Down Syndrome - NZ Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)

ABOUT US

The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) was formed in 1981 with our mission statement being “To enhance the inclusion of people with Down syndrome within the community”. The NZDSA is established for educational and charitable objectives and purposes within New Zealand.

OUR AIMS/OBJECTIVES

• Promote the welfare of people with Down syndrome and their families/whanau
  
• Provide information and support to families/whanau of people with Down syndrome
• Promote and advocate for positive attitudes in the wider community
• Further the understanding of Down syndrome
• Promote the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome
• Review policies and lobby Government and other institutions
• Promote positive public awareness through educational and media initiatives
• Provide information to medical practitioners, students, educators and community organisations, to enhance their interactions with people with Down syndrome
• Provide ongoing links with and among families
• Establish and maintain relationships with other disability organisations.

HOW ARE WE RUN?

Governance is administered by nine elected committee members, supported by a national team of three staff, all home-based in three different cities. The NZ Down Syndrome Association is a registered non-profit organisation.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

• We have 18 regions with regional volunteer support people for new parent, face-to-face and telephone support. Additionally, we have an adult support and grandparent support contacts.
• 0800 support number (details below)
• Website
• Publish and distribute a quarterly magazine to members nationally and internationally. Members include families, friends, school, hospitals, doctors, other disability agencies, government departments and international Down syndrome associations. The magazine provides up-to-date information, real life stories, and a pull-out section for people with Down syndrome which is written by people with Down syndrome.
• Provide information and resources which include a New Parent Pack and Transition to School DVD
• Bi-annual forums.

CONTACT DETAILS

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association:
Support phone 0800 693 724
Website: www.nzdsa.org.nz
Email: National executive officer – national.coordinator@nzdsa.org.nz
National administrator – nzdsai@xtra.co.nz
National editor –  editor@nzdsa.org.nz
Charities Commission number – CC24524.

This information has been supplied and approved by the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association and is copyright protected. The content and design of this page must not be reproduced electronically or in print without the written permission of UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.