Half a million disabled New Zealanders need more assistance

The level of unmet need experienced by disabled people and their families in new data from Stats NZ is damning.  Our CEO, Mike was on 1News last week to share his thoughts on these findings, and the barriers our disability community continue to face.

Click here to read our Facebook post.

Access the full news story on 1News here.

Mike, Denise & Cherie at DSS Consultation events

Mike, Denise and Cherie attended the recent in-person DSS Consultation events. The consultation was a great chance to hear what was going on with the stabilisation of Residential Services, and we heard that there will be some updates end of May with regard to access and funding. It was also a good opportunity to submit our feedback about flexible funding and the assessment process. At the meetings we attended there was a strong consensus that what we need are choices – choices on how we are assessed (in person, by phone, how often, where) and whether we want to have lists of items we can purchase or create goals. Many of the people present wanted the ability to refer to a list for ideas, but not to have an exclusive list of set items and to simply have the flexibility that they had become used to. The events we went to were well attended by both disabled people and family carers – we encourage you to have your say and enjoy the company of other like-minded people.

Scroll down for more details about the DSS Consultation and our draft submission.

Out and about in the community enjoying ‘A Good Life’: Asoka at Illuminate

On Saturday, 1 March Indika and I were at the Illuminate Night Market at Mt. Albert war memorial Hall/grounds. It surely was a ‘happening event’! We had so much fun! Met up with more of the Disability Connect whanau; Denise, Mellissa and Mark, and Robyn and her grandson-who is THE cutest little munchkin! Indika was on stage as the first performer, singing acapella, and then again later - wowing the crowd with his singing. So proud of him and his contribution to the wider world in his own way! Such a joyful event it was!

Asoka at the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Rescare Homes Trust

Indika was invited to sing and entertain at the 30^th Anniversary celebrations of Rescare Homes Trust. Indika did some impromptu MC’ing and sang while Yedellin played on the keyboard. Indika and Yedellin first met at one of the Disability Connect Parents’ support group meetings where we foster family connections and encourage new friendships.

It was heartwarming that Rescare Trust especially chose to invite Yedellin and Indika, who have both got neurodiverse conditions to perform at this event. Big shout out to Kristian Jones (Learning & Development Advisor at Rescare)! A good life is all about knowing what you love to engage in and doing more of it!

Julia at All Disabilities Badminton Open Day

A big shout out to Disability Sports Auckland for hosting an ‘All Disabilities Badminton Open Day’ in February. When mainstream classes don’t seem to work out, these inclusive events give neurodiverse children the opportunity to experience a new sport in a safe and welcoming environment. My little boy couldn’t attend mainstream badminton classes with his brother, so being able to attend this event was just amazing. He came home with the biggest smile, is keen to keep playing if regular classes start and loved his prizes. Thank you Disability Sports Auckland!

Housing

Are you looking for a flat? Have you read Four Go Flatting? Seen Managing Support Staff? Are you ready for the next step?

We are planning to organise a workshop for families wanting to explore flatting with our Board Chair, Colleen Brown. Register your interest by emailing admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz

Don't forget our New Housing Navigation Service
We are also offering a new Disability Housing Navigation Service, first of its kind, here in Auckland. Led and staffed by disabled people and their parents, our free service provides an advisor to support disabled people and their families to research, broker and find a suitable place to live.

Do start early.  If you need help finding a home, email us at: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz with the word "housing" in the subject line or call 09 636 0351.

Understanding Disability Supports in the Community

Understanding Disability Supports in the Community - Wednesday 19 March, 10am-12:30pm at 3a Waipuna Rd, Mt Wellington. Learn more about Disability and Financial Supports available to you and your whanau in home and in community.

To register, email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz

Input Needed from Parents for our April Support Group

Great news! Ainsley Darvell, the founder of Flying Kites will join us for the Parent Support Group in April (Wednesday the 9^th of April, 6pm-8pm), to answer questions and have informal chats about the best use of your funding and finding meaningful things to do for young (or not so young) disabled people. She has a wealth of knowledge from working in the disability sector for almost 20 years and has family lived experience as well.

The structure of the evening will be:

• About 25-30 minutes of tailored presentation based on the questions you have!
• The remaining time is more informal conversations in small groups or one-on-one chats with Ainsley,
• While the rest of the group will have opportunities to do some arts and crafts, play games or chat, and have some refreshments.

Children and young people are welcome to join, please make sure to supervise your disabled person as needed at all times!

Please send us your questions about:

• How to utilise funding best?
• How to navigate big life transitions (leaving school, moving house, etc.)?
• Other questions around navigating the disability sector

Any questions or stories are treated with confidentiality, they will help Ainsley to prepare her talk.

Please send your questions to admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz by the 15^th of March.

Disability Support Services

Community Consultation: 10 February to 24 March

Disability Support Services' community consultation finishes in 2 weeks. Some of our Staff and Board members attended the three sessions in Auckland as well as the provider zoom session. We do need your help by making a submission so the government knows what you want. Even if you have given feedback previously the disability support system won’t change without ongoing input.

Our updated draft submission on our website here. https://disabilityconnect.org.nz/dss-consultation-feedback/

You are most welcome to copy and paste from it to make your own submission. We would also like to know of any changes you think we should have. For more information check out the DSS website which also has this discussion document.

The Big Connect and Online Event to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

This year, Down syndrome communities worldwide are calling on governments to improve support systems for people with Down syndrome and their families. Now is the time to connect, advocate, and take action!

What to Expect at The Big Connect
Expert Panel & Discussion – Hear from a diverse group of experts and leaders as they discuss what a strong, inclusive support system should look like.

When: 21 March 2025

Time: 7pm - 8:30pm via zoom

Link: zoom  Meeting ID: 815 5371 0693  Passcode: 269433

Click here for more information.

A New E-Learning Course on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction

CBM Global, an international member of the World Blind Union, has partnered with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to offer a new e-learning course on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR). This course is designed to help organisations and individuals ensure that persons with disabilities are included in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

This free course is available to anyone interested in improving their approach to disability-inclusive disaster planning. To enrol and learn more, visit the UNDRR website.

Accessible AI Training by My Life My Voice

Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve your life with "My Life My Voice's" introductory lessons, interactive workshops, and personalised 1-on-1 training sessions.

The workshops are designed for disabled people and those supporting them, ensuring accessibility at every step.  Training sessions are run regularly via Zoom and can be booked for groups at a time that suits.

Upcoming dates:

Lesson 1: Monday March 21st, 1-3pm

Lesson 2: Friday March 24th, 1-3pm

Lesson 3: Monday March 28th, 1-3pm

Lesson 4: Monday March 31, 1-3pm

Lesson 5: Friday April 4, 1-3pm

For a limited time, use the discount code MLMV25 for a 25% discount. You might also be able to use your disability support funding to pay for the AI training. Check out their website for more information.

Grant Funding

Wilson Home Trust

The Wilson Home Trust offers a variety of grants dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of children and young adults with physical disabilities, as well as their family.

The next grant funding closing date for Equipment / Activity and Young Adults is on Thursday 13 March 2025. Holiday and Counselling grants can be applied for anytime during the month.

Visit the website to apply: https://wilsonhometrust.org.nz/grants/

For more information, please contact Wilson Home Trust on 09 488 0126 or email info@wilsonhometrust.org.nz

Public Consultation is Now Open for Auckland’s Annual Plan 2025/2026

Auckland Council’s Plan is now open for consultation. 

Consultation is open until 11:59pm on Friday, 28 March.

Have your say and advocate for a more accessible Auckland with infrastructure and events that support disabled people and their families to thrive.

Click here for more details.

The Survivor Experiences Service

The Survivor Experiences Service offer two services for disabled survivors and whānau: sharing experiences of abuse in care, and records support.

Contact details:

Phone (NZ): 0800 456 090 (8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday)

Email: contact@survivorexperiences.govt.nz OR records2@survivorexperiences.govt.nz (for records support)

Text (NZ): 8328

Click here for more information.

Our Journey of A Young Adult with Autism and Beyond

by Dr. Saad Al-Harran

Dr. Saad Al-Harran shares the story of his son who was severely bullied in one of the high schools in Palmerston North and the decision taken to create the business of Green House.

Click here to read a summary of the book.  It is available on Amazon.

Dr. Saad Al-Harran is keen to connect with Arabic & Muslim Group families and their young adults with special needs.  Email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz if you would like to connect with him.