Transition Expo is back for another year. Save the date in your calendar now, so that you don't miss out.
📅 Wednesday, 9 September 2026
🕘 9:00am - 2:00pm
📍 Auckland Netball Centre, St Johns
This popular in person event happens once a year and is for school leavers with a disability and their families to explore post school options and new opportunities. Entry is free.
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Draft Carers Strategy Action Plan - Have your Say at Disability Connect
Workshop - Thursday 12 February 2026
We are hosting a community engagement session for The draft Carers' Action Plan and we would love our wonderful family carers to come along and share their thoughts to help us form our submission.
Light refreshments and finger food will be available.
🕘 11:00am-12:30pm
📍 Disability Connect, 3b Olive Road, Penrose.
The draft plan focuses on 3 outcome areas for carers:
- Recognition and appreciation
- Health and well-being
- Financial security.
To register please email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz.
Consultation runs until March 12th, 2026 and details on how to submit your feedback and other sessions can be found on the MSD website.
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"Back to School" event in Manurewa
Denise was present at the "Back to School" event in Manurewa last week. It was a great opportunity for us to connect with new families and adults with disabilities. The brightness of the sunshine muted by the smiles on everyone's faces. There were many stallholders from Te Whatu Ora and other organisations promoting the health and well-being of tamariki.
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EGL (Enabling Good Lives) in Action for Indika and his family
Asoka's son Indika, is neurodiverse and needs constant care and supervision. In spite of this, he has been able to make a delightful contribution to the community with his talents in singing and voice narration. Indika and his family believe that a good life, as defined by the EGL principles, focuses on ordinary life outcomes that enable people with disabilities to live a good and meaningful life of their own choice and are happy that he is making a positive contribution to the community. You can watch him singing and signing the popular Māori “Pepeha” song here. ‘Storytime with Indi’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi04SSWOXZs
Enabling Good Lives is a socio-political movement and a practical framework guiding disabled people and their families to aim high to achieve their dreams and live fulfilling lives of their own choice. There are 8 guiding principles that will help you create a vision, navigate life and focus on how to achieve what is important to the disabled person.
- Self-determination: Control over life.
- Beginning early: Early investment in families.
- Person-centred: Tailored supports.
- Ordinary life outcomes: Living life like everyone else in the community
- Mainstream first: Using community resources.
- Mana enhancing: Respecting abilities.
- Easy to use: Simple and flexible systems.
- Relationship building: Strengthening community links
You can read more about EGL here: Supporting disabled people that offers greater choice and control over supports
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- Govt.nz is your guide to finding and using government services. It will help you find information on services available and direct you to official websites.
- Keep up to date with events happening around Auckland with the weekly "Our Auckland" newsletter.
- IHC Media is a digital platform with content for and by people with intellectual disabilities. It’s a place to have fun, learn new skills, share ideas, and make friends from across Aotearoa. IHC Media also offers free weekly online live sessions, open to everyone.
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Disability Connect Seminars and Workshops
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| Planning for Adulthood |
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📅 Wednesday, 11 March
🕘 11:00am - 2:00pm
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
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| Education Legal Issues |
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📅 Wednesday, 25 March
🕘 11:30am - 2:00pm
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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Disability Connect Support Groups
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| Zoom Parents Support Group |
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Zoom Parents Support Group
📅 Every Monday
🕘 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Open to anyone seeking advice or support for parenting, upcoming Needs Assessments or anything in-between the Zoom Support Group is for you! |
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| Parent Support Group |
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📅 Wednesday, 11 February
🕘 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Topic: Valentines Day Social & Creative Journal Making
Facilitators: Asoka & Mike
Presenter: Cherie Cawdron (Disability Connect)
Location: Mt Richmond Special School, 30 Albion Road, Otahuhu
Click here 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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📅Thursday, 18 February
🕘10:00am - 1:00 pm
Topic: Chinese New Year - Scented Candle Making
Facilitator & Presenter: Yoky Yao (Disability Connect)
Location: Anchorage Park Community House, 16 Swan Crescent, Pakuranga.
Click here for English flyer.
Click here for Chinese flyer.
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Understanding IEPs for Children with Vision Impairment
Register now for the online IEP Workshop for Children with Vision Impairment on 11 February. Two sessions available:
🕘10:00am; or
🕘7:00pm
In this workshop, Rosemary from PVI will explain what an Individual Education Plan is, how it works in schools, and how families can confidently advocate for their child’s learning needs. The session offers practical tips, useful support information, and a welcoming space for questions.
For more details, email rosemary@pvi.org.nz or register here: Form
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Total Mobility Consultation - Online Public Consultation Sessions
The Government has announced changes to Total Mobility funding settings to ensure the continued financial viability of the scheme.
Your voice matters — many families rely on Total Mobility for work, school, healthcare, therapy, activities, and everyday errands. Sharing your experience through the consultation can help shape a fair and effective system.
The Ministry of Transport is holding two online consultation sessions via Microsoft Teams:
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Thursday 19 February 2026, 12:30 – 2:00pm
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Thursday 26 February 2026, 5:00 – 6:30pm
To attend, email TotalMobilityReview@transport.govt.nz.
You can also read the consultation documents and submit feedback online: Proposals to strengthen Total Mobility | Ministry of Transport
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My Business Starter Programme
The Disability Business Network, in partnership with CCS Disability Action, is offering the My Business Starter Programme for disabled New Zealand residents aged 18+. Over nine weeks, participants create a short business plan in a fun, supportive online setting. The programme is free and available nationwide — all that’s needed is WiFi and access to Zoom.
A few spaces remain for the next programme starting Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
For more information, visit their website: My Business Starter — CCS Disability Action, email: support@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz or phone/text: 027 213 1820
If you’re interested in this course, you may want to listen to a recent radio interview with the course facilitators Sandra Budd, Selwyn Cook, and Julie Woods. They were invited to join Jeff Harford on Otago Access Radio’s OARsome Morning Show. 23-01-2026 - My Business Starter Programme - Selwyn Cook, Sandra Budd, Julie Woods
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Success in School: For Children Who Learn Differently
Hosted by Auckland Down Syndrome Association
he Success in School 2-day workshop is run twice a year in March and July/August.
Providing detailed information, practical guidance, and strategies for educating students with Down syndrome and other special learning needs.
Next Workshop:
📅2 & 3 March 2026
🕘 8:45am – 2:30pm each day
📍 Via Zoom
Click here for the flyer, or visit their website for more information about pricing and registration.
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Soaring Beyond School workshops
Flying Kites are hosting 1:1 coaching for disabled and neurodivergent learners (aged 15-22 years), who live in Otara/Papatoetoe, Puketapapa and/or Tauranga. If you want to start planning for your future contact: robyn@flyingkites.org.nz |
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FREE 1:1 Support Navigation Sessions
Feeling stuck navigating disability support in Aotearoa? Flying Kites is offering free 1:1 online support sessions to help you work through one specific issue and create a clear plan forward.
These personalised sessions can help with:
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Leaving school and transition planning
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Understanding needs assessments (NASC)
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Individualised Funding (IF)
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Work and Income support
Available to whānau in the Auckland region, with two focused sessions per person. For more information, click here.
👉 Register your interest: Flying Kites Support Sessions (online)
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| Disability Sport Auckland |
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| Term 1 Registrations Now Open |
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Disability Sport Auckland offer a wide range of activities (including Swimming, Inclusive Sports Club, Boccia, Athletics, Table Tennis and much more) with sessions running six days a week. Check out their website for what is available and register now!
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🌊 ASD Super Swimmers – Ōtāhuhu Pool
ASD Super Swimmers is a free, inclusive swimming programme for children aged 5–12 on the autism spectrum or with additional needs. The programme focuses on water safety, confidence, and enjoyment in a supportive, small-group setting.
📅 Thursdays, 4pm start
📍 Ōtāhuhu Pool & Leisure Centre
💧 Cost: Free
📞 Contact Roseanne – ROA@clmnz.co.nz | 09 276 8207
Spaces are currently full, but families are encouraged to enquire about future sessions. Visit the website here: ASD Super Swimmers | Ōtāhuhu Pool & Leisure Centre
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Soft Sensory Reset with Messy Rainbows
Soft Sensory Reset is a peaceful, neurodivergent-friendly space designed for adults (16+) who need a moment to breathe, regulate, and gently unwind. Step into dim lighting, soft background sounds, and calming corners created to soothe the senses rather than overwhelm them.
📅 3 February - 24 February
🕘 10:30, 13:00, 19:00
📍 Corban Estate Arts Centre, Te Manawa, Te Atatū Peninsula Community Hub, Rānui Library
🎟️ Free — part of the PrideFest Out West programme.
👉 Get tickets and more info: https://aucklandpride.ssboxoffice.com/events/soft-sensory-reset-with-messy-rainbows/
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🏏 CricStars – Inclusive Cricket for Kids
CricStars is a fun, free cricket programme for children and young people aged 5–21 with disabilities. Sessions focus on skill development, confidence, and enjoyment in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
📅 6 sessions - Sundays - 14 February to 21 March
⏰ 10:00am - 11:00am
📍 Ellerslie Cricket Club, Michaels Ave Reserve
Visit their website for more information, or register here: Register | PlayHQ
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Accessible Gymnastics
The Accessible Gymnastics class provides a supportive, inclusive environment for people with learning difficulties or disabilities to move, play, and build confidence at their own pace. Trained coaches offer hands‑on assistance, and parents or supervisors are welcome to participate alongside their person.
📅Tuesdays, 24 Feb, 3 Mar, 10 Mar, 17 Mar, 24 Mar
🕘11:30am – 12:30pm
📍CLM Mt Albert
Click here for a copy of the flyer.
Contact MtAlbertGymnastics@clmnz.co.nz to reserve a spot.
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🐠 Sensory Morning at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s
A special Sensory Morning is being held at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium in Auckland. The venue opens early for a quieter, calmer experience with reduced lights, lower sound, and fewer visitors.
📅 Saturday, 21 March
⏰ 8:00–9:00am
📍 SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, Auckland
🎟️ Free (limited to 100 tickets)
This event is perfect for families and individuals who prefer a gentler visit.
👉 Tickets are available now—grab yours early: Sensory Morning at Sealife Kelly Tarlton's!
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Halberg Games 2026
Registration for the Halberg Games is now open, and excitement is already building. Don't miss this unforgettable weekend of sport, friendship, and celebration.
📅 Friday 10 April – Sunday 12 April
📍Kings College
Eligibility: Ages 8–21 - Young people with a physical or visual impairment
Organisations and families are encouraged to register early to secure a place.
Register here: Halberg Games Registration
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🎨 Artland Experience for Blind & Low Vision Visitors — Auckland Art Gallery
Blind and low vision visitors or all ages are invited to join a special free Artland experience at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki — explore Do Ho Suh & children’s interactive sculpture, enjoy audio description, and create your own creature to add to the collaborative artwork.
📅 Monday, 20 April 2026
📍 Te Aka Matua | Creative Learning Centre
💬 Limited to 20 people — RSVP by emailing ellie.lim@aucklandartgallery.com
🎟️ Free event, companions welcome.
Click here for more information.
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Your voice matters!
Make your voices count - participate in important research and surveys:
📝 Have Your Say: Franklin Community Survey: Auckland Council and the Franklin Local Board want to hear from older people (65+), families, carers, and those who support older people across Franklin. The survey asks about access to everyday services and places, what’s working well, what could be improved, and how you stay connected in your community: Designing the future for older people in Franklin - Check out the Carers Strategy Action Plan consultation and event dates here.
- 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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Disability Connect can now receive online donations via credit card. We appreciate any donation from you! |
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