Firstport

Kia ora team, wherever you are in the country today, please ensure you and your whānau have a plan in place for emergencies. 🧡 Take a look at these resources for our disabled community, to know who can support you and what you might need. If you're in an active state of emergency now without a plan, please contact NZ Civil Defence

Get ready for an emergency Let's talk about what to do in an emergency

Celebrate Matariki inclusively, e te Iwi ⭐✨ Check out accessible events near you, or add more ➡➡ https://firstport.co.nz/events/matariki-accessible-events

Entering the world of YES Disability Resource Centre, you’ll be struck by the positive vibe and welcoming atmosphere that fills their space.

“I want to make a difference and be an advocate for disabled young people,” says I Lead committee member Jordan. “There’s a whole variety of change, and we need the right people to help train and care for our disabled youth.”

The centre offers information, workshops and other programmes, advice and services. Every project and programme at YES is co-designed and co-delivered with youth leaders from within our disability sector. Follow the link to read more 🙌🔗 https://bit.ly/4b9DH2x

Empowering our future | Yes Disability Resource Centre Entering the world of YES Disability Resource Centre, you’ll be struck by the positive vibe and welcoming atmosphere that fills their space. 

We're making our way to New Zealand Disability Support Network - NZDSN conference and we're feeling pumped! Join us over the next two days in the expo area. 🙌 The conference includes keynote presenters, presentations from NZDSN members across a range of disability support services. Keep an eye out for our bright blue shirts! See you there! 👀🌟

https://firstport.co.nz/items/nzdsb-conference-2024

Buying a wheelchair can be tricky – they all have different features, they vary widely in price, and you have to get one that fits you. So how do you know which chair is right for you? Check out our guide and let us know your thoughts. https://firstport.co.nz/equipment/guide-to-buying-a-wheelchair

What are your thoughts on seeing more leaders announce their ADHD or Autism diagnosis? Being upfront about a diagnosis can be a tough internal battle, so it's cool to see more public figures open up on their neurodiverse journey 🙌

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau praised for revealing ADHD diagnosis Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has been praised for her decision to publicly announce she has ADHD.

Excited to make your workplace accessibility-fit? Check out these supports for employers, including services from Ministry of Social Development NZ Disability Responsiveness New Zealand, Workbridge and the team at Be. Lab

Support for employers Resources and support available for employers when hiring disabled people or getting an employee back to work after an injury.

Wanting to create a neuroinclusive workplace? Our team worked with our friends at Autism New Zealand to create these guidelines and thought-starters. By working through this neuroinclusive checklist, you're setting yourself up to get the best out of your neurodiverse team! 💪✨

https://bit.ly/3yTwdmC

Neuroinclusive workplace Hot tips to empower neurodivergents to do their best mahi!

The Government has announced they will add an additional $322 million to the Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People new financial year budget starting 1 July 2024.

Whaikaha has released a fact sheet to help everyone understand where the money is being spent. Be sure to follow the link and read more about how the budget is going to impact you and our wider community.

https://bit.ly/3KpTDme

Over $300 million added in new Whaikaha budget The Government has committed to an additional $322 million to be added to the Ministry of Disabled People's budget for 2024/25

📢Flourishing Together 📢 A project that aims to make housing in Aotearoa New Zealand better for disabled people. 🏡 They want to hear your stories, thoughts and suggestions in an online interactive tool. it's not just a tick box exercise!

Flourishing together A project that aims to make housing in New Zealand better for disabled people.

What does accessibility on Marae look like? We had the chance to speak to members from Te Hiiri o Mahuta Marae just after they celebrated their grand re-opening.

The celebrations recognised three years of closure, the mahi of those involved, and finally having an accessible home for iwi and hapū of Te Hiiri marae. Ka pai to mahi 🙌 Read more👀 https://firstport.co.nz/items/celebrating-accessibility-marae

Did you catch this piece from SEEK NZ about the benefits or hiring neurodiverse workers? We're loving seeing more and more evidence from companies like Deloitte and EY on how having a neurodiverse workforce has a positive impact on the bottom-line. Keep an eye out later this week as we share a new tool to ensure you can get the best out of your neurodiverse team once they're in the door!

The benefits of hiring neurodiverse workers - SEEK Hiring Advice Neurodivergent people are often ignored as important talent. How can you adjust your recruitment processes to be more inclusive?

If you've yet to discover Northland's most extensive disability support services hub. NorthAble Disability Services is a vibrant community centre with a whole lot of heart. We're shining the light on our local disability information centres and NorhAble have got the whole shebang! Take a look at just some of their mahi 👀➡ https://firstport.co.nz/items/northable-feature Make sure to pop in and say hello to the team.

NorthAble a Kete (basket) full of knoweledge If you've yet to discover it, it’s Northland's most extensive disability support services hub. A vibrant community centre, brimming with warmth, support, and a whole lot of heart.

Exciting news from our pals at I Lead – they're on the lookout for fresh faces to join their crew! 🙌 Keep an eye on their socials or drop them a cheeky message. We've had a chinwag with some of their top dogs, and they're proper buzzing about expanding their gang.

Home - I.Lead I.Lead is a disabled youth movement led by youth, for youth. We aim to amplify the voices of disabled youth on any platform, at any table.

Looking for low-cost equipment? These top info centres across the motū have got you covered, and they’re all super friendly ️‍✨ https://bit.ly/3wQGnUr Have a favourite spot we missed? Flick us a message and we’ll add it to the list on Firstport. Let's share the love and keep everyone equipped!

NorthAble Equipment Plus
Independent Living
Mobility Centre
WellAble
EASIE Living & Demonstration Centre
Aspire Canterbury
Livingwell - Disability Resource Centre
Disabilities Resource Centre Southland
Kylee & Co

Ready to find some work you'll enjoy but not sure where to begin? The Ministry of Social Development NZ has some free tools to help you out. We've listed them for you. Take a look and share your thoughts! https://bit.ly/3WBe3jy

We're totally onboard with this new sensory space🎉🖤 When we saw Eden Park commit to a sensory inclusive space for the FIFA Women's World Cup we had our fingers crossed for future events. Well done, Eden Park and Access Community Health! 👏👏 Making

Eden Park welcomes Access Community Health as new sensory room partner - Eden Park A new partnership between Eden Park and leading community health provider, Access Community Health will see the stadium sensory room, a dedicated quiet space for people who love live events but find the experience overwhelming due to the heightened crowds […]

We're shining a spotlight on our information centers across the mōtu, and guess who's up first? 👀 WellAble 🙌

When we popped into visit Naomi and her friendly team. We instantly noticed and enjoyed the clear labelling and zoning available in each space. Not only were we able to quickly find equipment, we also felt a sense of exploration as we ventured into well-lit demonstration rooms displaying quality equipment.

So, if you’re Wellington-based or stopping by, don’t miss out on popping in to visit the WellAble team. We promise you’ll learn a lot (and their toilet is wheelchair accessible too!).

Spotlight on local info Centres - Wellington “This is where the action happens... the roads are built, the services connected, and communities grow.”

After hearing rave reviews at Palmy Show Your Ability about Highlands - Experience the Exceptional V8 rides, we're on the hunt for more! https://bit.ly/3WsC0JT We've heard great things about Skyline Rotorua Sweet Axe Throwing Co. and Christchurch Adventure Park– What's your thoughts?? Share below or find more accessible place ➡ https://bit.ly/3WsC0JT 🏎️

🌟 PSA 🌟 We've revamped our disability grants & scholarships section! We hope this tool will be useful for you, making it easier than ever to find local disability funding! Let us know your thoughts—drop a comment and tell us if you love it or if there's something else you'd like to see! 🌈✨ https://bit.ly/4dxWOWj

Grants and Scholarships Find out about grants, awards, scholarships, and fundraising options you might be eligible for in New Zealand.

🌟 We always love seeing our community shine and get the recognition they deserve! If you’ve ever been supported by My Life My Voice or used one of Kylee & Co, you’re in for a treat! 📺

Make sure to watch Fair Go on TVNZ on demand to see the amazing mahi Kylee has been doing to support our disabled community. 🙌🎉
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/fair-go/episodes/s2024-e11

With the doctor's strike today, check out some of the tools and advice available to look after your health on the Tiana | Physical Wellbeing section on Firstport
You can find an A-Z of health conditions thanks to Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora's HealthInfo site, check Healthline New Zealand, and find your local GP through the Provider Search. You'll also find resources on a range of topics through Listening to Families and more.

Tinana | Physical Wellbeing There are plenty of tools and advice available to support you to get physically active and look after your body.

🎉 Ready to celebrate New Zealand Sign Language Week? We're challenging ourselves to learn how to sign our town's name, and we think you should join in the fun... watch this space🙌 Find resources and tutorials with the link below and make sure to share your signs with ! https://bit.ly/3y6X5iS

New Zealand Sign Language Week – Hands up if you're ready to sign with us! UpdatesHappy NZSL Week from Chris Luxon6th May 2024 🌟 Let’s kick off NZSL Week with a message from Prime Minister Chris Luxon! Let’s celebrate New Zealand Sign Language together for an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere! Happy NZSL Week! 🤟Last Chance Alert!2nd May 2024Don....

🎉 Did you find yourself saying "yes" to all the questions below? This means you might be eligible for a mobility permit 🚗💨 Make sure to apply today 🙌 Follow the link for more information. https://bit.ly/4aVCAEm

Mobility parking spaces and permits How to apply for a mobility parking permit if you have a mobility impairment.

🌟 Big news! Whaikaha are creating a National Pacific Disability Action Plan to improve support services for our Pacific disabled communities. Your feedback is crucial! Help Whaikaha champion the changes you and your families have been seeking.🙌 There are alternate formats for you to complete, take a look👀⬇

National Pacific Disability Action Plan Survey Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Check it out e te iwi 👀 Our pals over at Altogether Autism have just dropped an interesting article discussing the upsides and downsides of receiving an Autism diagnosis as an adult. Do you relate to this too?
>> If like Sara, you're wondering if it's a path you'd like to explore, you can also check out the pre-assessment questionnaire on Firstport's 'New to disability' section

Pros and cons of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult The decision to seek out an autism diagnosis as an adult is not an easy one. In many cases, you may very much want to get a diagnosis, but feel constrained by cost and other barriers. Read more about the pros and cons of seeking an autism diagnosis.

Update: All fixed 👍

Hey team! Our website is experiencning some technical difficulties right now. The team are hard at work resolving these as we speak. Sorry for the inconvenience! We will keep this post updated as soon as we're back at full speed.

If you have any queries please give us a call on 0800 362 253
Or email through to [email protected] or drop us a message.

We know finding a sport can be difficult and funding that sport can be even harder. Hopefully with this tool will help you find just the funding you need! Whether it's equipment, training programs, or accessibility support, we'll help connect you with some awesome places doing it all

Find a local sports centre Get active today