Aotearoa’s young people with Down syndrome from birth until the age of 21. New members are encouraged to join at any time – though we currently operate a waitlist, so get in as early as possible: www.upsidedowns.co.nz![]()
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Read the full article by Adrian Hatwell, UpsideDowns Head of Marketing & Operations, to learn more about the impact of speech and language therapy, and how to access support for your child in teh last edition of CHAT 21:![]()
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nzdsa.org.nz/chat-21-spring-2025/
In case you missed it, The Big Connect is now available online in its entirety!![]()
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Whether you are re-living it or catching it for the first time, we hope you enjoy!![]()
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Let’s do more than celebrate in 2026.![]()
Let’s strengthen advocacy.![]()
Let’s challenge exclusion.![]()
Let’s stand Together Against Loneliness.![]()
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nzdsa.org.nz/the-big-connect-2026/
Colour. Light. Sky. Mood.![]()
A landscape shot by Carlos Biggemann.![]()
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His photography invites us to slow down and see the world with fresh eyes:![]()
“My goal is to make a better world, and to make it more human.”![]()
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Read the full article in the last edition of CHAT 21:![]()
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nzdsa.org.nz/chat-21-spring-2025/