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“Hurting Hope” – An evening with Charles and Jo Hewlett sharing their family journey, followed by Disability Connect Inc’s AGM
When: Wednesday October 9th 7pm
Where: In person 3b Olive Rd Penrose and online via Zoom
RSVP: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
Refreshments provided. Admission is free.
Have you ever wanted to write the story of your family journey in disability?
You are warmly invited to hear Charles and Jo Hewlett share their family journey , including the process of co-writing their own book “Hurting Hope” in a special evening at Disability Connect on Wednesday 9th October at 7pm. The Hewlett’s 40 minute presentation will include the opportunity to ask questions and learn from their experiences of writing and sharing their very personal journey.
Attendees are most welcome to stay to participate in Disability Connect Inc’s AGM which follows the presentation . Hear more about our services and advocacy influencing positive change for disabled people and their families as we celebrate our mahi
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Disability Connect Support Groups
- Zoom Parents Support Group - Every Monday 7-8pm
Open to anyone seeking advice or support for parenting, upcoming Needs Assessments, starting or leaving school and anything in-between. Robyn would love to meet and chat about anything that is important to you.
- Parent Support Group - Wednesday 16 October 2024, 6-8pm
Guest: Kat Veugelers
Topic: Yoga for special needs - learn about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness and learn movements you can practice at home too!
Location: Please Note Change of Venue Onehunga Community Centre, 83 Church Street, Onehunga
- Registration is essential. Click here for flyer.
- Chinese Support Group - Tuesday 15 October 2024, 10am-12pm
Guest Facilitator: Denise Hoffman - Community Disability Information Advisor
Topic: Planning for Adulthood
Location: Senior Citizens Room, Fickling Convention Centre (546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings)
Click here for English flyer and here for Chinese language flyer.
For more Disability Support Groups click here
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Disability Connect Seminars and Workshops
- Education Legal Issues - Wednesday 16 October, 11:30am-2pm via Zoom. Come along and learn about enrolment rights, decision processes around special education, processes around an ORS funding decline, requests to parents for teacher aide funding contributions, requests to parents for funding for student support at extra-curricular camps and activities, stand-downs, use of restraint, and much more.
For more information click here.
To register, email: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
- Planning for Adulthood - Thursday 21 November 2024, 11am-2pm via Zoom. This seminar covers areas such as Welfare Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Property Management and how a Trust may be useful for managing property. Click here for more information.
To register, email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
Please note some seminars do have a fee. Please let us know if this is a barrier to being able to attend. Clicking on the link will take you to the information.
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Dogtober: 1 - 31 October
Have fun teaching your pet some new skills and raise vital funds for Mobility Dogs!
Dogtober is a month-long opportunity to raise funds for Mobility Dogs, and you are invited to join the fun! This October, Dogtober is bringing together humans and their pet dogs to have fun together and make a positive impact on the lives of disabled New Zealanders.
Each week, you and your pet will commit to learning one new challenge, and you'll share your progress online while raising vital funds for Mobility Dogs.
All funds raised will support the cost of the two-year extensive training programme that all Mobility Dogs undergo, as they prepare for their future career as service dogs.
It's completely free to take part in Dogtober. It’s as simple as:
1: Choosing your challenge;
2: Setting up your fundraising page
3: Having fun with your pet!
Click here for more details or to sign up.
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October is Be Green & Be Seen month
Coinciding with World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6, October is the month to show your support for people living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
The Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ going all out to raise awareness for the 10,000 Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy.
Here’s how you can get involved and go green this October:
- Share the love on social media. Click here for their facebook page.
- Host a green-themed event – whether it’s a non-uniform day, a green morning tea at work or home, or just dressing up in green, every bit helps!
- Get #beACTIVE – Choose a fun challenge, set up a fundraising page, and get moving for a great cause. Sign up for #beACTIVE here
Click here for more details about Be Green & Be Seen month.
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Whakawhiti Mentoring Services
"I believe that every person deserves the chance to build themselves a better future! Whakawhiti will support your young people to do this"
Whakawhiti Mentoring Services (WMS) aims to fill a significant gap in youth mental health support. While practical mentoring can be beneficial, sometimes young people need additional support but find it difficult to engage with a counsellor or therapist. This is where Whakawhiti Mentoring Services steps in. WMS is dedicated to offering individualized guidance to young people and their families/whānau, with a patient, non-judgmental, and person-centered approach that focuses on building strengths.
Tim, the director and mentor of WMS is passionate about helping every individual recognise their innate potential to shape a prosperous future.
For more information, click here or contact WMS on: 02102318567 or email: Whakawhiti.ms@gmail.com
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My Business Starter Programme
Registration closing soon for programme commencing on 1 October
Do you work with disabled people who want to start up their own business? Or maybe you are disabled yourself and have an idea for a business, and, not quite sure whether to go ahead with it or not?
Then don't miss the chance to take part in the last My Business Starter Programme for 2024.
The Disability Business Network are running a starter programme for disabled people who want to be self-employed.
If you’re eligible, the course is free. To find out more, click here or either send an email to the programme’s partners CCS Disability Action at Support@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
or phone 027 213 1820.
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| The Disability Journey into Adulthood |
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| Tuesday 24 September 10am - 12pm |
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Real World Living are hosting a zoom conversation about leaving school, what you need to know and how to make it happen.
Location: via Zoom
RSVP: robyn@realworldliving.co.nz
Meeting ID: 859 8286 0658
Passcode: 000919
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New Zealand Down Syndrome Association: Assume I Can Virtual Conference
3 - 21 October
The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) is excited to invite you to our Assume I Can Virtual Conference, running from the 3rd to the 21st October 2024! This year’s event features over 21 sessions and more than 30 inspiring national and international speakers, making it our largest conference yet
Secure your spot, read the programme, and stay updated at NZDSA's website.
Free registrations open in late September. Click here for the conference flyer.
Spread the word and share this opportunity with friends and colleagues who could benefit from attending.
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InterACT Festival 2024: Stars - Just Shine!
23 - 25 October
InterACT is a free 3 day festival that brings together people with
disabilities from all over Auckland (sometimes from out of Auckland too!),
providing them an opportunity to perform on stage and showcase their
awesome-ness, abilities and talents.
There are also drop in workshops for those
who wish not to go on stage. These include mural painting, various arts and
crafts stations, puppet making, hip hop dancing, clowning and face painting,
just to name a few and many more. It's a good opportunity and chance to try
something new, meet new people and have a great day or two or three out!
When: Wednesday 23 - Friday 25 October 2024
Time: 10am - 2pm
Where: Corbans Estate Arts Centre/Te Pou Theatre (2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland)
Click here for more information, or to register your expression of interest to perform or be part of the InterACT Festival.
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Primary Schools All Abilities Sports Day
7 November 9am - 2:30pm
Halberg, Special Olympics and Beach Haven Primary School are running an all abilities sports day on the 7th of November.
There will be a range of sports and organisations to run multiple sessions throughout the day.
Click here for the event flyer, how to register and for more information about the event.
When: 7th November
Where: Birkenhead College
Time: 9am-2:30pm
Who: For primary school aged children with a disability, impairment, who do not get the opportunity to take part in school sports regularly.
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ATSNZ Disability Expo
Wednesday 6 - Thursday 7 November 2024
In November, Assistive Technologies Suppliers New Zealand will be hosting their 5th ATSNZ Disability Expo in Auckland.
The Expo will:
- Showcase a broad range of assistive technology and lifestyle services to support choice and control for those with disablity, seniors and caregivers.
- Educate visitors in the latest advances in assistive technology and related services, and support the development of their technical skills and knowledge.
- Help people improve their independence, dignity, mental health, physical health and well-being through awareness of assistive technology product and service solutions
Registration is free. Register now online and receive a complimentary drink from the Expo cafe.
When: 6-7 November
Where: Due Drop Event Centre, Manukau
Time: Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm / Thursday 8:30am - 3pm
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Employment opportunities
CCS Disability Action Northern Region currently has a vacancy for a Senior Lead Administrator at our Royal Oak office in Auckland.
To view and apply for this job click here.
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Accessible flat for rent
A two bedroom flat with accessibility features in Avondale is available for rent. The property has an accessible shower, wheelchair access, light switches positioned for convenience. For more information click here for Trademe listing.
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Register your interest to attend a public apology event on 12 November
A public apology to survivors of abuse in care is being held Tuesday 12 November 2025. Survivors of abuse in care and their ‘plus one’ are invited to register their interest to attend a public apology event at Parliament or at one of the livestream events being held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The Crown Response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry website has information about how to register your interest here. Easy Read information can be found here.
Support is available for the cost of travel/accommodation. Registrations close 30 September.
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Are funding changes affecting you and your family?
Our friends at Carers NZ would like to hear from people and family carers about whether funding changes have affected your health/disability supports. If you or someone you assist has recently had a new needs assessment or review, please complete our short survey - have your supports increased, decreased, or stayed the same? If supports have decreased, what was the reason, and are they meeting your needs? Having this picture is important right now. Thanks for giving input – we’ll be sharing what we learn by the end of the month. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GYYCHVZ
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Seeking Interviewees for Research on Intellectual / Learning Disabilities in New Zealand
IHC is seeking intellectually/learning disabled people and their families to interview about them about their living situations and employment. They are looking for people in Wellington and surrounds, Auckland, Whanganui and Featherston. See here for more details.
Email shara.turner@ihc.org.nz for further information or to be shortlisted.
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Great information on our website!
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| Thermomix® to Support Disability and Carers – Zoom Information Session - 26 September at 8pm |
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I am looking forward to showing you the amazing Thermomix®! Find out what it is, what it can do and how easy it is to use. Most importantly, how it can help you in your daily life, whether you are caring for somebody with special needs or you are facing your own health or mobility challenges. Learn about the functions and modes that can save you time, money and energy in the kitchen. See how easy it is to plan meals and even order your groceries from one place.
Book here for Zoom Thursday 26 September at 8pm:
https://tinyurl.com/mtypp3zs
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Disability Connect can now receive online donations via credit card. We appreciate any donation from you!
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