WDSA supports, educates and advocates for people within the Down syndrome community in the Greater Wellington Region.
We seek to empower and encourage individuals with Down syndrome for a lifetime of meaningful inclusion in the community.
What is the WDSA?
The Wellington Down Syndrome Association is a non-profit organisation that supports people with Down syndrome and their families within the Greater Wellington region.
What do we do?
We support parents (particularly new parents) with community contact, welcome packs and linking them to other helpful information and resources.
The WDSA run some fantastic events like the annual WDSA Christmas party. You can often find us running local age group catch ups to provide opportunities for people within the Down syndrome community to connect and build relationships.
We help to provide educational resources and support to parents and schools where appropriate.
We’re always advocating for the fantastic people in our community who have Down syndrome by sharing stories, events and other information.
Our Principles
We’re passionate and positive about people who have Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome are valued members of the Wellington community.
We are connected and seek to build relationships and share resources with other organisations.
The WDSA have a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association and seek to work together for the Down syndrome community within New Zealand.
WDSA membership will always be free.
Meet the Committee
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Susan Webber, Coordinator
My husband, James, and I have been helping out with the WDSA in a variety of ways over the last 12 years. We have two girls, Bella aged 16 and Emily (who has Down syndrome) aged 14.
I am excited to be on the Committee, working together to support our Down syndrome community in the Greater Wellington region.
I am passionate about educating families, the education sector, health sector and the wider community about Down syndrome. I believe with knowledge, training and support we can all work together to make the world more inclusive. -
Richard Whinam, Treasurer
I joined the committee as Treasurer to take care of the financial side of the association.
My granddaughter Heidi has Down syndrome and has been an inspiration to our family.
My involvement has allowed me to appreciate all the hard work and effort committee members contribute to their roles.
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Deborah Jones, NZDSA Rep
I’m Deborah, the NZDSA representative for the Wellington Region to help connect Wellington with what is happening around the rest of the country.
I am also the new parent support person for babies in Wellington Hospital, which is also my place of work.
I love having the privilege of meeting new families at an often stressful and memorable time for them.
I live in South Wellington with my husband and two children: Heidi (who has Down syndrome) and Roscoe.
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Jess Brownell, Secretary
I am thrilled to join the committee this year as Secretary, helping to support and strengthen the Down syndrome community in the Wellington area. As a solo mum, I know how vital it is to have people to turn to for help and advice. The guidance and kindness I have received from this community have been a lifeline, and I am excited to pay that forward.
My son is nearly four and is a brave Heart Kid along with having Down syndrome. He is the light of my life. We love hiking, going to the beach, reading, playing music and dancing together.
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Anna White, Under 5s
Four years ago, our family was incredibly blessed with the arrival of our son, Leo. He completed our family of seven, joining his three older brothers and sister-in-law. While this journey has been beautiful & unique, it has been made easier through the friendship, support and encouragement of other families who have walked a similar path.
It is a privilege to serve on the committee and I’m excited to be the Hutt Valley New Parents Support Person.
I love seeing people find connection through community. I’m passionate about helping to build a healthy, strong, supportive, and encouraging community where individuals and families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging.
The WDSA Committee is made up entirely of volunteers.
We'd love to connect with members of the community who can spare a few hours to help here and there. If that sounds like you, sign up to our Friends of the Committee Facebook group.