Disability Connect

Ready for a fun night of Bollywood dancing? Bring your family members of all ages to our next Parent Social Group where we'll learn about Indian culture and some cool dance moves.

Come dressed up or pick an option from our wardrobe to try on at the event. We'll be serving some Indian snacks too!

“I grew up doing Bollywood dance from a young age and I have always loved doing it! It is about celebration and building community. I've been teaching Bollywood dance ever since I was a teenager and have taught it in a variety of contexts - this session will be all about having fun!” - Facilitator Alesha Mehta.

We often hear parents comment about how much they value the connections they're able to make at our events. If you're interested in meeting others in the community and sharing experiences together, we welcome you to join us.

Registration to this free event is essential. Don't forget to let us know your access needs.

For more information, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1025104649063293/

Image description: Text reads "Parent Social Group, Wednesday 11 September, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Bollywood dance, free event for families!". The image shows a woman dressed in a red Indian Bollywood outfit, sitting outside in front of a large tree trunk.

"It's great that everyone could get involved in their own way. There was a really good balance between group and individual activities."

We had a blast at this month's Parent Social Group, sharing music, rhythms, and movements together.

Parents and their children of all ages, from 4 to 30 years old, joined us for a night of drumming with Chewy from Rhythm for the Soul.

After kicking off the evening with some kai, we formed a circle and each received a drum to play on. Chewy taught us a bunch of games. A crowd favourite was the instrument test, where we used our listening skills to guess the sounds of different instruments while wearing a blindfold.

We danced to the music of drums and maracas, and each got a chance to be in the spotlight with a solo too. This helped us practice important skills like listening and turn taking.

Chewy also brought along instruments from various cultures: the North African djembe, the Fijian Lali, the Australian didgeridoo, and the Caribbean maracas. This was a great sensory experience, as we got to feel the vibrations of a didgeridoo on the surface of a drum.

Thank you to Chewy and the families that attended for helping us have such a fun evening together.

Image description: a series of photos from the Parent Social Group showing children, parents and facilitator Chewy playing with musical instruments and dancing. The group is sitting in a circle on chairs with their drums, and some photos show someone in the middle dancing with maracas.

Transition Expo has so much on that it can be overwhelming.

If you need some time away from the hustle and bustle, we will have a room set aside for a Chill Zone.

This is a new space that we're crafting especially for Expo, with the help of Kylee & Co and sensory providers like Sensory Corner and Sensory Sam. We're aiming to make this space as sensory friendly as we can.

There will also be a D-Pod available on the ground floor at Expo. It shuts out external noise and is suitable for schools, libraries, programme providers and workplaces. You can see one at Christchurch airport.

Auckland Libraries' bus will be parked outside so you can experience some interactive virtual reality stories.

Is there anything else you'd like to see at the Chill Zone this year?

This year, each area of Transition Expo will have a different colour to help you navigate your way through. For the Chill Zone, look out for the light blue signage.

RSVP to our Facebook event for more information and for a reminder closer to the date: https://www.facebook.com/events/1416987422541198/

Image description: Mike Potter with a parent and child at Transition Expo. They are in front of a D-Pod, a self contained room with Europlan branding on it. The child has opened the door of the pod and is about to step inside. Mike is sitting in his wheelchair and talking to the Mum who is standing and looking into the D-Pod from behind her daughter. The Transition Expo logo is in the top right of the image, and the text "Chill Zone" is on a light blue banner in the bottom left corner.

Are you leaving school in the next few years and thinking about working in a hotel, bank or restaurant? What about in an accounting firm or as a hands-on tradie?

Make sure to check out our Employment Conversations at Transition Expo.

This is a golden opportunity to find out what the possibilities are in various sectors, from employers themselves.

Have a chat with the NZ Disability Employers' Network and organisations that attend. Last year this included Adecco, Sudima Hotels, KPMG, Westpac and Mercury.

The employers who come will help you explore your next career steps and share advice on how to prepare for future roles.

This year, each area of Transition Expo will have a different colour to help you navigate your way through. For Employment, look out for the pink signs!

RSVP to our Facebook event for more information and for a reminder closer to the date: https://www.facebook.com/events/1416987422541198/

Image description: Phil Turner from NZ Disability Employers' Network talking to a Transition Expo attendee. He is wearing a green checkered shirt and has an animated expression while moving his hands. The Transition Expo logo is in the top right of the image, and the text "Transition" is on a pink banner in the bottom left corner.

What are your thoughts on how Auckland Council is representing your family and our disability community?

To ensure Auckland Council have fair and effective representation at local elections, they review and consult on their representation arrangements every six years.

Here's what we've pulled together for our submission so far - we'd love to get your feedback in the comments before we share it with the Council on 8 August:

"Disabled people don’t see themselves as being represented – we can’t get on to the Council or Boards to be able to make a real difference. It’s really difficult for a disabled person to campaign in local councils.

We would like to see disabled people in leadership making decisions for us, with us.

We recommend a disabled representative on each local board, this would help build a good relationship in the community.

They need to have a broad vision of different disabilities, including autism, and include parents of disabled people who are often in time poverty.

Knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Rights for People with Disabilities and the New Zealand Disability Strategy is poor among elected members and candidates. We think it should be mandatory for elected members to undertake "Disability 101 training" to understand disability rights, legislation and strategy that they have a legal responsibility to uphold.

As local boards meet on different days and times, it's hard for disabled people to attend and engage, particularly during the day. We would like one board representative on each Council body to have the responsibility of connecting with disabled people and their families. This is particularly important in South Auckland.

Disability Connect has accessed data from IHC's recent report from Data to Dignity Dec 2023 (https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/628455c1cd53af649dec6493/6584cc68cbd28550e09d0397_Full_IDI%20report_final_web.pdf). Our analysis shows 49% of people with Intellectual Disability in Auckland live in South Auckland. The main areas, in order, are Manurewa, Otara/Papatoetoe, Howick, Mangere/Otahuhu and Papakura.

We also would like an Easy Read version of all consultation material provided by Council for Auckland residents. It’s very difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to read documentation that comes out from council or any other institution. Picture exchange boards (PECS) for non-verbal members of our community are well received (https://nationalautismresources.com/the-picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs/)."

To make your own submission before it closes on 8 August 2024, follow the link here: https://akhaveyoursay.nz/represent

Image description: white text on a blue background saying "Representation in local government. We’re making a submission to Auckland Council’s consultation. Have a read and let us know your thoughts!"

“I will never forget how overwhelmed I felt as the parent of a child with serious disabilities. I needed the advice, support and networks that Disability Connect provided. Sadly, these appear to be needed now more than ever.”

We believe it’s important for our community to know the people behind Disability Connect. Many of you have met our staff members at events, but might not know who’s on our Board and contributes to our strategic direction.

Meet Sharon, our long-serving Board Secretary.

“I was born and raised in the small town of Kawerau, in the Bay of Plenty. I attended the University of Auckland and after we married, my husband and I settled in Auckland.

I have been a secondary school English teacher since 1984, and I currently manage the library at Howick College in East Auckland. I believe the promotion of reading and literacy is one of the most important aspects of my jobs.

My husband and I had two sons, Elliot and Nicholas. Elliot, our eldest, was born in 1997 with a number of intellectual and physical disabilities.

Colleen Brown, our Board Chair, and I both taught at Aorere College back in the late 80s and 90s, and I knew of her involvement with the disability community. Colleen provided valuable information and support as our family began to navigate life with a disabled child.

I was invited to join Disability Connect’s Board when Elliot was a few years old, and I’ve been the Secretary ever since. Elliot passed away just before his thirteenth birthday in 2011, but I have continued to serve on the Board.

I think the work of this organisation is invaluable and its role in the sector an important one. Our collective experience - the fact that nearly all of our Board members either live with a disability or knows what it's like to care for a family member with a disability - is at the heart of our decision making.”

Thank you Sharon for being part of our journey for the last twenty years, and making a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families in Aotearoa.

Image description: a selfie of Sharon smiling. She has green eyes and shoulder-length brunette hair with a fringe. She wears an orange scarf and a brown top with gold sequins.

Is your disabled loved one aged 18 to 21 and preparing for life after school?

Our amazing executive advisor Cherie is in the transition process with her son Mitchell right now, and is running a seminar at Expo for you!

Come and learn from a parent about what the transition process is, what to do at each age, what a Transition Coordinator can help you with and how to find one.

Let us make this process easier, so that you can look forward with greater confidence to this next stage of life. There will be opportunities to ask questions and hear from other families on the same journey as you.

At Expo, you can meet all the key Transition providers in New Zealand. Find out which one is best suited to your cultural needs, personality, location and goals.

This year, each area of Expo will have a different colour to help you navigate your way through. For Transition, look out for the pastel blue flags!

RSVP to our Facebook event for more information and for a reminder closer to the date: https://www.facebook.com/events/1416987422541198/

Image description: Cherie with her husband Phil and their son Mitchell. They are dressed up warmly and standing outside in front of Hunua Falls. Mitchell has a nasogastric tube connected to his nose. The Transition Expo logo is in the top right of the image, and the text "Transition" is on a pastel blue banner in the bottom left corner.

Annual Transition Expo – Wednesday 4th September 2024 Annual Transition Expo – Wednesday 4th September 2024 Transition Expo - Find out what is available for school leavers. Greetings from Disability Connect, For over 17 years Disability Connects Transition Expo has provided a face-to-face opportunity for disabled students and their families to explor...

Are you looking for a safe space to ask for advice? Or do you find it hard to find time or energy to leave the house, but want the opportunity to connect with others in the community?

Come join us at our weekly free Zoom Support Group, every Monday at 7pm.

This is a great opportunity to ask our advisor Robyn any questions, or discuss challenges and learnings with other parents and disabled people who might be in similar situations.

For a reminder and information on how to join the group, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1258318372244559/

Image description: Robyn smiles. She has blue eyes and wears a pink top. Text reads "Zoom Support Group with Robyn, Disability Information Advisor, online every Monday, 7pm - 8pm"

Meet the wonderful Zsuzsa (pronounced “Juja”) our newest advisor. She facilitates our Parent Support and Social Groups.

Zsuzsa is originally from Hungary, has worked as a barista and is training as a Dance/Movement Therapist at University of Auckland. Zsuzsa has life experience as a sibling of a disabled person which motivates her to provide support to wider family and whānau.

“I love being able to use my creativity to help disabled people and their family members learn from experts and each other, and to try new things in a very relaxed and calming way. Thank you families and staff from Disability Connect for being so welcoming.”

Like Zsuzsa, our Parent Support and Social Groups are very chill, fun, sensory friendly and informative.

If you're short on social and family support in Auckland and looking for opportunities for your disabled family member/child of any age – adult children welcome - do come along and meet Zsuzsa and others in the community at our events.

Image description: Zsuzsa smiles. She has ombre brunette and blonde hair, and wears a black and grey jacket, and multicoloured scarf.

Feel free to ask a question or answer someone else's here! Today's theme is living options.

We know there's a wealth of knowledge in our community, so why don't we get together here online and connect?

What do you want to know about finding a private rental property, social housing, long term home for your loved one to live in, or residential care service? If you're even part way through a living options journey, what advice can you share from your own experiences?

We're also doing some research on the types of housing that are best at providing community for disabled people and their families in New Zealand. Including neurodivergent, intellectual, FASD, sensory and long term health needs.

What types of housing work best for your situation?

Image description: White text on a blue background, reading "Housing, ask a question or answer someone else’s!"

Children of all ages and whānau are warmly invited to a fun and interactive music session at our Parent Social Group in August.

This free event will be full of play, music, singing and rhythms. Everyone will get their own drum to play on, and opportunities for self-expression.

Registration to this free event is essential. Don't forget to let us know your access needs.

For more information, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/813860177502913/

Image description: Text reads "Parent Social Group, Wednesday 7 August, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Drumming and interactive music, free event for families!". The image shows a young boy playing a drum with his hands.

"I love coming to these events with my son because I know that he's well looked after. I had the opportunity to talk to other parents and meet with friends again after many months."

We had a great time celebrating Matariki at this month's Parent Social Group with an intimate group of families.

We started the night by gathering around the campfire as Indika shared a beautiful song and story about the stars and kites of Matariki.

This was an interactive evening, where audience members used puppets of the characters to act along with the story. We also learnt about the different shells we have in Aotearoa.

As the story ended with kai, we continued the evening connecting over food.

We spent the rest of the night creating our own Matariki kites using feathers, stickers, strings and shells to make them unique.

Each family received their own copy of the book as a gift, and took their puppets and kites home too.

One of our parents said that even though it's not always easy to get out of the house on a cold winter evening, it was definitely worth it for this event!

In line with the values of Enabling Good Lives, Indika shares his stories on Youtube and at disability events, creating valuable experiences and encouraging others with disabilities to live their best lives. Thank you Indika for sharing your talent with us. Your journey is so inspiring!.

Check out Indika's Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/

Image description: a series of photos taken at the Parent Social Group. Indika is dressed up in a Matariki themed outfit, and reads a book. Zsusza a Disability Connect staff member sits next to him and speaks to the audience. There is a campfire prop in front of them. Different types of shells are displayed in bowls, including paua, tuatua, mussel and scallop. Attendees smile together with their Matariki arts and crafts.

Want to know more about support for your child in mainstream or specialist schools?

Are you concerned about funding, enrolment rights or disciplinary action?

If you're raising a child with a disability, come along and learn about disability in the education sector. Disability law expert Nan Jensen will be sharing guidance on this popular topic.

Topics will include: enrolment rights, decision processes, Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding declines, teacher aide funding contributions, extra-curricular activities, stand-downs, use of restraint, and much more.

For more information, including on how to register, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/790262039975416/

Image description: The lower half of a young student wearing a grey skirt, grey socks and black shoes, and holding a red schoolbag next to her feet. Text reads "Legal Issues in Education, Thursday 25 July, 6:30pm - 9:00pm, Webinar for parents of children in mainstream or specialist schools".

Earlier this year, we highlighted an issue with young people not going back to school or work, and not applying for job seeker benefits. We asked for feedback from you to understand why, and the barriers your loved ones face in the transition out of school.

We've since engaged with the Ministry of Social Development's Principal Disability Advisor on this issue. She has promised to respond to the points and emails you sent to us that we have shared with her. We will report back to you through our newsletter and future Facebook post. She has also promised to attend our Transition Expo later this year on 4 September.

We've been able to secure funding from MSD for a small pilot of 10 families to embark on what we're calling 'Meaningful Pathways'. Now underway, the pilot is helping disabled people find places where they are valued and can do what they enjoy most. We're also helping parents with tailored professional pastoral support / counselling so they can be the best parents they can be.

You have told us this is the best way for many parents to be parents, and for a family to have the best life choices.

You can expect to hear more from us on this issue as we engage further with the Ministry of Social Development, Whaikaha, Autism New Zealand, Altogether Autism, Youth Employment Aotearoa and the New Zealand Disability Employers Network, among others.

Image description: Meaningful Pathways facilitators Georgia, Cherie and Tony in front of a wide piece of paper with colourful drawings and text. Text includes "Mitchell's path, bold steps, vision 2030." Tony holds a laptop showing video calls with two people on the screen.

Mānawatia a Matariki — Happy Māori New Year!

For Matariki this year, our Board and Staff spent some time together reflecting, celebrating and preparing for the coming months over some lovely kai.

Our Chair, Colleen Brown, shared very encouraging words for us too:
"The year ahead has uncertainty, but for now we celebrate the work you have done. You can be proud of the difference you are making for many families and lives. Thank you for all that you do."

As Colleen says, we're "really quite normal, ordinary people who love being able to help others in a similar situation to themselves."

We hope you're all having a great Matariki long weekend with loved ones.

Image description: A whole cooked flounder fish covered in oil and herbs as kai (food) shared for Matariki dinner.

"Great information, I wish we knew this then."

Due to popular demand, we're hosting our next information session on disability supports online via Zoom.

Representatives from Work and Income NZ and Taikura Trust will be joining us to provide an overview on the support they offer which might be available to your family.

Attendees will learn about the criteria for supported living payments for both carers and disabled people.

We'll also cover other financial supports such as accommodation, disability allowance, temporary additional support, as well as employment supports for disabled people.

This is a free event for parents and whānau.

For more information, including how to register, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1196555898041108/

Image description: Text reads "Understanding disability supports, with WINZ and Taikura Trust, Thursday 18 July, 6:30pm - 9:00pm". The image shows a pair of hands holding a red paper heart with the word "Support" on it.

The Whaikaha review panel is in the midst of their process. We think this is the opportune time to share what you told us when we asked what would make respite easier to access for your family.

You told us that the changes to purchasing guidelines have made spending allocations to get respite harder.

Our staff grapple with this problem too! Lack of wellbeing impacts our mental health, employment, physical health and relationships.

We've raised this with the Whaikaha Strategy Group and in forums with the Deputy Chief Executive. They have told us that the guidelines won't change and decisions will be left with Hosts.

We have met with politicians and they have clearly heard that the way disabled people and their families have been treated will have ongoing consequences for our personal lives.

We have also told them that flexible funding delivers more than improved respite for carers. Being able to use funding for shortfalls in education for speech language therapy and day services when our adult children have left school is not possible under the modified guidelines.

The uncertainty, isolation and anxiety caused by the loss of flexibility and new prescribed spending will end up costing taxpayers a lot more in the long run compared to what it cost to provide flexibility to Whaikaha.

We have met with our local MP and MPs from several political parties and lobbied for our Government to reverse the changes. We believe a realistic appraisal of the cost of disability services is required, taking into account the expected growth in the number of disabled people receiving support, which will likely increase further as Enabling Good Lives is introduced.

Image descriptions: MP for Maungakiekie Greg Fleming with Disability Connect CEO Mike Potter at the Disability Connect office.

A group of people sitting around tables at the Disability Connect offices. Included is Hon Priyanka Radhakrishnan, Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Hon Chris Hipkins, Shanan Halbert MP, and Disability Connect staff members Mike, Denise, Cherie, Asoka, and board members Vasantha, Colleen and Gerard.

Are you a parent with a disabled family member and looking to return to the workforce? Join us and make a real difference in the lives of people in our community!

We're looking for an Information Administrator/Advisor to support our vision - helping disabled people and their families to access reliable information so they can make their own choices and have the best life possible.

Reporting to our CEO, this role is pivotal to the development of the organisation and our key relationships.

This is a part-time role with flexible options, 15-20 hours per week. Working times are Mondays 9am to 2pm, and at least two other days per week. There will be occasional evening/weekend work for our events.

Great training and professional development opportunities come with this role.

For more information or to submit an application, check out our job ad on Seek: https://www.seek.co.nz/job/76479019

Image description: a white and blue tile that reads "Join our team! Are you our next Disability Information Administrator/Advisor? Applications close 30 June 2024".

“Hi, my name is Indika. I have autism. I love story telling. Come let me share a lovely Matariki story with you.”

Next month we're hosting a free Parent Social Group to celebrate Matariki. Bring your kids and whānau along for a special interactive reading. We'll get creative with art and share some kai.

Every family will get a copy of the book to take home too!

Registration to this free event is essential. Don't forget to let us know your access and dietary needs.

For more information, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2345901705616828/

Image description: Text reads "Parent Social Group, Wednesday 3 July, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Storytime with Indi". The image shows Indika reading a book in front of a background with stars. He has short black hair, and wears a blue t-shirt and grey jacket.

Did you know that there are different versions of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard, including one for supporters? The Sunflower is for carers and parents too!

A big thank you to Joanne Lawless from Altogether Autism for sharing valuable information like this with us at this month's hybrid online and in person Parent Support Group.

Autism is diverse and complex, and there's more than a simple spectrum of “more autistic” and “less autistic” people.

Jo talked about how behavioural issues are often the result of a person trying to solve a problem with the means available to them. Jo also shared advice on how to manage challenges that might come alongside change.

We're feeling better equipped to navigate changes that happen in life, including the winter blues, and we hope you are too!

Image descriptions:

Two attendees, Mike Potter (CEO of Disability Connect) and Jo from Altogether Autism at the support group in person. They are all sitting down and smiling.

Jo sitting down in front of her laptop which displays her presentation. She has a blonde bob haircut and wears a black outfit, smiling.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower products. There is a standard lanyard and bracelet that are green with yellow sunflowers. There is a supporter lanyard which is white and green with sunflowers and also reads "Proud to support the sunflower". The pin reads "I support the sunflower".

Planning for your child's future? Want to know more about the legal framework around disability and disability rights?

Learn more about what you can do to ensure the long-term welfare of your child from disability law expert Abilityworx - Nan Jensen.

This webinar is $20 for parents and whānau, and $50 for sector professionals.

For more information, including how to register, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1027131222314593/

Image description: Text reads "Planning for Adulthood, Thursday 20 June, 11:00am - 2:00pm, Webinar on the legal framework for disability rights". The image shows a pen and keys on top of a housing contact.

Finding suitable housing continues to be one of the most difficult aspects parents of disabled children face.

At our Kāinga Kōrero last month we discussed Choice in Community Living (CiCL). CiCL is an alternative to residential services for people with significant disabilities.

Many parents asked questions about funding differences, the process and eligibility. Some also shared stories of their personal challenges that many of us resonated with.

While Whaihaka was unable to attend, we have shared your feedback and questions with them. We will share any responses from them on our Facebook and will provide key updates on the trial here too.

A big thank you to Sonia Hawera from Taikura Trust for presenting to families in our community. Shout out also to the CiCL providers who shared their insights:
- Shar Tongalea from Spectrum Care
- Michael Wilson from CCS Disability
- Smeena Bajwa from Renaissance
- Kerry Dussan from Ideas Services

If you missed this kōrero, you can catch up on the recording here: https://disabilityconnect.org.nz/housing/

Image description: a screenshot from the online event, showing speakers: Sonia from Taikura Trust, Mike from Disability Connect, Michael from CCS Disability, Shar from Spectrum Care, Kerry from Ideas Services and Smeena from Renaissance.