Helping young people with Down syndrome find their voice

The IHC Foundation provided a grant of $32,336 to enable the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) to fully fund one, and partially fund a second, three-day, in-person ‘Key Skills for Advocacy’ workshop for youth and adults with Down syndrome. More than 30 people will directly benefit from this funding. These workshops aim to empower the participants to become the next generation of advocates.

For many young people with Down syndrome, becoming a confident self-advocate begins with one simple but life-changing step, believing their voice matters.

The aim of the weekend was to empower people with Down syndrome from across New Zealand to become leaders in their own lives and within their communities. Set within an inclusive and engaging environment, participants not only gained valuable knowledge but also developed essential skills, confidence, and meaningful connections. They embraced the strength of self-advocacy and discovered the power of working together.

“I learnt to speak out and stand up for myself and other people.”

“I will use the skills in my everyday life and with my teams in swimming and basketball.”

Participants came from all over New Zealand. For many, it was their first time travelling independently — a milestone that sparked pride and self-belief.

“I am proud of myself because I travelled on my own to get to Auckland and believed in myself to actually do it.”

In addition to the self-advocacy skills participants learnt, the workshop broke down isolation by creating a space where new friendships could flourish.

“I was happy to make new friends.”

“I loved it so much that I was sad to go home.”

The impact of the workshop extends well beyond the weekend itself. Many participants are already planning to share what they have learned with others in their communities, multiplying the benefits and inspiring wider change.

“I will promote this programme to other people and inspire them to overcome their challenges even though it’s hard.”

“I will use the information to do better advocating in my hometown.”

Together, the IHC Foundation and NZDSA are building a stronger, louder and prouder generation of self-advocates whose voices will be heard, valued and respected.