People with Down syndrome making meaningful contributions

Celebrating people with Down Syndrome making meaningful contributions to their communities

Media Release

21 March 2018

IHC calls for New Zealanders to step up for everyone on World Down Syndrome Day 2018.

IHC New Zealand supports and endorses New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s powerful message that speaks to the right for all people to be celebrated and valued equally.

IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant says: “It is refreshing and compelling to hear from young people. Health professionals need to take note, listen up and take the opportunity to effect systematic change.”

People with Down syndrome are likely to die 20 years younger than the rest of us. IHC wants health professionals to better respond to the poor health outcomes for people with Down syndrome so that they live healthier and better lives.

We also want the rest of New Zealand to see the capability of people with Down syndrome, hear what they including young people have to say. We can all do our bit to include people in communities.

“Health professionals play a key role in shaping beliefs and attitudes towards Down syndrome. It is important that we shift these attitudes to improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome,” says Trish.

Down syndrome is just one type of intellectual disability and around one in 1000 babies are born with Down syndrome. Nearly 20 percent of children with a disability live in families with an income of less than $30,000 a year.

“Things that make life good for us all are also critical for to people with Down syndrome. Family support, a happy upbringing, access to education and support to achieve, then jobs and other activities enable people with intellectual disabilities to contribute to their communities.”

You can see New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s video here: https://youtu.be/kgw-xvlcwZ8

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