Te Amaru—Disability Services, Victoria University of Wellington

Matariki is a great time for renewal as Te Amaru—Disability Services becomes part of the exciting new Student Equity and Wellbeing Portfolio. We will continue to provide you with quality services and support, you'll just see us working more closely with the Manawa Ora—Student Wellbeing, and Kahukura—Rainbow Inclusion services.

We've started by combining social media channels. We'd love you to like our new Student Equity & Wellbeing, Victoria University of Wellington page as we'll be closing this page and posting disability content there from now on. You can also now find us on Insta https://www.instagram.com/vicuniequitywellbeing/

This change will strengthen disability inclusion at Te Herenga Waka and we'd love to stay connected with you.

Student Equity & Wellbeing, Victoria University of Wellington The Student Equity & Wellbeing team at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Follow for updates from disability, wellbeing, rainbow and more!

Trimester 2: Te Amaru—Disability Services Student Orientation 2024

Join us on Thursday 04th July 2024 to learn more about Te Amaru—Disability Services for both Domestic and International Students.

Whether you are a new or returning student wanting a refresh, come along to hear about the support we offer to help you fully participate and achieve your goals. This includes disability inclusion arrangements, inclusive learning software, access suites and more.

This session will be both face-to-face and virtual.

Speakers Include:

Team Leader – Advice and Support, Accessibility and Inclusion Lead, and Office Coordinator.

When: Thursday 04th July 9:15AM-10:00AM

Location: Alan MacDiarmid building room 103 (AM103)

Link: Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/96583407182

The lift at the Alan MacDiarmid end of Cotton is now working! Property Services are continuing work on the other lift in Cotton, and hope to have this fixed by early next Trimester. Just let us know if you have any concerns. Have a lovely weekend.

Both Cotton lifts are currently out of action. This means that there is no lift access to levels 3-5 of Cotton. If you need access to these levels and stairs are inaccessible for you, please contact us and we’ll work with you and your course staff to find a solution.

We’re getting ready to celebrate New Zealand Sign Language Week, our friends at the NZSL Online Dictionary have made it easy for you to join us in embracing this beautiful language.

Next week is NZSL Week and the theme is '“An Aotearoa Where Anyone Can Sign Anywhere.” Do you want to find out how the Deaf community refers to common NZ place names in NZSL? Join this free webinar by Dr. Rachel McKee (with NZSL interpreter) on Thursday 9th May at 10:30 a.m. Sign up here: https://vuw.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uUSs9eLWRrO87QxlmIwdBw #/registration

You can find 495 NZ place names in the NZSL Online Dictionary: https://www.nzsl.nz/signs/search?tag=New+Zealand+place+names - where in Aotearoa can you sign?

Te Amaru–Disability Services will be closed from Friday 29th March and will open on Wednesday 3rd April.

We hope that everyone enjoys their well-deserved break.

Please feel free to email [email protected] with any enquiries and we will respond upon our return.

Today on World Social Work Day we're celebrating our wonderful social workers at Te Amaru-Disability Services Jo, Rhianna and Joanna. They had lunch together and are enjoying flowers from a lovely student who has completed their post grad studies.

We're also looking for another social worker to join our team as a disability and inclusion adviser so if you know any who are great at case management, organisation and working with disabled people, send them our way: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=ZWp1ZGQuNzA0NjQuMTAxM0B2dXduei5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20

Happy International Women's Day from the team at Te Amaru—Disability Services.

This year's theme is to Inspire Inclusion.

"Me aro ki te hā o Hine-ahu-one Pay heed to the dignity and power of women"

We are loving the energy and enthusiasm of orientation and connecting with so many students and colleagues. We are working hard to meet significant demand for our service. Welcome back!

Kia ora koutou. Check out this month's newsletter!

In this edition we welcome our new staff for 2024. Including our new Digital Inclusion Assistant, and Senior Academic Inclusion Assistant. We also we share how to access some of our services, and how to apply for Hardship Fund Equity Grants.

Te Amaru—Disability Services Newsletter February 2024

Our wonderful staff Rhianna, Caitlin and Emily loved connecting with over 65 students this morning at our Te Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington orientation session. So good to have lots of new student energy back on campus.

Trimester 1: Welcome to Te Amaru—Disability Services Student Orientation 2024

Join us on Monday 19 February 2024 at 11:00am to learn more about Te Amaru—Disability Services for both Domestic and International Students.

Whether you are a new or returning student wanting a refresh, come along to hear about the support we offer to help you fully participate and achieve your goals. This includes disability inclusion arrangements, inclusive learning software, access suites and more.
This session will be both face to face and virtual.

Speakers Include:
Senior Disability and Inclusion Adviser, Adaptive Technology and Digital Adviser and Office Coordinator.

When: Monday 19 February 2024
Time: 11:00am
Location: Alan MacDiarmid building room 106 (AM106)
Virtual link: Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/91370212588

Kia pai ngā hararei - Happy Holidays! from all of us here at Te Amaru - Disability Services. We hope you have a well-deserved break, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year! Today is our last day in the office and we will be returning on the 08 of January.

Please also join us in saying farewell to our lovely Digital Inclusion Coordinator Maddie Jamieson, who is sadly finishing up with us today.

Te Amaru–Disability Services will be closed on Thursday 14th December between 9:00am and 1:00pm

Please feel free to email [email protected] with any enquiries and we will respond upon our return. For any general enquiries please call 0800 04 04 04 or email [email protected]

Today International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being recognised in Aotearoa and across the world.

Here at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington we are dedicated to addressing disabling environments and creating inclusive opportunities that reflect and value our disabled students, tauira whaikaha, disabled staff, kaimahi whaikaha. We are proud of what we have achieved together so far and recognise there is much more mahi to do to ensure our disabled students and staff can thrive.

Mā te taupuhipuhi ka whai kaha ai te katoa.
Through mutual dependence and support, we will all be strengthened as a group.

For Deaf student and talented filmmaker Jared Flitcroft, with Corey Le Vaillant and Touch Compass has organised a set of workshops for Deaf and disabled young people who are interested in a career in the film industry.

When? Workshops: 9am-5pm Mon- Fri 11th - 15th December 2023, Avalon Studios, Lower Hutt
Who? Limited to 6 places - age 16-30 years, Wellington based, first in first served.
More information: https://youtu.be/IsM3B29SRpU?si=KFND-8M2TxxPt3jb

Sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uLUadsUDyKOyYH-UvgyafWDp1iVyLa8PyVIhGAId3u8/viewform?pli=1&pli=1&edit_requested=true

YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Are you computer savvy and looking for a part time role?
Apply to become a Digital Inclusion Assistant by 29 November: tinyurl.com/digitalinclusionassistant

Blind or Low Vision? Apply for the Oppenheim Tertiary Education Trust Fund

Our friends at Blind Low Vision NZ want you to know about the Oppenheim Trust Tertiary Education Fund for those studying in 2024. Applications close 11 January at 5pm.

Apply here https://blindlowvision.org.nz/our-services/support-grants/ and if you have any questions contact [email protected] or 0800 24 33 33.

Support Grants Blind Low Vision NZ administers a number of funds that provide additional financial help and support to people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. If you need financial assistance meeting the costs of vision rehabilitation, or tertiary education we may be able to help.

Are you a fast typer, calm and confident? Apply to become an Academic Inclusion Assistant by 24 November: tinyurl.com/AIA-2024

Trimester 3: Welcome to Te Amaru—Disability Services Student Orientation 2023

Join us on Thursday to learn more about Te Amaru—Disability Services for both Domestic and International Students.

Whether you are a new or returning student wanting a refresh, come along to hear about the support we offer to help you fully participate and achieve your goals. This includes disability inclusion arrangements, inclusive learning software, access suites and more.

This session will be both face to face and virtual.

Speakers Include: Disability and Inclusion Adviser and our Adaptive Technology and Digital Adviser. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussions at the end.

When: Thursday 09th November 9:15am-10:00am

Location: Alan MacDiarmid building room 103 (AM103)

Virtual link: Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/94288281255

Introducing our wonderful new Office Coordinator, Emily Philliskirk!

Emily was previously the Office Administrator at Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. She has great experience in providing excellent customer service, financial administration, and innovating. She completed both a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Tourism Management at Te Herenga Waka and is enjoying being back on campus.

Emily now joins Grace Lee as our Office Coordination duo. We unusually have lots of appointments available at the moment so it is a good time to contact us if you’re studying over trimester three or want to ensure you’re well set up for 2024! Email: [email protected]

Our good friends at Mauri Ora Health and Counselling will be open on Saturdays during the assessment period, here are the details:

During exams, Mauri Ora will be open on Saturdays to accommodate additional appointments and support needed by students. We will have a GP, Practice Nurse, a Counsellor, and admin support available at Kelburn campus for same day appointments. We will also have Matt Mene, Counsellor, available to offer priority appointments to Māori and Pasifika students who need support during this time. The opening hours are:

Saturday 21 October 9.00am – 3.30pm
Saturday 28 October 9.00am – 3.30pm
Saturday 04 November 9.00am – 3.30pm

Students can contact Mauri Ora on the day, on 04 463 5308, or come to reception. Both face to face and virtual appointments are available. Just let the receptionist know which is preferred.

If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.

If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.

You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.

You do need to register to use this service though, before noon (NZ time) on Saturday 14 October.

You can find more information on our website here: https://vote.nz/2023-general-election/how-to-vote/telephone-dictation-voting/

We're excited to announce that Te Ara Taupuhipuhi—Disability Inclusion Action Plan is launching on Thursday 28 September! The plan outlines the University's commitment to ensuring disabled staff and students are being supported to thrive and achieve their aspirations during their time here. You can read the Disability Inclusion Action Plan on the University website.

Te Ara Taupuhipuhi—Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025 | News | Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan is set to launch on Thursday 28 September.

If you haven't had a chance to participate in the Disabled Tertiary Population Survey yet there are still some more opportunities left including online and with an NZSL Interpreter. The National Disabled Students' Association, Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Education NZ and NZQA would love to hear your thoughts and experiences to help the education system work better for everyone. Here are the remaining focus group sessions...

Friday 22nd September 1:00-3PM Microsoft Teams

Monday 25th September 6:30-8:30PM Microsoft Teams

Tuesday 26th September 10:30AM-12:30PM Oroua Room Ministry of Education 1/3 Oxford St, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North

Wednesday 9:30-11:30 AM Microsoft Teams

Thursday 28th September 10:30AM-12:30PM Maungakiekie Room, Ministry of Office 12-18 Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland Office

Thursday 28th September 2:00-4:00PM Maungakiekie Room, Ministry of Office 12-18 Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland Office

Saturday 30th September 2:00-4:00PM Microsoft Teams – this session will be NZSL accessible with interpreters present.

More info below

ONLINE & IN-PERSON FOCUS GROUPS 🗨️ If you're a currently enrolled learner in tertiary education and identify as having a disability, chronic pain, or neurodiversity we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences so we can help the education system work better for everyone.

The Disabled Tertiary Population Survey is happening in partnership between the National Disabled Students Association (NDSA), the Tertiary Education Commission and NZQA.

This is the next stage in our Disabled Tertiary Population Survey, open for both those who participated and weren’t able to or who missed the earlier online survey.

We will be providing NZSL interpreters for the online Saturday 30 September focus group.

DATES, TIMES AND PLACES:
⭐ 13 Sept (2-4pm): Otago Room, University of Otago, Dunedin Campus
⭐ 14 Sept (2-4pm): Room 1.05, Ministry of Education, 48 Hereford Street, Christchurch
⭐ 15 Sept (9.30-11.30am): Room 1.01, Ministry of Education, 48 Hereford Street Christchurch
⭐ 20 Sept (1.30-3.30pm): Room M.02, Ministry of Education, 1 The Terrace, Wellington
⭐ 22 Sept (1-3pm): ONLINE / Microsoft Teams
⭐ 25 Sept (6.30-8.30pm): ONLINE / Microsoft Teams
⭐ 26 Sept (10.30am-12.30pm): Oroua Room, Ministry of Education, 1/3 Oxford St, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North
⭐ 27 Sept (9.30-11.30am): ONLINE / Microsoft Teams
⭐ 28 Sept (1-3pm): Maungakiekie Room, Ministry of Office, 12-18 Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland Office
⭐ 28 Sept (1-3pm): Maungakiekie Room, Ministry of Office, 12-18 Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland Office
⭐ 30 Sept (2-4pm): ONLINE / Microsoft Teams – this session will be NZSL accessible with interpreters present.

You are welcome to bring support people such as whānau, family, friends, caretakers, or interpreters to the focus groups.

⭐ To register, go to https://consultation.education.govt.nz/te-puna-kaupapahere-deputy-secretary/disabled-tertiary-population-survey/

Nau mai ki te Wiki o te Reo Māori! Welcome to Māori Language Week!
We'd love to share the meaning of the te reo Māori part of our name - Te Amaru, which means 'to dignify'. We were honoured to be gifted this name by our Deputy Vice Chancellor Māori and Assistant Vice Chancellor Māori as it sings to our kaupapa of ensuring disabled students can study here with dignity. Te Amaru is also a type of beautiful rātā vine.
Arohatia te Reo!

We're hiring! Join our innovative team as our new Office Coordinator on a full time, permanent contract located at our Kelburn, Wellington campus.
Do you have proven reception experience providing a high quality, client centred customer service, preferably in a health or disability setting?
Are you equipped with strong organisational skills and an understanding of administration best practice?
Have you got excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills?
The role of Office Coordinator is the welcoming face of the service, providing a high-quality reception service to students and all those who contact the service. The Office Coordinator also coordinates the service’s events, communication, finance, human resources, and student feedback, and works closely alongside another staff member.
Apply by 18 September 2023.

Office Coordinator * Do you have proven reception experience in a health or disability setting, providing a high quality, client centred customer service? * Are you equipped with strong organisational skills and an understanding of administration best practice? * Have you got excellent interpersonal, written, and verb...

Join us at Te Amaru-Disability Services as one of our casual Academic Inclusion Assistants. This is a great job to fit around your studies.
Academic Inclusion Assistant
Are you a fast typist, calm and confident? Do you want to make a difference to students with disabilities? We are currently recruiting Academic Inclusion Assistants to support Te Herenga Waka students with disabilities in their courses in Trimester 2, 2023.
This role is ideal for undergraduate or post graduate students who have 5-10 hours per week during trimester, including assessment periods.
The pay rate is $24 per hour, starting as soon as possible.
We are particularly looking for students with Law, Engineering or Science backgrounds but happy to consider all applications.

More information and apply here: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=ZHNvbWVydmlsbGUuMTM4NDQuNjYzNUB2dXduei5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20

Kia ora koutou, check out this month's newsletter!

We look forward to seeing fresh and familiar faces at our Te Amaru Trimester Two Orientation at 9:15am tomorrow - Alan MacDiarmid building room 103 (AM103) or online: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/96759193940

This month we also have updates about our refreshed Disability Inclusion Arrangements, preparing for Trimester Two and some fun snaps from our team volunteering day with Wellington Careers and Employment at Te Rito Gardens!

https://sway.office.com/ooo4dAJRTmyoByva?ref=Link

Te Amaru—Disability Services Newsletter July 2023