'Leave no one behind' - Calling for inclusion this WDS day

IHC is calling for New Zealanders to step up for everyone on World Down Syndrome Day 2019.

IHC supports New Zealand Down Syndrome Association’s message that speaks to the need for New Zealanders to make more effort to be a more inclusive society, and for people with Down syndrome to have the same opportunities as others to fully reach their potential.

IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant says all too often, people with intellectual disabilities do not have equal access to the systems they need to lead fulfilling lives.

"It’s these barriers that mean people with intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome, do not get a fair deal," says Trish.

“In early childhood, we see people left behind because of waiting lists for speech therapy and school enrolment is plagued with difficulty.

"People leaving school do not have the right supports to get jobs where they are valued by employers.

"These occurrences all contribute to people not being able to join in with their community.

“It’s not okay, we can do better.”

Down syndrome is just one type of intellectual disability, and roughly one in 1,000 babies are born with it. Almost 20 per cent of children with a disability live in families with an income of less than $30,000 a year.

We want New Zealanders to see the capability of people with Down syndrome, hear what they have to say and make a greater effort to be a more inclusive place.

Leave no one behind, and support all New Zealanders to live meaningful lives.

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