The 11th August coffee group has been postponed, due to music group being the day prior (and many attend music group). Paula will be in touch directly with our “little ones” parents to work out best timing for next coffee group, and we will advertise again on facebook.

This is one of our favourite things in the ADSA calendar.  The Community Service Award is given to someone outside of our organisation – who has gone “above and beyond” to  support our community – and who has a positive impact on the lives of people with Down syndrome in Auckland (eg. a therapist, a professional, a sports coach, a teacher).  We invite you to have a think about the last 12 months – and to make a nomination.  You need to show that the person you are nominating has impacted more than one family, and ideally try and get a few other members to join you in the nomination.   Please down load the form here and return to Xuan (adminsupport@adsa.org.nz ).

Auckland Transport is removing a known barrier for customers wishing to use public transport in Auckland. This is called the Plus One Companion and will enable the support person of a Total Mobility Card Holder to ride an Auckland Transport Bus at no charge, when travelling together.

A Plus One Companion may be a different person for each public transport journey. It can include a spouse or partner, friend, child or professional caregiver.  It can be any person nominated by a Total Mobility Card Holder to accompany him/her/them on a public transport journey to support his/her/their safety and dignity on that journey. This concession has already been implemented on the Wellington, Hamilton and Bay of Plenty public transport networks with great success.

The Plus One Companion initiative will go live on Wednesday 20 July. Please note that this is only on AT buses and does not include ferries and trains. If you have any questions feel free to call AT on 09 366 6400 or visit the New Zealand Relay Services at nzrelay.co.nz

There has been a lot of interest in the video resource created by NZDSA (The Golden Years).  If you have an adult with Down syndrome, please take the time to watch, it is very interesting.  Several people have wanted to speak with Geraldine Whatnell directly, or to find someone who does the same role as her in Auckland!  The best opportunity is for those who are interested to please let Paula (clo@adsa.org.nz) or Zandra (neo@nzdsa.org.nz), have a think about what you want to ask – and we will organise a time to have another zoom session with Geraldine.  To attend, you must have watched the video – available at www.nzdsa.org.nz.

Here is a quick link to the latest Disability Connect newsletter. A lot of information - but some handy tips and quick links to easy-read resources towards the end. Don't forget Transition Expo is coming up on 7th September at Auckland Netball Centre, 7 Allison Ferguson Drive, St Johns.

We are delighted to announce that the Remuera Music & Fun Playgroup is starting again in Term 3.  Details are at this link. This is a fantastic group for children with disabilities and provides a wonderful social network for parents and carers.  Please note: masks for adults are required at these events. Morning tea won't be on offer for adults, but please bring a snack for your child. Currently, it is just the 18 month to 5 years group restarting – however, those with little ones under 18 months can also attend this group in the meantime.  Any questions – please contact Margaret (details at link) or Paula clo@adsa.org.nz.

We are seeing a lot of new activities popping up – as more funding becomes available for inclusive sport and recreation clubs.  We would love to hear about what may have tried, and some feedback.  This can help us to provide positive encouragement, and information on how organisations can best work with people with Down syndrome.

Aktive have a big focus on inclusion in sport - and want to get feedback on causes of low participating in sport and recreation by disabled people in Auckland. The age group of particular interest for this survey is age 5-18 years.

This survey will gather useful insights for both whānau and disability sport and recreation providers in the Auckland region. It captures information on barriers, enablers, and what activities tamariki and rangatahi are currently and/or wanting to participate in. The information captured here will be provided in summary (any personal identifying information will not be shared) to disability sport and rec providers so that they are more aware of what they can be doing to improve participation rates and to guide their marketing and comms.

The survey is designed to take no more than 5 minutes to complete and will close on July 29th. This survey is open to anyone so please feel free to share the link to any parent/caregiver or association you think would like to participate. PLEASE HELP OUT- the future benefits are great.

Please email Xuan on adminsupport@adsa.org.nz or Paula on clo@adsa.org.nz if you have any questions regarding the events and news highlighted in this update.