Wellington Down Syndrome Association

07/06/2026

Disability Support Services Bill- your voice is needed!

See all the info you need on the NZDSA post.

31/05/2026

This is a great event to find a range of ideas for life after school. Makes it easier to have everyone in one place to talk to.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CEdsteCHr/

See you there!

25/05/2026

The Disability Support Services Bill
Please read what NZDSA have provided for us to read and consider making a submission.
https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCSSC_SCF_E6D8596D-C177-486B-CCF2-08DEB47E5457/disability-support-services-bill
The closing date for submissions is 1.00pm on Friday, 12 June 2026

15/05/2026

🤩🤩 1 week to this one! Book your tickets here:

https://form.jotform.com/260822044597056?fbclid=IwY2xjawRdC59leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtcWtZQmptRHZZeGQ4aWxYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkB5ewKZgxB6SQrzvbCYunhNyCHXV2mWtSmF3ZS2Koy5SCESpZLecC6dKGdY_aem_3AFfGy6mKjj99aGg6RqAAQ

12/05/2026

Fun opportunity from IHC New Zealand a Disco Dance Night open to people with intellectual disabilities (including those with autism) 💜
📅 Friday 22 May 2026
🎟️ FREE event (RSVP required)
Come along for a night of music, dancing, and connection — a great chance to have fun and meet others in the community 🎶💃
🍽️ Light supper and non-alcoholic drinks provided
🍹 Cash bar available
Important:
• Spaces are limited (max 250 people) — first in, first served
• RSVP by Wednesday 13 May
• Email: [email protected]
• Include: names of attendees (and support people), plus any dietary or accessibility needs
🎫 Tickets will be sent in early May and must be shown at the event (printed or on your phone)
💛 Don’t miss out, looks like such a fun night!

08/05/2026

💜 New Wellington Initiative: Fast Friends 💜

IHC is trialling a new community programme in the Wellington region called “Fast Friends” — a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for people with intellectual disabilities to meet new people, make friendships, and maybe even find something more ✨

The events are being designed with accessibility and comfort in mind, including:
• Fully accessible venues
• Quiet/chill-out spaces
• Softer lighting and reduced noise
• Easy-read information
• Support people welcome

When registering, people can share their preferred age group and whether they’re interested in friendships or relationships 💛

At this stage, IHC is gathering expressions of interest to help plan future events and match participants.

📩 To register your interest, complete the form and send it to:
[email protected]

This sounds like such a lovely initiative for connection and community 😊

08/05/2026

🌟 NZDSA National Achievement Awards 2026 🌟

Do you know someone with Down syndrome who is doing amazing things in our community? 💛

The NZDSA National Achievement Awards are a beautiful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and talents of people with Down syndrome across Aotearoa.

🏛 Hosted by Her Excellency the Governor-General
📅 Friday 23 October 2026
📍 Wellington

✨ Nominations are now OPEN!

If you would like to nominate someone, please email Zandra at:
📩 [email protected]

🗓 Nominations close: 1 June 2026

Let’s celebrate the incredible people in our community 💙

07/05/2026

📣 Parents, your voice matters!
Join an online session with Julia Shumway, a PhD researcher from University College London, who is researching education and health outcomes for students with Down syndrome.

Julia is especially interested in hearing from parents about experiences transitioning through primary, intermediate, and secondary school. Your insights can help guide future research and understanding 💛

📅 Thursday 21 May 2026
⏰ 7:30pm
💻 Online via Zoom

Meeting ID: 862 6875 1869
Passcode: 256997

🔗 Join here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/86268751869

More information available in the attached flyer 😊

07/05/2026

📣 Want to know more about the recent changes to Disability Support Services and flexible funding?

Join this FREE online snapshot session hosted by FLA, with a guest speaker from Disability Support Services.

The session will provide a simple overview of the 1 April changes and what they could mean for you and your whānau 💛

There will also be discussion around Enabling Good Lives and how flexible funding can support more choice and control. Questions are welcome!

📅 Monday 11 May 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 1:00pm
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 439 160 302 875 92
Passcode: 9gn66zq9

🔗 Join here:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/43916030287592?p=ncYsxBgCQd6lqdBa56

A great opportunity to learn more and ask questions 😊

06/05/2026

✨ Wellington Open and Youth Classes are back for Term 2! ✨

Starting Saturday 2nd May, come and join the fun, connection, and learning with our Youth and Open Classes!

Whether you're returning or joining for the first time, everyone is welcome 💙 Join a class and try it

Please help us spread the word by sharing this with your friends, whānau, and community!

📍 Wellington
👉 Check out the event here: Wellington Open and Youth Classes – Youth and Open Class Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1764924204470882/1764924207804215?event_time_id=1764924224470880