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Welcome 2025! May your heart be full, your mind be clear, and your journey be filled with joy this new year!
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| Access to Banking Services |
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"When I go to the bank, I go in hypervigilant, just waiting for that barrage of questions."
Our own Denise and Mike were on 1News last week to talk about how tough it is to access banking services in New Zealand.
We've been advocating on behalf of disabled people, their parents and whānau to the industry. We're glad to see some progress in Westpac's Disability and Inclusion in Banking Report, and their call on other banks to start making improvements too.
Watch or read the story here: https://www.1news.co.nz/.../calls-to-make-banking-more.../
Click here to access the Westpac NZ Disability and Inclusion in Banking Report.
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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 the Zoom Support Group is for you! Robyn would love to meet and chat about anything that is important to you.
- Parent Support Group - Wednesday 12 February, 6-8pm
Topic: Valentines Day Social Evening
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
- Chinese Support Group - Tuesday 18 February, 9:30 - 11am
Topic: Head Flower Wreath Workshop
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
For more Disability Support Groups click here
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Disability Connect Seminars and Workshops
- Education Legal Issues - Wednesday 5 March, 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.
To register, email: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz
- Planning for Adulthood - Wednesday 12 February, 11am-2pm via Zoom. Learn about Welfare Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Property Management, Wills and how a Trust may be useful.
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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| Framework for Autism in New Zealand (FANZ) |
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| Introductory course about Autism |
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FANZ is two-day programme specifically designed for anyone diagnosed, living or involved with anyone (child or adult) on the autism spectrum, who wants some understanding and practical strategies to enhance the lives and maximise the learning opportunities for those individuals.
This course is offered throughout New Zealand.
Auckland course details -
When: 12 and 13 February
Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Auckland Deaf Society, 16 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough
Register for the course by clicking here
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| The Disability Journey into Adulthood |
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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
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Tuesday, 11 March |
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10am - 12pm
Click here for flyer.
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Thursday, 13 March |
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12:30-2:30pm
Click here for flyer.
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Thursday, 20 March |
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6:30-8:30pm
Click here for flyer.
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| 10-week Brain Injury Peer Support Programme |
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Making Headway is a 10-week Facilitated Peer Support Programme where individuals with brain injuries share lived experiences, connect, and grow together. The programme will enable participants to:
- Build meaningful, supportive relationships.
- Develop skills to navigate life with a brain injury.
- Discover ways to engage in community opportunities.
Registrations are open now for Term 1, 2025. The programme is delivered at various locations across Auckland.
Click here for the flyer, or visit the website for more information.
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| AI Training & Workshops |
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My Life My Voice are excited to announce that their online AI Training and Workshops are now open to the general public! This is your chance to learn how AI can empower you.
Why Join?
The training sessions are designed to help you:
- Boost productivity and simplify your daily life with AI tools like ChatGPT.
- Make work and home more accessible using smart technology.
- Learn safe and effective ways to harness AI’s power.
Click here for more information or to register.
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| Success in School |
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| Auckland Down Syndrome Association |
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Registrations are now open for the Auckland Down Syndrome Association Success in School workshop on 3 & 4 March 2025.
This is a 2 day workshop for educators (and whānau) of children with Down Syndrome and other learning challenges.
Please spread the word to all educators - teachers, learning support workers, SENCO's, Outreach teachers, Ministry staff, parents, grandparents, carers! Full details including course registration, timetable, and presenter list can be found here.
Click here for the event flyer.
If you would like more information on the course content, please contact Paula (clo@adsa.org.nz)
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| Neurodivergent Sex Education |
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| Ages 18-35 |
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Blossom Psychology are launching a Neurodivergent Sex Education Program designed for individuals aged 18–35. This 8-week program will focus on accessible, clear, and adapted
content to support understanding and empowerment.
When: Tuesdays (start date 25 February)
Time: 2:30 - 3:30pm
Location: Pt Chev Community Centre
Cost: $600 + GST
Click here for the flyer. To register, email: veronica@blossompsychology.co.nz by 11 February.
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| Important update on Be.Lab |
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Be.Lab have advised that they will be ceasing operations in March 2025 due to the loss of government funding and a challenging funding landscape.
Be.Lab’s impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s accessibility journey has been profound, thanks to visionary leaders who helped build an organisation that has transformed lives.
Over the years, Be.Lab have led a wonderful program of disability employment support and tertiary student internship placements and are proud of the opportunities for career development they have provided for their candidates.
While Be. Lab may be closing, the momentum and legacy it leaves behind will continue to inspire change.
Thank you Be.Lab for everything you have done.
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| Crop Swap Pukekohe |
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Crop Swap is a group for backyard gardeners, food foragers, seed savers, preservers and lovers of all things home-grown to share surplus goodness from their gardens with like-minded others.
Everyone brings a basket of anything surplus from the garden / home-grown – you just share what you have an abundance of and come away with something you might not have in your own garden.
When: Saturday, 1 February 2025
Time: 1:30pm - 3pm
Where: The Stevenson Room, upstairs above the library at Franklin the Centre, Massey Ave, Pukekohe
For more information, email: cropswappukekohe@gmail.com
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| “Breaking Barriers” Disability Day |
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| Kyaking Day Camp |
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Disability should not be a 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 Club invite you to join them for a fun day of kayaking and other activities.
Event is open to the Community and not restricted to low vision.
When: Saturday, 1 February 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: Vector Wero Whitewater Park, 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104
Cost: Free for the participant
Click here for a copy of the flyer. For enquiries and to register your space, please email: ainiekwok@gmail.com
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| Disability Sports Auckland |
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Disability Sport Auckland have now opened up registrations for their Term 1 programmes and events.
Check out what they have to offer here.
If you have any questions, email: maria@disabilitysportauckland.co.nz
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| Glass Ceiling Arts Collective |
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| Radically Inclusive Performing Arts Classes 2025 |
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Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is taking enrolments for 2025. Classes start in February.
Glass Ceiling is a safe space for disabled and non-disabled people to express themselves through performing arts.
Spots are limited. Click here for more information or to register.
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| Rhythm for the Soul |
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| Interactive Drumming Sessions with Chewy |
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For people with disabilities (16 and over). These sessions are designed to teach life skills through play-based learning whilst having loads of fun!
4 options available:
All sessions start Monday 3rd / Tuesday 4th of February.
Click here for the flyer. For more information or to make a booking, contact Chewy on: 0274 334 627 or email chewydrummer@hotmail.com
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| Dance Classes for People with Disabilities |
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A 1.5-hour interactive and specialised Dance Class for people with disabilities.
The purpose of this class is to create a community where students with disabilities can thrive and learn from Georgia (a dance teacher and teacher aide) and also one another. You will celebrate wins and overcome challenges together. Georgia is passionate about creating a safe place for everyone to feel like a star.
Classes will operate at the same time as the 2025 term dates.
The first class will be on Wednesday, 5 February 2025 at Empire Studios, 2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn.
Click here for more information or to register for this class. You can also email: Georgiakendelle@gmail.com
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| Free Outdoor Tai Chi Lessons |
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| For blind or low vision |
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Exciting opportunity to learn Tai Chi with Joceyln Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi.
When: Four consecutive Sundays in February and March:
- 16 February
- 23 February
- 2 March
- 9 March
Time: 10:15am - 11am
Where: Cornwall Park - under the trees on the left-hand side about halfway up Pōhutukawa Drive
Click here for more information about the event, what to wear / bring and cancellation notices.
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| Illuminate - A Night Market with a Twist! |
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Recreate NZ proudly presents the Illuminate Night Market, a night market with a twist, where all stallholders & performers come from a disability background or community that actively challenges the status quo.
When: Saturday, 1 March
Time: 5-9pm
Where: Mt Albert War Memorial Hall and Reserve
Click here for the flyer and here for more information.
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| Colour Dash |
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An event for all - accessible and inclusive!
Participants, known as Dashers, begin the race in white attire and get covered in a spectrum of colours throughout their dash. By the end, everyone is a moving canvas of bright hues.
After the dash, there will be the Colour Carnival featuring music, dancing, fun activities, photo ops and a sausage sizzle.
When: Sunday, 9 March
Where: Ngataringa Sports Fields, Devonport
Click here for more details and to purchase your tickets.
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| Show Your Ability 2025 |
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| New Zealand's Premier Annual Disability Equipment Show |
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Free entry to all visitors.
On display are all kinds of equipment for disabled people and older persons care equipment.
When: Monday, 10 March
Time: 9am - 3pm
Where: Eventfinda Stadium, 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley, Auckland
Register at the show to go into the draw to win an iPad
Click here for a copy of the event flyer.
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A call out to homeowners who were affected by the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023
With the second anniversary of the flood events fast approaching, it’s an opportune time to raise the awareness that “Homeowners have up to 2 years from the date of any natural hazard event to lodge a claim for damage"
Natural Hazards commission is asking anyone who has not yet made a claim for property damage to call their insurer ASAP.
Click here for Facebook comms and here for more information about natural hazards cover.
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State of Caring - Carers, have your say
More than a million New Zealanders care for family members / whānau who are unwell, frail, or have a health condition or disability. Yet family carers often feel invisible, taken for granted in their role. If this sounds like you, and you’d like to add your voice, Carers NZ would like to hear from you, through their State of Caring survey. Your input will help them understand how carers are doing, how you can be better supported, and guide advocacy efforts for better outcomes.
Carers NZ would love to hear from as many of you as possible, to build a better picture of how caring affects different people. The anonymised results of this survey will be published later this year.
Participants who provide contact details can enter a draw to win vouchers. To find out more or take part, click on the link State of Caring survey
Please note that this survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
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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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| Kylee & Co: Accessible works for everyone – it just makes sense! |
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Kylee & Co is a platform created by the disability community, for everyone, offering accessible products that blend functionality, style, and fun. Founded by Kylee Black and supported by a group of peers, the business promotes accessible products for everyday living. Kylee & Co is designed for individuals, families, and medical professionals who require practical and accessible solutions, while also creating opportunities for vendors to sell their products and reach a wider audience.
Beyond products, Kylee & Co is a space for growth, connection, and opportunity. It also supports those looking to make a difference by offering mentoring, business opportunities, and pathways to employment. The platform is dedicated to breaking down barriers and destigmatising accessibility, helping individuals discover solutions they may not have known existed. Kylee & Co aims to empower, encourage, educate, and equip showing that accessible works for everyone – it just makes sense!
To find out more about Kylee & Co, visit their website here: https://linktr.ee/Kyleeandco
Use code DISABILITYCONNECT to get 10% off your order. Kylee & Co will also donate 5% of your order total back to Disability Connect. Valid until 30th January 2025. T&C apply.
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Disability Connect can now receive online donations via credit card. We appreciate any donation from you!
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