Wellington Down Syndrome Association

27/02/2026

Thanks to everyone who came yesterday to our Parent catch up! We had a great time! Looking forward to our next one 💪💜

27/02/2026

WDSA parents, this one’s for you! We’ll cover the cost of the course so you can attend 💜

🎓 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/

27/02/2026

World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on 21 March.
Some resources to share with your schools.

https://www.facebook.com/share/16yzPNQQdA/

We want every student to feel like they belong. Students with Down syndrome are much more likely to feel lonely at school, but your classroom can help change that!

We have a range of free resources to help you celebrate World Down Syndrome Day in March:
💙Assembly-Ready: An accessible presentation to help students learn what Down syndrome is in simple "science lesson" terms.
💛Get Creative: Fun colouring sheets and "design your own sock" templates for creative learners.
💙 Raise Awareness: "Lots Of Socks" posters to help you organize a bright, bold sock day to get the conversation started.
💛 Inclusive Learning: Resources to help students understand how to support their peers and ensure every voice is heard.

Download your free school pack and start planning today!
🔗 https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/wdsd-resource-hub/

22/02/2026

💙 Reminder – This Wednesday! 💙

Our New Year, New Connections – Parent Catch-Up is happening this Wednesday, only two days to go!

Have you had a chance to get organised to join us at 📍 Sprig + Fern Petone?

We’d love to see you there for a relaxed evening of connection, conversation, and community.

📅 Wednesday | ⏰ 7:30–9:30pm

If you haven’t yet, please RSVP to info@wdsa.co.nz

✨ See you there!

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