Presiden’t Pen
2021 – a year of connection By Kim Porthouse
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I write this as 2021 draws to a close. As you all know, 2021 was our 40th anniversary as an organisation and I hope you all enjoyed our bumper October edition of CHAT 21 that looked back over the past 40 years. I know I thoroughly enjoyed it and many memories were evoked. For this column, I thought I would reflect back on 2021. People often ask the question ‘what does the NZDSA do?’ I hope my reflections may answer that question, especially as this year has been one that saw not only the NZDSA, but the country and world as a whole, face ongoing challenges to stay connected due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties presented by COVID-19, I look back with pride at how we, the NZDSA, have successfully adapted to the growing online world. We have embraced the online Zoom platform for connecting with families, regional groups, each other, and other organisations to conduct meetings and provide education and support. Some Zoom events stand out for me. Earlier in the year we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) with a unique online event which we called ‘The Big Connect’, connecting families throughout the country on Zoom. During the nationwide Level 4 lockdown in August/September, we hosted Zoom cocktail hours on Friday afternoons. These were an opportunity for people to come together, see others face-to-face, and simply chat. Zoom sessions also helped our young people with Down syndrome
co n n e c t w i t h e a c h o t h e r re g u l a r l y throughout the year. Another major event and highlight of the year was the online conference that took place throughout D ow n Sy n d ro m e Awa re n e ss M o n t h (October). There were a wide range of speakers covering a wide range of topics, and this event was very well received and attended. A number of the sessions were recorded and are being produced into an online resource that will be available to members via our website. We also kept connected by increasing our use of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to disseminate information to our members and the wider community. As always, the NZDSA has continued with the provision of support and information to the wider Down syndrome community in New Zealand through core services such as regular E-news updates, CHAT 21, the website, our 0800 number, via email, the loaning of Numicon maths kits, and the ongoing development and provision of resources. 2021 also saw the release of the revised and updated ‘Living with Down syndrome’ booklet. This comprehensive resource is available in hard copy as well as on our website. The NZDSA’s introductory brochure has been translated and published in a variety of languages, including te reo Māori, Samoan, and Hindi, and this is also available in both hard copy and online. This year has also seen extensive development of online digital resources. Over 30 resources have been developed and are now available
