Auckland Down Syndrome Association Inc (ADSA) is a family support organisation that provides information and support for people with Down syndrome and their families. Our activities and services are wide and varied.
The ADSA was established by parents in 1981 and is run by parents, grandparents and siblings through a management committee elected on an annual basis. The ADSA employs a Community Liaison Officer, a Social Media & Library Officer and an Office Assistant who are there to help members. To contact our staff, please fill out the short form on our contact page.
Membership to ADSA is free – join now.
ADSA believes all people – including your new baby – are valued and contributing members of the community. ADSA works to inform and empower its members so that people with Down syndrome are able to reach their full potential.
ADSA seeks to help members by providing:
- Support for families who have a member with Down syndrome
- Information packs about Down syndrome for new families
- Information on services available in Auckland for people with Down syndrome and their families
- A network of people who can visit families with a diagnosis of Down syndrome – at home or in the hospital, pre or post birth
- Coffee mornings for mums and dads with young babies and children with Down syndrome
- Active social clubs for people with Down syndrome aged 11-17 and 18+
- A lending library with educational and information resources specific to Down syndrome
- A course for teachers, SENCO’s and teacher aides on teaching learners with Down syndrome
- A quarterly newsletter called ‘Outlook’
- Opportunities for people with Down syndrome and their families to meet regularly through social events such as the annual Buddy Walk, the children’s Christmas party, Coffee Groups and information evenings.