Our Collective Impact
Every Child Needs Their Village
In Aotearoa, 1 baby is born with Down syndrome every week. That’s around 1 in 1000 Kiwi families.
These children have capability in spades. Yet most need specialist speech and language therapy to build skills that’ll help them read, write, speak, connect and participate in the world. Unfortunately, costs put this essential service out of reach for too many whānau.
We believe every child with Down syndrome has the right to learn these skills.
That’s why, alongside our village of whānau, therapists, donors and supporters, we’re empowering kids with Down syndrome to find their voice.
UpsideDowns at a Glance
We’ve expanded from a small, parent-led initiative into a nationwide village supporting families across Aotearoa.
Here’s what our village has made possible since 2003.
$2m+ paid in speech therapy funding
20,200+therapy sessions funded
1 in 3 childrenwith Down syndrome currently supported with access to therapy across Aotearoa
20+ yearshelping children with Down syndrome find their voice
Long-term support that grows with the child, from birth to 21
The Impact of Our Village
Thanks to our generous village of whānau, therapists, donors and supporters,
600+
children’s lives have been transformed through speech and language therapy.
Meet Joshua
A section of Joshua’s speech at the Share the Dream Gala 2025.
Captured at our most recent Share the Dream event, Joshua’s story is a powerful reminder of what finding a voice can mean, not just for one child but for an entire village.
A Strong Year of Impact
While our work is built for the long haul, each year brings its own progress. Here’s what our village made possible this year.*
350+ children funded for speech and language therapy
2,600+ therapy sessions funded
$194,000+ paid in speech therapy funding
Return of Share the Dream Gala after 10 years, reconnecting our community and renewing shared purpose
$80,000+ raised through community and member-led events including Share the Dream, and Tee 21.
*As of April 2026
Reaching Whānau Across Aotearoa
Here’s What Impact Looks Like
Ellie finds her voice
With regular speech therapy sessions, Ellie has learnt to string more words together and tackle complex sounds, giving her more ways to express what she thinks, feels and wants.
In 2023, Ellie became the first girl with Down syndrome to compete in NZ’s marching competition with her team.
Olivia Starts School Strong
Supported by UpsideDowns-funded speech and language therapy since the age of 2, Olivia is now settled into her local Hamilton primary school with growing confidence and communication skills.
With her village around her, she’s participating in learning, building friendships and well and truly finding her voice.
Josh Turns Frustration into Communication
With long-term access to speech and language therapy and strong whānau backing, Josh built the skills and confidence to take part in school, form friendships and express himself.
After leaving school alongside his peers at 18, he went on to complete tertiary study and now works in a job he loves at Rainbow’s End.
What Whānau Tell Us
“Without the the support of UpsideDowns it would be difficult to keep Amber's speech therapy going. And I can't imagine how we would have coped and supported Amber's ongoing journey over the years.”
Amber's mum“It has made such a positive impact in our lives, and we are very humbled by the kindness and generosity of others. It takes a village to raise a child, and the UpsideDowns Education Trust is our village.”
Nikolai's mum“UpsideDowns has had a massive effect, we wouldn’t be able to give Tavailau private sessions without you guys and I think if we didn’t, he wouldn’t be where he is today!
Tavailau's mum“The support we have through UpsideDowns really is life changing for William and us as a family. We believe this truly benefits society, as William will be able to live independently and have a job and a full life.
William's mumIt Takes a Village
When children are surrounded by the right support, incredible things happen.
Each person in our village plays a part. Some fund therapy. Some share time or skills. Others help spread the word or bring people together through events.
All of it matters. And all of it makes a difference.
Every child needs their village, and every village needs its people. That’s what we’re building together, and that’s how we will continue to help our children find their voice.
Keen To Join?
Help make speech and language therapy accessible for more tamariki.
Share your skills, time or ideas in a way that works for you.
Stand alongside whānau and help strengthen this village for the future.