Every child is an artist - let's celebrate their creativity!
We are proud to showcase some artwork from our own children this week. If you would like to see your child's artwork in our newsletter or on our website, please email us at: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Asoka at the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Rescare Homes Trust
Indika was invited to sing and entertain at the 30th 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!
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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!
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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.
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Disability Connect Support Groups
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Zoom Parents Support Group |
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Zoom Parents Support Group - Every Monday 7-8pm Open to anyone seeking advice or support for parenting, upcoming Needs Assessments or anything in-between the Zoom Support Group is for you! Robyn would love to meet and chat about anything that is important to you.
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Parent Support Group |
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Parent Support Group - Wednesday 12 March, 6-8pm Topic: Move and Dance with Bex! Explore the joy and benefits of creative movement and dance with Dance Movement Therapist - Bex. No dance experience needed! Facilitator: Zsuzsa Szabadi Location: Mt Richmond Specialist School, 30 Albion Road, Ōtāhuhu Click for a copy of the flyer To register, email us at: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
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Chinese Support Group |
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Chinese Support Group - Tuesday 18 March, 10am - 12pm Topic: Building a Secure Circle of Connection with Our Child - informative talk by Ms. Oi-Kuen tam, a child psychotherapist and counsellor. Mandarin will be the main language for this session. Facilitator: Yoky Yao Location: Logan Campbell Building, Auckland Botanic Gardens You can find a copy of our flyer in English, or Chinese To register, email us at: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
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Disability Connect Seminars and Workshops
- Planning for Adulthood - Thursday 27 March, 6:30pm-9:30pm via Zoom. Learn about Welfare Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Property Management, Estate Planning, Wills and how a Trust may be useful.
To register, email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz - Education Legal Issues - Monday 9 June, 11:30am-2pm via Zoom. 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.
To register, email: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
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Please note some seminars do have a fee. Please let us know if this is a barrier to being able to attend. |
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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 9th 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 15th of March.
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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.
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The Disability Journey into Adulthood |
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
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Tuesday, 11 March |
10am - 12pm
Click here for flyer. |
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Thursday, 13 March |
12:30-2:30pm
Click here for flyer. |
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Thursday, 20 March |
6:30-8:30pm
Click here for flyer. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sommerville Kōtuitui Parent Expo |
Mark your calendars for this fantastic event. We'll also be there!
When: Saturday, 15 March
Time: 9am - 1:30pm
Location: 80A Tripoli Road, Panmure
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Otahuhu Youth Event |
This event aims to engage and empower our youth in communities.
When: Saturday, 15 March
Time: 11am - 2pm
Location: Otahuhu Town Hall: 10 High Street, Otahuhu |
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ASID Aotearoa NZ Conference |
Date: Monday, 17 March 2025 Time: 9am – 4:40pm Location: Harbourside Function Venue (Shed 22), Wellington Cost: Disabled people / whanau $25, professionals $100/$150
Click here for a copy of the conference flyer. Visit the website for more information and to register. |
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Wilson School Whānau Workshop |
We will be presenting at this event!
When: Thursday, 27 March
Time: 7 - 9pm
Location: Onsite at Wilson School / online via zoom
Click here to register. |
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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
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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.
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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.
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Are you a disabled person not playing sport? |
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The University of Waikato need the voices of disabled people from the community, to guide sector changes in coach education.
Click here for more information.
To participate, please contact Kelsey Randrup before the 14th of March. Email: kr309@students.waikato.ac.nz |
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Recent needs assessments and reviews: mapping the trends |
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Carers NZ is gathering trends information so we can see what is happening with reviews and assessments across NZ
If you have any screenshots or photos of emails, messages, or correspondence from your NASC or EGL site about your supports, please email these to info@carers.net.nz
Complete the survey here.
The information you provide will be kept anonymous and it will not be shared with others. |
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Online Safety for Young Disabled People |
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You, your whānau, and support workers (if applicable) are invited to participate in a survey about your experiences navigating online and social media spaces and to learn about the types of training and learning opportunities you would like to see delivered to support young disabled people and their support networks with learning about online and social media safety.
Click here to participate in the survey
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Natalie Robinson: natalie@allisforall.com |
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Your voice matters!
Make your voices heard by signing the petition below:
Carers NZ Petition - Recognise and protect New Zealand’s family, whānau and āiga carers
To have your say, you can also write to your local MP or email us at admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
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Great information on our website!
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CLIPBOARD: Where Innovation Meets Inclusion. Solutions for Everyone, Success for all |
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CLIPBOARD Ltd is disabled-led, driving innovation and tailored support to empower the disability community with inclusive solutions. They provide a wide range of personalised support services, including HR and staff management, life administration, meal planning and personal development support. Their offerings extend to disability support mentoring, coaching and accessible employment opportunities.
Beyond personal support, CLIPBOARD Ltd fosters a hub of disabled-led innovation, offering technology-driven solutions such as smart home integration, IT support, web design, and hosting services. Their business services include accounting and internet solutions, helping companies streamline operations. CLIPBOARD is a major sponsor of our Transition Expo!
Through their commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and sustainable growth, they champion individuals and businesses in achieving success on their own terms
To find out more about CLIPBOARD, visit their website here: https://clipboard.co.nz/
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Disability Connect can now receive online donations via credit card. We appreciate any donation from you! |
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