Wellington Down Syndrome Association

19/02/2026

We’d love your ideas! 🎤

As we plan upcoming WDSA events, we’d love to hear from you.

Is there a speaker you would like us to invite?
Or a topic you’d love to learn more about? It could be a particular person, a lived-experience story, or a topic that would support you and your whānau.

Drop your suggestions in the comments or send us a message, your input helps us shape events that truly matter to our community 💙

19/02/2026

Support Xervier’s Journey to Europe!

Hello everyone, we’re reaching out to ask for your support for Xervier’s campaign to compete in Europe this September and October with his sailing.

Xervier will be proudly representing New Zealand, and especially the community of people with intellectual disabilities. This is an incredible opportunity, and we’re so proud of him!

Any donation — big or small — will make a real difference in helping him get there. If you’re able to support, or know someone who might be interested, please share this post.

You can donate here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/xerviers-campaign-to-defend-his-world-title

Let’s help Xervier chase his dreams! 💙⛵✨

Xervier is raising money to represent New Zealand and defend his World titles in International Para Sailing Championships.

17/02/2026

We are refreshing our Website! go check out our calendar to know what's coming up next! :)

Welcome to the WDSAWellington Down Syndrome Association is a free membership organisation. We value and support people with Down syndrome, providing encouragement, information and resources to parents, families and health professionals. Join today Our Mission is to support, educate and advocate for....

16/02/2026

Are you interested in taking part in research? ✋✋✋

13/02/2026

The Problem of Being Left Out
All around the world, people with Down syndrome are often treated badly. We are sometimes denied a good education, the chance to work, or even the right to make our own decisions about our lives. Being left out in these ways makes us feel very alone. In fact, studies have shown that 39% of people with intellectual disabilities feel lonely often, compared to just 14% of people without intellectual disabilities. We mark this day every year to tell governments that we deserve better.
Learn a little more about Down syndrome: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/what-is-down-syndrome

12/02/2026

Madison Tevlin: "I hope that you all challenge stereotypes with me and assume that we can, because we just might surprise you"

12/02/2026

🎓 Success in School Workshop – Registrations Now Open!

Want to better support learners with Down syndrome in the classroom? This nationally recognised workshop is for you!

📅 2–3 March 2026
💻 Online via Zoom (nationwide access!)
⏰ 8:45am – 2:30pm (within school hours)

💜 12 key topics across 2 comprehensive days
💜 Practical, up-to-date knowledge about learners with Down syndrome
💜 No travel required
💜 Special registration packages available for schools
💜 Established in 2008 – growing every year!

Perfect for teachers, learning support staff, SENCOs, outreach teachers, Ministry staff, parents, grandparents, and carers — anyone wanting to deepen or refresh their understanding.

With an incredible line-up of expert presenters and lived-experience speakers, this is a valuable professional development opportunity you won’t want to miss.

👉 Register now and find full details at:
https://adsa.org.nz/home-2/success-in-school-course/

11/02/2026

Raising children in a community, often called "the village" provides crucial, evidence-based support that reduces parental stress, combats isolation, and fosters child development through shared responsibility. 🙌🙌👫👭👫👬

2 weeks until our Parents catch up! Join us!
Link to our event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FHR8VdFaS/

11/02/2026

First stage of improvements begins for people receiving DSS-funded supports!! 📣📣

From mid-February:
- NASCs and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites will begin assessing needs and allocating funding in the same way, no matter where you live
- You’ll receive clearer information before your assessment, so you know what to expect
- Families and carers can be included in assessments where their support is important to the disabled person’s needs and wellbeing
- After the assessment, you’ll have a clear plan focused on your needs and the purpose of your funding

You’ll experience these February changes if you are applying for DSS for the first time, or when you have your next reassessment. If someone is already receiving support, nothing changes for them right now.

Find out more at the following link - https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/first-stage-of-improvements-begin-for-dss-funded-supports

11/02/2026

🌏A Single Global Voice
On World Down Syndrome Day, our community speaks up together 📢📢🟣

Why 21 March is Our Day
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March? It is a bit of a science lesson! Most people have 2 pairs of chromosomes, but people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. So, the 21st day of the 3rd month is the perfect day to celebrate what makes us unique! This year, stand with us as we work

Find out more: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-wdsd

11/02/2026

The Fowler Family Award – Celebrate Every Achievement

The Fowler Family Award is a quarterly prize draw that recognises important achievements in your young person’s life. Achievements don’t have to be big, this award celebrates all milestones, big or small, that matter to your young person and your family.

To enter, simply email na@nzdsa.org.nz and tell us about an achievement your young person has reached. Entries are open to all ages, and every submission is treated equally. The winner is chosen at random and announced in the NZDSA journal, hopefully with a photo of the winner and their voucher.

✨ Achievements could include things like:
Using the toilet independently, brushing hair on their own, catching the bus, getting a job, succeeding in sport or anything meaningful to your whānau. The list is endless!