There are a number of organisations both here in New Zealand and globally who provide information and support for families expecting a child with a disability. This page also includes link to sites with extensive information on the issue of prenatal screening for disabilities.
Further information and advocacy
These organisation and articles provide detailed information on the issue of prenatal testing and disabilities.
Down Syndrome Education Online
Down Syndrome Education Online offers comprehensive information about Down syndrome, including articles, books and scientific papers.
10 Ways A Baby With Down Syndrome Will Improve Your Life
So, you’ve got the news that your child has Down Syndrome. Maybe you’re not even sure what Down Syndrome is. Maybe you think ‘this is the worst day of my life'....
This paper was originally delivered as a plenary address at the conference in Chicago in July of 2005, co-sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Association for Down Syndrome.
New Zealand pro-life organisation. Among its many activities the organisation is recognised for its focus on the legal recognition of the status of unborn child. Their website has a wealth of resources on life issues and is regularly updated with the latest news on screening programmes.
These organisations provide general information and support for parents with a child who has disabilities.
New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZ)
The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association is a family/'whanau driven organisation for people whose lives have been changed by Down syndrome. The NZDSA is a support organisation for families. They can put you in touch with families with a member with Down syndrome.
Spina Bifida Association New Zealand are a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and encouraging parents expecting a baby diagnosed with Spina Bifida and parents of children, young adults and adults living with Spina Bifida.
Matua ki te Matua (Parent to Parent) is a support and information network for parents of children with special needs. Parent to Parent seeks to support, educate and empower families who have a child or family member with disabilities, health impairments or special needs.
IDSC for Life is dedicated to serving individuals with Down syndrome from conception throughout their lives. They achieve this by supporting families who have been given a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome...
BeNotAfraid.net is an online outreach to parents who have received a poor or difficult prenatal diagnosis. The family stories, articles, and links within this site are presented as a resource for those who may have been asked to choose between terminating a pregnancy or continuing on despite the diagnosis.
These organisations provide information and support for families who are looking to adopt or adopt out a child with disabilities.
Adoption Option (NZ)
Adoption Option educate people about adoption in New Zealand.
Their aim is to help pregnant women understand that adoption can be a positive option if a woman is not in a position to parent her child.
Another part of their education role is explaining to prospective adoptive parents and health professionals how the adoption process works in New Zealand and that open adoption is now the norm.
Reece's Rainbow is a global down syndrom adoption organisation, whose demand exceeds supply.
They work to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the cost of adopting these beautiful children.
The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network provides information to birth families who may be seeking alternatives to parenting as they prepare for the arrival of their child.
Making an adoption plan for a child with Down syndrome is a loving choice and can be the right choice for some families.