NEO Notes
NEO Notes By Zandra Vaccarino
Kia ora What does the NZDSA do? In the previous edition of CHAT 21, I mentioned that in 2021 I started a series that focussed on answering a frequently asked question “What does the NZDSA do”? In this series, I have shared the following areas of foci for the NZDSA: • systemic advocacy as a means to i n f l u e n ce c h a n g e s i n p o l i cy a n d processes so that all people with Down syndrome can benefit and enjoy more equitable access to the same rights as all New Zealanders; • securing funding to deliver our core information, support and systemic advocacy work as well as all the additional projects we undertake, as the NZDSA receives no government funding; • celebrating: people with Down syndrome; the incredible contributions of our regional groups and all our volunteers; • raising awareness of Down syndrome in the wider community to bring about social change and transform our communities and society.
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This time, I thought I would focus on resource development. The NZDSA’s aim is to provide a hub of resources for our members, professionals, and the wider community as we want everyone to have access to relevant information across a wide range of topics and issues. The NZDSA’s aim is to provide resources that are both educational and empowering. Creating resources that range from prenatal to aging is an ongoing task and it is important to also review and update resources so that they remain relevant.
In addition, as the needs of our community change, so too does the NZDSA strive to deliver resources to meet these needs. Where we can, we access relevant resources developed by others instead of recreating resources, but often the NZDSA does need to step up and develop specific resources for our community. The NZDSA provides resources like the New Parent Pack to our regions and maternity care professionals, and we distribute a variety of resources to our members, students, educators, allied health professionals, and other community organisations. The NZDSA provides most resources in both online and hard copy formats. All our online resources are available to our members for free on the NZDSA website. To access the extensive list of resources, just click on the resources button on the website menu. Remember, membership to the NZDSA is free. On the next page I have included more details about our recently launched resource, Down Syndrome & Autism: A Dual Diagnosis, as well as the Wellbeing Series which is nearing completion. The NZDSA also refers members to the extensive IHC resource library. Many of the resources in the library were donated by regional groups, so it is worth contacting IHC library if the NZDSA does not have a specific resource you are looking for. We welcome suggestions on resources including tips sheets that you would like to see us develop. We are also aware that our members have so much information to share, so if you would like to be involved in resource development, please contact me neo@nzdsa.org.nz.
