Cherie: 1news Story on New Zealand's Disabled Housing Crisis

Cherie was recently invited to share her personal journey highlighting the severe lack of suitable housing options for people with high needs — a struggle her son Mitchell knows all too well.

Watch and read the full story to gain insight into the growing crisis facing disabled New Zealanders seeking safe, appropriate accommodation.

Using Your Voice - Session 1

Thank you to everyone who attended the first session of the Using Your Voice workshop series. Presenters Cherie, Denise, and Robyn explored the concept of self-advocacy, shared relevant legislation, and offered personal stories of advocating for their disabled family members.

Don’t miss out on the rest of this powerful series, hearing from people who have had success!
Register now for Sessions 2 and 3 on Thursday 9^th October 6:30pm and Thursday 29^th October 6:30pm - more details here.

Out in the Community

Our Community Advisors were out and about at the Manurewa Expo and Hā Ora 2025 Ki Ōtara, engaging with whānau and making meaningful connections. These events always bring a real sense of energy and excitement to our team.

Hosting a community event? We’d love to be part of it!

If you’ve got something coming up, drop us a line via email or give us a call. We can arrange for one of our friendly Community Information Advisors to attend and support whānau with helpful information as they navigate the disability space.

Me mahi ngātahi tātou kia whakakaha ake i ō tātou hapori! Let’s work together to empower our communities!

Email: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz / Phone : 09 636 0351

Message from Kaikaranga

Working Together to Inform the Community

At our request, Kaikaranga is commencing to share updates and messages direct to Disability Connect members from time to time through our popular fortnightly e-newsletter.

Choosing a Provider:

We’re often asked for tips about providers, such as who to choose, which one is the best for their needs, and what to look for. The truth is, the choice is completely yours. We’re here to give you as much information as possible, but it’s also important to do your own research and check things out for yourself. We have a list of contracted providers on our website, all of whom are contracted by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) through Disability Support Services (DSS).

It can help to explore provider websites, check out their social media pages, and talk to others who’ve been in similar situations. Talking to your DIAS helps too.

When you contact a provider, explain what kind of support you need, the times that work best, and the type of support worker who would suit your family. It might not always be possible for a provider to meet every request exactly, so it’s good to be flexible and explore options that come close to what you need.

We also suggest picking at least two contracted providers, so you have a backup if your first choice isn’t available. Once you’re ready to get your new support in place, get in touch with us and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

If you decide to change providers, it usually takes around two weeks to complete the process, with a few extra days to confirm support arrangements and get services started. It’s really important to remember that this may mean you will be without supports in between, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and arrange temporary support if needed.

If you ever have concerns about your provider, it’s best to raise it with them straight away. All contracted providers are expected to have clear ways to respond to feedback or complaints, and if you’re not sure how to go about it, we can help.

For more information visit the website: https://kaikaranga.org.nz/news/how-to-choose-a-provider/

Our Journey to a Good Life & AGM Wednesday 15th October 2025

Join us on 15 October for a special evening with Ed Collett from Air New Zealand followed by our AGM.

Ed will talk about his personal connection to the disability community. He is a father to two disabled children (one 21 with Autism and 19 with Cerebral Palsy). Ed and his wife Abby have navigated the New Zealand health, disability, school, ORS systems and are now starting the journey into adulthood. Their journey has been one of resilience, love and leadership that has inspired Ed to champion inclusion at Air New Zealand and influence change on a global scale.

Following this, we’ll share our Impact Report for 2024–25 as part of our Annual General Meeting. We promise to keep it short and informative.

Refreshments will be provided. Admission is free.

📅Wednesday, 15 October 
🕙 7pm
📍In person 3b Olive Rd Penrose and online via Zoom

RSVP: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz if coming in person OR to receive a zoom link.

Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month with the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association

Hear from speakers across Aotearoa and around the world.  Explore ways to improve support and enhance lives.

The conference includes sessions for:

• People with Down syndrome
• Parents and whānau
• Professionals supporting the community

Dates: 3 – 21 October
Weekday lunchtime: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Evening sessions: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday sessions: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Note: Sessions are not recorded – register early!
Free registration for all participants.

See the attached programme and register here.

Connect, learn, and be part of this exciting event!

Helping To Hear & Be Heard: Free Parent Webinar

Families of children with Autism, speech challenges, non-speaking communication, or APD are invited to a free webinar exploring two assistive tools—Soundsory® and Forbrain®.

Learn how these tools support listening, regulation, and speech clarity, with practical examples and guidance for families.

📅 Wednesday, 8 October
🕙 7:30pm
📍 Online via Zoom (link provided after registration)

Register here

These tools offer more than tech—they offer hope and connection.

Care Matters - Free workshop for Family and Whānau Carers – West Auckland

Care Matters invites family and whānau carers to attend a free workshop in West Auckland, designed by carers, for carers.

These workshops offer a chance to: connect with other carers, access up-to-date support and resources, share experiences and build practical skills.

📅 Choose a session that suits you:

• Tuesday 15 October, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Wednesday 16 October, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

📍 West Auckland (details provided upon registration)
🗓️ Last day to book: 10 October 2025

Each workshop is tailored to the group’s requests.

Register here, or contact Tina@carematters.org.nz

The Disability Journey into Adulthood - Free Online Sessions

Planning for life after school? The Disability Journey into Adulthood series is here to help! These free, 2-hour online sessions offer practical advice on transitioning from school, living options, transport, funding, and more.

📅 Multiple dates available:

Tuesday, 21 October: 10am - 12pm
Thursday, 30 October: 6.30 - 8:30pm

💻 Free to attend via Zoom

Register for a session here. More details can be found on Facebook.

Moving Out – Free Resource to Support Disabled People Leaving Home

Flying Kites has launched Moving Out, a free in-depth online planning tool to support disabled people and their support teams as they prepare for a change in living situation. Step by step, it covers everything from exploring housing options and planning how to live with others, to assessing risks and putting the right supports in place.

To help people make the most of the resource, Flying Kites is also running a series of workshops in October. These events give disabled people and their families a chance to connect with others, share experiences, and get started using the resource together.

Click on the links to access the free resource or to register for a workshop.

#YesToAccessNZ

Touch Compass have launched #YesToAccessNZ 

Access is a Right, not an Invite.

“Inclusion” makes it sound like disabled people are guests. Invited in to places and spaces shut off from us. We’re not guests. We’re here. Always have been. We demand Access.

For more information or to follow this 'movement', visit the Touch Compass website or Facebook.

Auckland Special Children's Christmas Party - Ticket Request

The annual Auckland Special Children's Christmas Party is taking place on Saturday, 13th of December at The ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, and runs from 11.30am until 2pm.

The party is for children with challenges, (e.g. disability) and is an invitation only event.  One invitation entitles one child plus parent / caregiver to attend the day (the accompanying adult does not require an invitation).

Invitations are issued only to children meeting the criteria (not siblings).

To request tickets, please complete the online form here.  Registration cut off is Friday, 7 November.

You will be notified by email if your ticket request has been processed.

🎵 Interactive Drumming with Chewy – Rhythm for the Soul 🎵 For people with disabilities (16+)

Fun, play-based drumming sessions designed to build life skills, confidence, and connection!

Session Options:

Monday – Fortnightly
📍 Sandringham | 10:30–11:30am | $20 + GST
📍 Milford | 1:30–2:30pm | $20 + GST

Tuesday – Weekly (Full-term booking only)
📍 Takapuna | 10:30–11:30am | $160 + GST (8 weeks)
📍 Papatoetoe | 1:00–2:00pm | $160 + GST (8 weeks)

Click here for more information.  

Book now – spaces are limited!
Contact Chewy: 0274 334 627 | chewydrummer@hotmail.com

LFT Gym Programme – Now Open for Registrations!

The LFT Gym Programme is a physical activity and strength-building initiative designed to support individuals living with physical disabilities to improve their health, mobility, and overall wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment. 

Thanks to the generosity of grant providers, it allows accessible gym participation for clients who would otherwise face financial and physical barriers to accessing fitness facilities.  

Two new sessions have just opened up at ABI Epsom - it's a great opportunity for people looking for some exercise/gym sessions.

Click here for more information or you can register your interest completing their registration form.

Rock of Ages – Youth Edition Hits West Auckland!

Glass Ceiling Arts Collective’s West Auckland class proudly presents Rock of Ages Youth Edition – a high-energy musical packed with iconic 80s rock anthems, reimagined for young performers.

📅 Dates & Times:

• Thursday 9 October – 7:30 PM
• Friday 10 October – 7:30 PM
• Saturday 11 October – 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM

📍 Te Pou Theatre, Corban Estate Arts Centre, Henderson

Click here to purchase tickets.

“Breaking Barriers” Disability Day for Physically Challenged and Low Vision Community

Disability should not be barrier to new experiences and interactions with other young adults.

In partnership with Auckland University Canoe Club and qualified instructors from Vector Wero Whitewater Park, Rotary Clubs around District 9920 are hosting a FREE day of kayaking and inclusive outdoor fun.

🗓 Saturday, 11 October
🕛 11am to 4pm
📍 Vector Wero Whiteware Park, 770 Great South Road, Wiri

Any questions, please email ainiekwok@gmail.com

Space is limited to 30 on first come first served basis.

Flyer here. Click here to register.

Biketober TryaCycle Event

Hop on for a day of FREE adaptive cycling fun! Everyone is welcome to come and explore all kinds of adaptive bikes.

There will be a specific tandem workshop for riders with a vision impairment. Cycling NZ, Blind Sport NZ, with support from BLENNZ will be running the workshops to explain how to be the pilot (rider at the front), how to be the stoker (rider at the back), communication skills, routes to use, and information on Tandem Cycling as a high performance sport. Equipment provided. Experienced volunteers to help.

Whether you're curious, keen to improve, or want to support someone to ride, come along!

🗓 Saturday, 18 October
🕛 10am - 2:30pm
📍 Manurewa Table Tennis Club

Click here for more information or to register.  Facebook event link here.

Family Carer? We See You!

More than a million New Zealanders support a friend or family member who is frail, unwell, or has a long-term health condition or disability.

Caring for a loved one is a common experience for many of us during our lives, but a recent survey completed by 1700 carers shows that 92% feel invisible and unvalued. That’s why national not for profit Carers NZ and the Carers Alliance of 60 national NFPs are spotlighting carers and their important unpaid role with We See You on 29 October.

Please support our carers by signing a petition seeking improved recognition and wellbeing support for them at https://wecare.nz

Youth Advisory Group – Apply Now!

The National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing is looking for young people (16–25) to join its Youth Advisory Group (YAG) - an initiative that empowers young people to shape the future of services, advocacy, and community engagement for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth across Aotearoa.

The YAG are currently seeking expressions of interest from youth across Aotearoa who are passionate about making a difference.

Complete your Expression of Interest Form by Friday, 24 October.

Free Wheelchair Available – Generously Donated by Occupational Therapist Adrian

Our Occupational Therapist friend, Adrian is kindly offering an unused wheelchair with cushion and pump for free. Details below:

• Invacare A1 wheelchair. 400mmW x 420mmD x 380mmH.
• Comes with a ROHO cushion and pump. High quality resource for anyone with high pressure care needs.
• This is a rigid frame wheelchair, so it is not foldable. The wheels come off easily for transport. The benefit of the rigid frame is it is lightweight and easier to manoeuve.

Click here for more photos. Email Adrian directly if you are interested.

Flatmate Wanted - Accessible Home in Avondale

A 20 year old woman with cerebral palsy is seeking a flatmate to share her fully accessible 3-bedroom home in Avondale.

She is non-verbal but communicates well through gestures and signs, and has a great sense of humour. She uses a wheelchair and moves independently around the house, with 24/7 care in place.

The fully accessible home is designed to meet her needs and offers the right flatmate:

🛏️ A spacious double room with its own ensuite.
🏡 A house that features flat access, a double garage, and a sunny garden.

Click here for more photos.  If you think this could be a good fit or would like to learn more, please get in touch.  Contact Megan – 021 501 782

Looking For A Friendly, Respectful Flatmate - Patumahoe, Auckland

A 30-year-old woman born with Down Syndrome is seeking a companion flatmate to share her home. She's independent, friendly, and enjoys being part of a household. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who values a supportive and inclusive living environment.

• Master bedroom with adjacent private bathroom.
• Rent: $200/week + shared expenses.
• Home: Cozy 3-bedroom home located in Patumahoe.
• Ideal flatmate: Kind, patient, considerate, reliable and responsible, social. A working professional or student.
• Pets: Allowed with approval.

To express your interest or arrange a viewing, please contact Mickey at mickey.atkins101@gmail.com

Accessible Voting Support for Auckland’s Local Elections

Everyone has the right to participate in Auckland’s Local Elections. To help make that possible, Auckland Council is providing a range of services and resources to support disabled communities across the region.

Click here to find out more about Accessible Voting Support and here if you need help to vote.