Notes From the National Executive Officer
Ride for kids, Vinnie, Rachel, Danny and Lesley Harrison
Leave no-one behind By Zandra Vacarino - National Executive Officer
Kia ora The 21st March is an important date in the global Down syndrome community as we all unite with one voice to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). WDSD is also an opportunity to generate awareness, to change perceptions, to share key messages and to advocate for actions that will bring about change so that all people with Down syndrome can access and enjoy full citizenship rights. I am sure that the 2019 theme, “Leave no one behind”, is a message that will resonate with self-advocates, families/whānau and supporters in New Zealand and that they will actively promote and support the call to action. The theme “Leave no one behind” is not just something to highlight on World Down Syndrome Day but rather a challenge to each of us to do something in 2019 that will ensure that we have contributed to the movement and “Leave no one behind”. I have decided that in the national systemic advocacy
Leave no-one behind
work that I do that I will be looking and considering whether systems or policies facilitate or block the goal to “Leave no one behind”. On a more personal note when supporting our son Vincenzo I will be asking myself, “will this help to ensure that Vincenzo is not left behind?” Please email me on neo@nzdsa.org.nz to let me know what you have done to be a change agent. World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) events take time and a team of people to organise, so on behalf of the NZDSA I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who attended, hosted and supported WDSD celebrations. If you would like to see how this event was celebrated around the globe then view World Down Syndrome Day on the Down Syndrome International website: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday2.org/ Share your “What Makes Me Proud” stories Down Syndrome Australia has decided that for World Down Syndrome Day they would tackle lack of understanding about Down syndrome in their community with a “What Makes Me Proud?” campaign.
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