SPRING 2015
The newsletter of CCS Disability Action’s Northern
Region Billboard
Inside this Issue
02. Regional Round Up
12. Taking Charge
14. Community Caregivers
Tēnā koutou ānd wēlcomē
THIS YEAR MARKS our 80th year. Over the last 80 years, we have seen a great
deal of change in the way we work. We have moved from being an organisation that
‘cares for’ people to one that is guided by disabled people.
In this issue of the Billboard, we’ve been lucky enough to talk to some people who
are also providing a guiding hand in their community with creative thinking and hard
work.
For example, on page 4 we profile DPA Kaituitui and LAC member Vicki Terrell, who
has written a book which gives practical advice to churches on how they can be
more inclusive.
Or people such as Olivia Shivas (see page 3) who is using her interest in media and
film to shape her own life and, we believe, in time will play a role in shaping how
people with an impairment are viewed.
You can also read about three women who have taken charge of their lives, each in
very different ways on page 14.
Behind the scenes, we also meet some of the families who support children and
young people to live in a family home. We believe this important work early on gives
every child a great chance of living independent and fulfilling lives.
Stories like these are living proof that it is disabled people themselves who have the
answers to so many of the challenges they face.
We would love to hear what makes you excited about being involved with CCS
Disability Action and what you would you like our organisation to focus on. So please
get in touch via the details below with your ideas and feedback.
Your Local Advisory Committee Chairs Allyson Hamblett (Auckland) and
Theresa Lynn (Northland).
Get in touch
If you’re interested in more information on the support, information or advocacy we
can offer we would love to hear from you. Here’s how
CCS Disability Action Auckland
09 625 9378 or 0800 227 200
Auckland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
14 Erson Ave, Royal Oak, Auckland
CCS Disability Action Northland
09 437 1899 or 0800 227 200
Northland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
291 Kamo Rd, Whangarei
Facebook/ccsDisabilityAction
Twitter.com/ccsDisabilityA
www.Northern.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
Rēgionāl Round Up
News, views and interviews from across our diverse region.
Eighty Years Young
In March the Auckland branch of CCS Disability Action marked 80 years in the
community with two events to celebrate this major milestone. Our free Family Fun
Day event showed that, despite our ‘advanced’ age, we’re still up for a bit of silliness
while a more formal evening affair provided an opportunity to explore our
organisation’s history.
Making Churches More Inclusive
A comprehensive new resource shows how churches can be more welcoming to all
people.
THE DISABILITY, SPIRITUALITY and Faith Network (DSFN) have recently created
a book with practical advice about how to create a welcoming environment for
disabled people in churches called Creating Welcoming Churches: a disability
resource for faith communities. Auckland Local Advisory Committee member Vicki
Terrell, who is also Chairperson of the DSFN, was a key member in creating the
book. While it is focused on the church community, its tips for action could also be
used for other organisations or community groups to be more inclusive.
Vicki is passionate about social justice; something she says comes from her
upbringing. “I believe all people need to be treated with respect and given the
opportunity to contribute to society. This commitment comes from the two main
strands in my life: Christian faith and lifelong impairment.”
Vicki explains that the book was borne out of concern over a lack of welcoming
environments in churches for people with a disability. The DSFN is largely made up
of people who have lived experience of disability and are passionately committed to
making the church a place where all people are included.
There are many people in New Zealand who, because of their eyesight, hearing,
mental health, learning disabilities or mobility, find it difficult to be part of the church
family, and that’s frustrating.” she says.
Vicki’s commitment to seeing all people included in society is seen in the many
projects she is involved in. Alongside her work in governance at CCS Disability
Action and at DSFN, she is also an Anglican priest and part of the Auckland
Rainbow Community Church. Vicki is also involved with Auckland Action Against
Poverty, Disability Against Domestic Violence and the White Ribbon campaign. She
is also a Disabled Person’s Assembly Kaituitui, a role which sees her sharing
information about the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Disabled Persons.
Vicki and the team at DSFN are currently working on promoting Creating Welcoming
Churches: a disability resource for faith communities and are working on making it
accessible to all people with impairments by producing it in a variety of formats.
Creating Welcoming Churches: a disability resource for faith communities costs $10
(plus $5.00 for post and packaging).
For more information or to purchase the book, please contact:
info@dsfnetwork.org
It is also available from the CCS Disability Action library.
info@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
0800 227 200.
Funding Her Future
AUT University student and Attitude Live blogger Olivia Shivas intends to use her
communications nous and lived experience of a disability to examine how people
with a disability are represented in the media, an experience that will be made easier
with the backing of the Jubilee Trust.
21-YEAR-OLD student Olivia Shivas has already had some useful insights into how
the media present disability in her work as a contributor at Attitude Live (the online
division of Attitude Pictures) and through her Bachelor of Communications, which
she completed in 2014.
Olivia is now in the process of completing her Honours degree. She explains that the
first semester was spent doing research and her dissertation, which will focus on
disability representation in the media.
“It’s something I’m interested in – it affects me personally and it’s been a really
interesting process reading all the literature around the topics. I feel like I’m learning
a lot about myself so it’s really cool,” she says.
For Olivia, people with disabilities are rarely represented in mainstream media and
when they are, the representation is often a negative or exaggerated stereotype.
This semester, she is heading off to the University of Helsinki in Finland to do a fourmonth exchange.
The Jubilee Trust scholarship funding will be used towards Olivia’s expenses for the
trip. “Most of it will go towards when I’m overseas because there are extra costs
when you use a wheelchair, that’s just the way it is.”
Olivia is able to use the scholarship money to ensure she has accessible
accommodation, which she explains is fairly pricey compared to the other student
halls of residences. “This scholarship will definitely help take a weight off my
shoulders.
“And it’s also good to know that people support and believe in what I want to do with
my research as well, so that’s quite cool.”
Olivia’s advice for those considering applying for a grant? “It sounds super cheesy
but the best thing you can do is just try. Before applying, I thought ‘I don’t even know
if they’ll consider me but I might as well try because what you get out of it is worth it’.
You do have to put yourself out there.”
The Jubilee Trust, which is currently seeking applications for its next funding round
closing November 6, provides financial support for people with physical disabilities.
It also encourages people with a disability to continue their education, take on new
opportunities and enhance their wellbeing. This is an acknowledgement of the strong
contribution people with a disability can bring to our society.
You can find out more about the Jubilee Trust and how to apply for grants by visiting
www.Northern.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz and clicking on Funding Opportunities
Gym Junkie
25-YEAR-OLD Renes Bashota first stepped foot in a gym in 2012 and hasn’t looked
back since.
With the support of his Community Support Worker, James Quintal, Renes has been
working out four times a week at Club Physical and showing up the regulars. “He
comes in and doesn’t mess around,” says James.
After spending a lot of time at the gym, Renes realised that sport and fitness was
something that he was good at and passionate about. He explains that he has
benefited greatly from being able to go to the gym and would like to share this
positive experience with others. “I want to develop a gym training programme for
differently abled people, and ultimately open up my own gym or work in a gym as a
fitness instructor,” he says.
Renes is busy putting the steps in place to achieve his goal. In 2013, he completed a
Certificate in Applied Sports and Recreation. He has also been in contact with a
fitness mentor in Hamilton and received some good advice around training people
with disabilities. With the foundations in place, Renes has big plans for the future.
Watch this space!
Coffee for Thinkers
COFFEE FOR THINKERS aims to promote self-employment as a viable pathway for
people. LAC chairperson Allyson Hamblett, who is a key member behind Coffee for
Thinkers, explains: “I hope this would appeal to people who want to supplement their
income, want to do what their interested in and get paid for, and those who have
struggled with traditional employment.”
Allyson’s key goal for the group is to provide change around thinking and supports
towards employment for people for a disability. “One main objective that would be
great to see is if someone comes into CCS Disability Action and wants support to
find a job, instead of just focusing on the traditional employment route, support staff
may suggest: ‘We can help you find employment, but have you also thought about
being self-employed?’”
While the group meets regularly to discuss plans for action, members hope its newlycreated Facebook group will encourage others to join in on the discussion. It’s a
space for people to talk about their ideas for self-employment and to meet likeminded people who can support each other in their ventures.
You can join in the conversation by heading over to Facebook and searching "Coffee
for Thinkers".
www.Facebook.com/groups/CoffeeForThinkers/
Leaving People Behind
BY SAM MURRAY, CCS DISABILITY ACTION NATIONAL POLICY
COORDINATOR
FUTURE WELFARE LIABILITY is where the government predicts the future welfare
costs of people in benefit categories. This is based on how many years, on average,
people in that category stay on a benefit. The government can then pick where to
invest based on where the most reductions in future welfare liability could be made.
Picking where to invest based on future welfare liability is called an investment
approach.
Both the Productivity Commission and the former Welfare Working Group think an
investment approach will lead to the government focusing on those with the greatest
needs for support. This is because those with the greatest needs are likely to have
the highest future welfare liability. The Ministry of Social Development has been
using an investment approach based on future welfare liability for a few years now.
The question is what has it resulted in?
Despite the predications that an investment approach would shift attention to those
with the greatest needs, this did not happen. Disabled people aged under 40 on the
Supported Living Payment have amongst the highest average future welfare liability
and there has been little attempt to seriously invest in them.
In fact, when the government assessed the future welfare liability of youths on
benefits, they deliberately excluded disabled youth on the Supported Living
Payment. They were the only youths to be excluded. This may be because it would
draw attention to the lack of progress in finding employment opportunities for
disabled youth.
In reality the Government will not just make investment decisions based on which
groups have the highest future welfare liability. They will assess the chance of more
support actually getting people into work. The trouble is that disabled people face
complicated social and environmental barriers, including employer attitudes and a
lack of accessible buildings/transport. Addressing these barriers takes time and there
is no guarantee of success.
If the Government thinks investment is unlikely to affect the future welfare liability of
a group, especially in the short to medium term, they will under-invest or not invest at
all. Unlike the private sector where this would cause a business to go under, it will be
people going under, lacking the support to find appropriate employment.
This means that in practice an investment approach based on future welfare liability
may further disadvantage those with the greatest needs. It is also likely to reinforce
the negative assumptions and prejudices in officials and politicians about which
people are worth investing in. This goes heavily against a rights-based approach and
the social model of disability as well as widely held views on the importance of a fair
go for all.
The Fight For Accessibility
NORTHLAND RESIDENT DAVE Ward bought his home four years ago and is still
waiting for Enable New Zealand, under ACC, to finish housing modifications. “My
shoulders are destroyed because my home isn’t accessible and I have to push
myself. It annoys me that ACC and Enable New Zealand are getting away with this.”
Dave attributes the inefficiency to changes in the system, which see Enable NZ
managing house modifications for ACC. Now there are so many people involved in
the process that it makes direct communication difficult, which is one cause of the
problems. “When we make a complaint, we have to go through all these channels
and our messages get distorted. There’s a lack of communication,” says Dave.
Despite the difficulties, Dave says he isn’t backing down. Sick and tired of waiting,
he’s got a lawyer to support him and says that it seems things are finally starting to
progress.
For those who may be going through a similar situation, Dave urges people not to
back down. “Don’t give up; get to know what your rights are. If you don’t know what
they are, get an ACC advocate who can help you.
Dave hasn’t been in paid work since an accident in 2006 and is keen to use his time
and skills to support other people living with an impairment. This desire led him to
join CCS Disability Action’s Northland Local Advisory Committee (LAC) in 2014.
As well as being an LAC member, Dave is a representative on Whangarei District
Council’s Disability Advisory Group. The group meets monthly with Council to
address matters that directly affect people with impairments. It’s also an opportunity
for Council staff to consult with the disabled people and those connected to the
disability sector on proposed plans and policies.
Dave believes it’s essential that disabled people are supported by good processes
and structures that make having a say, be it positive or negative, easy. And he’ll
continue to fight in his local community to see that happen.
Tips for Making Complaints
• Understand that you have rights to receive good support and service. You matter!
• Ask to see the official feedback or complaints process. Organisations and
companies should have a written process for you to follow. Keep going up the chain
until you’re satisfied
• Ask an advocate. Consider asking a friend or family member to support you
through the process or an official community advocate. Their role could be as big or
small as you choose. They could record what’s said in meetings, be there for moral
support or communicate on your behalf
• Keep a paper trail. Write down (or ask someone else to) what you agree in person
with any deadlines, actions and who’s responsible
• Seek legal advice. Community Law or Auckland Disability Law provide free legal
support
• Connect with local groups, DPOs and forums. There may be other people out there
who’ve already experienced, and found solutions, to the challenges you are facing
New Website Launched
ACCESS4ALL IS A new New Zealand-wide accommodation and activity guide
targeted at people who have access needs. It was launched by Richard Fanselow
with financial backing from Think Differently and lists motels, apartments and holiday
parks that provide accessible and easy access standard units/rooms. The site is also
branching out into tourist activities and attractions.
For Barrier Free Advisor Vivian Naylor, the main and most practical point of
difference is the detailed photographs which accompany each listing. This means
people can check out potential accommodation in advance, rather than having to rely
on the descriptions of the business owner.
The team behind the website plan to continue to add new sites in the months to
come.
www.access4all.co.nz
Halberg Tri Challege
Congratulations to our very own champions who took out the top place at the
Halberg Tri Challenge
TWO TEAMS OF CCS Disability Action staff members from Northland and Auckland
competed in the challenge on Friday June 26, raising money to support the Halberg
Disability Sport Foundation.
Each team member had to either cycle, row or run as far as they could for 20
minutes straight at Vector Area in Auckland, which was transformed into a makeshift
stadium for the occasion. The team that covered the total greatest distance – one of
our wonderful teams – was named the winner of the Halberg Tri Challenge.
As well as earning bragging rights, the team were able to raise much needed funds
to help more physically disabled young people experience the benefits of sport. In
total, over $45,000 was raised by participants – a truly amazing effort.
Lessons With The Pro
IF YOU’VE EVER wanted to try boxing with David Tua, now’s your chance! The
former boxing professional is now running inclusive lessons on boxing basics for
people with a physical disability or sensory impairment.
For Community Support Youth & Transition Coordinator Renata Kotua, the weekly
lessons are a welcome response to a shortage of exercise options in the community.
“We’ve had lots of young people asking for accessible exercises. We got in contact
with David to see if he’d be open to the idea. He immediately said yes and he’s been
incredibly open and generous with his time.” she says
“Everyone really enjoys the lessons and gets stuck in – it’s lots of fun!”
The lessons, which are open to all ages, are held at David Tua’s gym in Onehunga.
There are gloves available to use and support people there. So come along and give
it a go!
The Details
When: Thursdays 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Where: David Tua Health & Fitness, Waller Street, Onehunga (at the back of Cash
Converters & DressMart Carpark).
Cost: $5 for people connected to CCS Disability Action
For more information contact:
Renata.Kotua@ccsdisability action.org.nz
09 624 2564 or 021 565 723
Dig It! Gardens Blossom
THE DIG IT! Royal Oak Organic have undergone a mini makeover over the past few
months thanks to the hard work of Garden Supervisor Victoria Barrett and the
garden’s incredible group of volunteers. The outside meeting room – know as the
Bubble House – has been spruced up and newly decorated with garden tools
hanging from the roof and indoor plants dotted about.
The garden team has also worked hard to create a little courtyard area in the
gardens made from recycled materials. Victoria says it’s been quite a transformation
and they’re not done yet – the team is currently working on creating a “den area” for
the volunteers to enjoy.
Victoria continues to deliver monthly community events for people interested in
gardening, permaculture and sustainability. “I’m really pleased with how the
workshops have gone. Everyone who’s come along has got stuck in and had a
wonderful time,” she says.
You can find out about our upcoming workshops on the Dig It! Royal Oak Organic
Facebook page and blog.
www.Facebook.com/DigItGardens
www.DigItOrganicGarden.blogspot.co.nz
Building Connections Through Karanga
Maha
Since starting their new role, Northern Region Pou Ārahi Jonathan Tautari and
Robert Nathan have been busy with a main focus on coordinating the Karanga Maha
hui.
NORTHERN REGION Pou Ārahi Jonathan Tautari and Robert Nathan have been
kept busy coordinating a series of events in recent months including two large hui
(workshops) and a glittering Matariki Ball.
As Jonathan Tuatari explains, “Karanga Maha (which means Many Voices)
describes a series of hui (events) and experiences that bring whānau together to
share information, stories and life experiences. It is an ongoing and continual
process of dialogue and information exchange underpinned by kaupapa Māori.”
The three-day hui held in Manukau, Auckland in April had a dual focus. "Firstly,
many of the workshops discussed topics such as karanga (part of the powhiri
process), waiata (song), Kapa Haka (performing arts) and traditional Māori birthing
processes – something many parents of a baby with an impairment miss out on. The
other purpose of the hui was to share information with whānau about Individualised
Funding (IF),” says Jonathan.
“Historically the uptake of IF amongst Māori has been significantly lower than for
non-Māori. At the hui, a selection of whānau came to lead workshops and share their
experiences of IF. Imparting information through storytelling helps people connect
emotionally, intellectually and intuitively to the information,” he explains.
More than 100 people of all ages came to the hui over the three days. “People felt
that having all ages participating provided a really good dynamic. Whānau shared
stories and personal accounts − creating a supportive space for others to share their
stories too.”
In July, the Auckland community-based steering group hosted a Matariki Ball which
was a chance for people of all ages to get dressed up and enjoy a formal event.
“Some of the people who came had been actively discouraged from attending their
own school balls, which is a special occasion for people to experience.”
Auckland and Northland based Karanga Maha groups came together in Whangarei
in late August, providing a powerful opportunity to connect and reflect. “It was
exciting to provide a space of learning to enhance the well-being of whānau and to
feed the hinengaro (mind) with information.”
Join Us
If you'd like to join us at our upcoming events in Auckland or Northland, we would
love to hear from you.
Please contact Robert on:
027 807 9666 or Robert.Nathan@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz for more info
Leading Life Conversations
CCS Disability Action is hosting a series of free workshops that will encourage
disabled people to reflect on what’s most important in their life and use this
information to set short term or long term goals.
PETER WILSON, National Manager of Partnerships & Projects at CCS Disability
Action, believes that the value in reflecting on what’s important in life is often
overlooked. He is keen to help people access tools and build confidence so they can
gain more control in their day-to-day lives.
With funding from Te Pou, the organisation is running a series of 18 free workshops
across the country. All are geared at giving disabled people practical tools to reflect
and clarify what they want from life and to communicate their wishes to others.
“The Leading Life Conversations workshops are an opportunity for people to focus
on what’s going on for people in their lives. What’s going well? What’s not going so
well? Reflecting in this way can be a very powerful thing.”
“Once they’re really clear on want they want to get out of life, then how do people
communicate that with those around them?” Mr Wilson says the workshops are a
guide to help people look at where they want to be in life.
“We believe that all people should have real choice and control over the things that
matter to them. This could be dealing with everyday matters, or the big picture stuff. I
want to share some of the practical tools and strategies that I believe can make a
huge difference.”
Mr Wilson believes with more people accessing individual funding and managing
their supports, the opportunity for disabled people to have their voice heard has
never been greater.
”While we still have a long way to go, I believe people are increasingly being
recognised as the expert in their own life. That means that any support, whether
that’s from family, friends or a formal provider, can and should match what disabled
people want to see for their everyday life. For that to work though, disabled people
need to understand that they’re in charge and they needn’t feel limited by how things
have looked for them in the past. That can be a huge shift for some people and is
one of the barriers we will look at in the workshops,” he explains.
The workshops will also introduce participants to the How’s It Going?™ tool, a free
self-assessment and planning resource developed by CCS Disability Action which
aims to help people record, track and communicate what is important to them.
Leading Life Conversations Workshop
You know what’s important in your life! Find out how to capture your ideas and
communicate with others about what you want and how they can support you
WE INVITE YOU to a free, practical workshop which will help you focus on:




Your rights
Why your leadership matters
What you want from your life
Having conversations with people about what’s important in your life
You will also learn about how to get the best out of How’s it Going?™ This is a tool
that can support you to take a look at your life and help you express what’s important
to you.
Workshop Dates
We are running two workshops for disabled people in your area
Thursday 26 November
10am-3pm CCS Disability Action, 14 Erson Avenue, Royal Oak, Auckland
Friday 27 November
10am-3pm Kingsgate Hotel, 9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei
Please let us know if you need any support to attend the workshops
For More Information or to Register
Auckland
0800 227 2255 or 09 625 9378 Ext 9300
Northland
0800 227 2255 or 09 437 1899
Elizabeth.Church@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
www.facebook.com/CCSDisabilityAction
www.Northern.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
Mission Accomplished?
EDUCATION MINISTER Hekia Parata has heralded a new report from the
Education Review Office (ERO) as evidence of a “sea change” for inclusion. The
report, "Inclusive practices for students with special needs," appears to show that
schools have become significantly more inclusive towards children with additional
educational needs.
“Schools have become much more welcoming places for children with special
educational needs. Schools can be proud of the progress they have made,” says Ms
Parata.
Chief Executive of CCS Disability Action, David Matthews, said the report highlights
that many schools are developing innovative ways to include all students in the
academic and social life of their school.
“There are some great success stories in this report and it clearly shows that with a
bit of thought and creativity, all students can be included. Furthermore, the key
characteristics of inclusive schools; good leadership, well-organised systems and
innovative practices, benefit all students. Schools that are good at including students
with disabilities are great schools overall too.”
But he cautions that changes to the way the research was undertaken by ERO has
skewed the results.
“The Education Review Office broadened the focus of the new report to cover all
students with special education needs, rather than just students with high needs.
The sample size is also over 30 per cent smaller than the previous 2010 report with
significantly less rural schools.”
As the report itself says:
“The information may not be strictly comparable across the years, as the 2010 rating
referred to students with high needs while the 2014 rating referred to students with
special education needs.”
The report also notes that caution is needed in judging the results, as it is difficult to
determine which schools may have turned students away. The Education Review
Office found that some parents had to try several schools before their children were
enrolled. This mirrors the findings of CCS Disability Action’s previous Families
Choices research.
The report also found issues with funding, Mr. Matthews said:
“A lack of funding is a reoccurring issue and so is difficulty accessing support from
the Ministry of Education. While more funding is not always the answer, all students
should be getting the support they need to thrive at school. If this is not happening
then we need to look deeper at our funding and support systems.”
Mr. Matthews also said that a weakness of the report was its failure to emphasise
that students with disabilities have a right to a good education at their local school.
“While it is great to celebrate the positive work of schools, at the end of the day,
every student has a right to a good education at their local school. The Ministry of
Education and ERO are still reluctant at times to enforce the right to education.
Sometimes schools need to be challenged and too many schools are still unaware of
the rights of students with disabilities.”
Kids On The Case
A GROUP OF primary school children are well on their way to becoming disability
rights advocates.
The year six children at Mission Heights Primary School in South Auckland helped
solve a disability access issue at ANZ bank last year and are now campaigning to
raise money for wheelchair access to the Life Education Trust’s mobile classrooms.
The children’s interest in disability access issues first began when twin boys in their
school had to be manually lifted into a visiting Life Education classroom early last
year. While it was doable for the school’s deputy principal to lift the boys, 10-year-old
Hannah Grant wisely suggested that it could be more of an issue in later years. “As
you get older, you might not want the deputy principal carrying you into something.”
Since then, they’ve been researching wheelchair stairlifts that work in confined
spaces as a solution for areas where it’s difficult to install a ramp.
When the issue of a new ANZ branch in downtown Auckland that lacked access for
disabled users came to public eye, the pupils were on the case. The issue came to
light when former CCS Disability Action Communications intern, Juliana Carvalho,
made a formal complaint about the lack of wheelchair access. The only way into the
bank was through stairs, which meant she was unable to access the bank. While the
bank maintained that there was no room for a ramp, the students were able to find a
workable alternative – a fold-down stairlift.
Juliana says the ANZ bank recently installed a lift. “I went there to pay a bill and used
it! Victory!”
The folding stairlift discovered online by the students is also a solution for their
classmates to gain access to the Life Education Trust mobile classroom.
They have created a Givealittle page to help Life Education Trust raise the
funds needed.
Let’s hope that this smart thinking inspires some equally inclusive attitudes to access
in our older generations.
Disabled Women's Forum Now Online
Are you keen to connect with other women who have a lived experience of disability?
The Disabled Women's Forum is now on Facebook. You'll find plenty of information,
discussion and events.
Search for 'Disabled Women's Forum' to join.
www.Facebook.com
Tāking Chārgē
We meet three women taking control of their lives in three very different ways.
Funding Creative Ventures
Titirangi-based Morgaina Matthias lives what could be considered an
adventurous life. We share her unique approach to using her funding in way
that puts her well and truly in control.
Morgaina Matthias is the definition of a woman who is up for a challenge. She enjoys
the outdoors, has a talent for photography, is keen on a variety of sports and, like
many 27-year-olds, loves spending time with her friends, especially if it includes a
trip to handmade cosmetics store Lush.
In the past few years, she’s also taken up activities that may feel unnerving for some,
including drama, dance and more recently circus classes. While circus classes may
seem like an exotic venture to most people, for Morgaina, they didn’t feel like enough
of a challenge.
As she explains, she wasn’t allowed to tackle all the aspects of the classes and take
the risks she wanted as the staff put up barriers to her fully taking part. “I’m not going
anymore because it got a bit repetitive. It was quite basic and I really like to get in
there and I like a challenge.”
Senior Community Support Coordinator Daniel Maseege, who has known Morgaina
for around five years, admires her constant drive to push back against society’s
expectations about how a young woman who uses a wheelchair ‘should’ live their
life.
“Morgaina knows what she can do, and she is prepared to push herself to her limits
to get the best out of her life,” he says. “We support Morgaina with a funding
package which is really flexible, and she’s got such clear ideas about what she
wants to do and what she wants to get out of life. Together we can make things
happen that are a bit out the box,” he explains.
Morgaina has come up with some creative ways to use her support funding to match
her interests.
“I went to see a couple of shows at the comedy festival and it’s allowed me to buy
concert tickets to Nickelback and the Kooks,” she says. “It’s also meant I can buy a
camera for my photography and go to the theme parks in Australia. Last year I went
to Dreamworld and this year I went for four days for my birthday and went to White
Water World.”
While she lives a very full life, because of the inaccessibility of the entry to her family
home and her current reliance on others for transport, she admits that she can felt
quite trapped at times.
A recent conversation with her CCS Disability Action Community Coordinator
clarified her thinking on wanting to move out and go flatting. While she’s feeling
slightly impatient now to see progress on this move, she acknowledges that it’s a big
change and comes with some extra challenges to ensure her impairment doesn’t get
in the way of an independent life.
As Morgaina and her team work together to find a new home for her, she’s now looking towards her next creative endeavour.
“I like poetry, I feel like that’s my outlet for my emotions and feelings, but I’ve always
been really slack and I’ve never had it published,” she explains.
Next on her to-do list? Finding a publisher
Living Her Dream
For Auckland-based Marie Henderson, moving into her own place was the beginning
of a happier, more independent way of life
Marie Henderson has come a long way in a short space of time. Relaxing in her
comfortable home, it’s hard to imagine that just one year ago she was living in
residential care with little independence.
“Up until recently my life was dictated to by other people,” says Marie. “I was told
what events I could and arie Henderson has come a long way in a short space of
time. Relaxing in her comfortable home, it’s hard to imagine that just one year ago
she was living in residential care with little independence. “Up until recently my life
was dictated to by other people,” says Marie. “I was told what events I could and
couldn’t go to, what to eat and when, and I was even told what time I should go to
bed.”
Now – rightfully so – Marie is taking charge of her life. “I am becoming more
confident and learning how to be moreindependent as the weeks go by,” she says.
The 38-year-old has a wide variety of interests and enjoys spending time with her
family and friends. Marie is also involved with the SPARK Centre of Creative
Development arts studio, to explore her creative side. It’s a connection which she not
only loves, but has a real talent for.
Moving into her own place has been a goal of Marie’s for many years. She knew
exactly what she wanted – an accessible rental home in central Auckland – and all
she needed was the supports in place to achieve her goal.
Marie was supported in the move under Choice in Community Living (CiCL). Choice
in Community Living is an alternative to residential services, and is about opening up
opportunities for disabled people and their family to have more choice and control
over where and how they live. Marie and her Support Coordinator together came up
with a CiCL support plan, detailing the steps Marie would need to put in place to
move into her own home. After searching for an accessible home, working out a
budget and finding a suitable flatmate, Marie was ready to move in.
Now that she has moved into her own place, Marie is enjoying a lot more
independence. As part of this process and as a reflection to her growing confidence,
she is slowly reducing the number of hours she is supported by professionals.
She has also proved a dab-hand at managing her household shopping and weekly
budget, something that was kept out of her grasp in the residential care setting.
Sharleen Tongalea, her CCS Disability Action Support Coordinator, has also noticed
the difference. “Marie has made a massive life change. It was kind of like ‘little bit by
bit’ but when we looks back it’s actually a massive achievement – from residential
care, to now living in her own flat with flatmates.”
While Marie may have achieved one dream, she’s not done yet. Next up is to test out
the acting skills she’s developed – “I want to be on Shortland Street!” An ambition
she’s all the closer to achieving now that she’s in control of how she lives her
everyday life.
The Ripple Effect
Moving into her new home has made a world of difference for 42-year-old
Lesley Greig who now sees a whole new, and brighter, future ahead.
Before moving into her new Whangarei Accessible Housing Trust home earlier this
year, Lesley’s living arrangements were far from meeting her needs.
She’s used a wheelchair for the past four years after having a stroke which has left
her with an impairment. “I use my right side to do most of the work.” The plus side?
“I’ve got a mean right hook!” she jokes.
She was discharged to her mother’s home – a house which was up eight stairs.
Lesley had to drag herself and her wheelchair up or down the stairs to get in and out
of the house – an experience that not only created the obvious physical barriers, but
proved emotionally isolating for the sociable Whangarei local.
She then moved into the only affordable option for her at the time, a one-bedroom
cabin at an accommodation park. To get into her cabin, Lesley had to get out of her
wheelchair and pull herself and her wheelchair up some stairs and onto the cabin
deck. Not only was her cabin difficult to negotiate, getting around the grounds was
very awkward for Lesley – the pathways were all gravel and to get out of the park,
there was a steep hill that she would have to push herself up backwards. There was
also no accessible kitchen for her to use which meant Lesley was reliant on others to
help her to manage to cook meals. “That was pretty tough,” she admits.
After meeting Lesley, it’s clear that she is not one to complain and downplays any
challenges she’s faced. This is something her CCS Disability Action Community
Support Coordinator Jan Curtis acknowledges. “Lesley is a really strong person.
You’ll never hear her say it, she always just gets on with things, but she’s been
through a lot. She’s an amazing woman.”
After finding out about the Whangarei Accessible Housing Trust through Jan, Lesley
met up with Housing Projects Manager Barry Moore to discuss what she was looking
for in a home. Several months passed between that first meeting and finding a house
but Lesley explains that “it was worth the wait.”
She now lives in a bright, warm, accessible home in Whangarei with her “babies”
a.k.a. her two kittens.
“Independence” is a word that comes up a lot when Lesley talks about her new
home. “I like having my own space. Having an accessible bathroom, my own laundry
room, it all means I can be more independent.”
She is relishing the accessible features of the home. As well as the bathroom and
laundry, the wide open spaces make moving around easy. Kitchen benches set at
the right height mean that Lesley is now able to cook for herself, something that she
really enjoys doing. Lesley has also tried her hand at gardening. All in all, she is
quickly building up the credentials of a top homemaker.
Perhaps even more significant is the fact that, as Lesley explains, she now feels in
control of who is in her space and who visits her at home. This is in stark contrast to
life at the accommodation park.
While she met lots of great people there, there were also people who often made her
feel scared and vulnerable. “I didn’t want to be around those people anymore,” she
says – a sure sign of her growing confidence and self-esteem now that she’s more in
control of her own life.
For Lesley, moving into her new home has made a real difference in how she feels
about her future. “I feel better about myself. It’s made me think that more things
could happen for me, there are more opportunities.”
Lesley has a list of goals that’s she working on. Having achieved her number one
goal – moving into her own place – Lesley is now working with staff to build up her
confidence with public transport so that she can get into the town centre easily and
secure the independence she craves. “Once I’ve figured it out, Jan will have a hard
time finding me!”
Community Cārēgivērs
Foster care families provide a safe and loving home-away-from home away for
children and young people. We meet two families who have warmly welcomed
children into their homes and learn what it is that motivates them.
For Danae Sanft, it was a chance connection through her work as a Teacher Aide at
a Special School that first saw her and her partner approached to care for Ahmed*
(13). Ahmed, then aged 6, was a student there and the Child, Youth and Family
Social Worker who was supporting his birth family approached Danae to see if she’d
be interested in looking after him for a weekend. This one weekend was the catalyst
for taking on a major role in Ahmed’s and later his younger brother Yusuf’s* (9) lives.
Danae and Wayne began caring for Ahmed more and more regularly until their
relationship eventually extended to full-time care. When Danae discovered Ahmed
had a brother, she approached Child Youth and Family to see if she could foster
Yusuf as well. Six months later and the brothers were reunited. Seeing them
cuddling up to one another on the couch in their Auckland home, it’s difficult to
imagine them growing up apart.
While the boys are now thriving in a supportive and caring environment, when they
first came into care, it wasn’t easy. As Wayne puts it, the early days were “full on”.
Both boys had lived an unsettled childhood, having been in the care of a number of
different foster families. Their behaviour was often challenging and they found it hard
to interact with others. Due to their impairments, communication was a real barrier,
which meant getting to the root cause of some of their issues took perseverance and
patience.
With support and guidance from Amanda Mitchell, Community Coordinator at CCS
Disability Action, and their Child Youth and Family Social Worker, the family worked
together to find some practical solutions to make things work.
For Danae, getting the right support people in place was a turning point. “It’s difficult
enough trying to raise a child with high health needs, let alone trying to find the right
agencies. It can be frustrating. But CCS Disability Action can take you straight to the
source rather than getting shunted about,” she says.
Since this time, life has changed dramatically for the boys. Yusuf is now able to
communicate verbally (which he demonstrates very effectively talking ninety-miles-aminute about his passion for maths). His keen intellect and impressive memory has
enabled him to learn new things quickly – he is currently teaching himself to play the
guitar and is also learning multiple languages such as Spanish and Samoan.
Ahmed too has really come out of his shell during his time with Danae and Wayne.
He communicates using a mixture of signs and is developing some speech sounds.
Working together with the support of other agencies and the family, he has also
learnt positive ways of coping with the anxiety that he experiences.
“I just think the settled environment has been really good for them,” explains Danae.
“These guys have changed quite a bit and I’m really pleased with them, they’re
growing up and becoming very responsible.”
For Amanda, having been involved with the family for about six years, it’s incredibly
rewarding to see the boys’ distinct personalities blossom. “The two are like chalk and
cheese,” she says. Ahmed is very active and enjoys climbing, playing soccer and
swimming whereas Yusuf prefers reading and writing. Ahmed takes pride in keeping
his bedroom tidy and does household jobs like washing the dishes – much to his
younger brother’s delight, who often uses the excuse “oh but Ahmed likes doing it” to
get off cleaning!
As well as working hard to provide a stable home environment, Danae and Wayne
also do their best to ensure that the boys’ religious and cultural needs are met.
Ahmed and Yusuf are Muslim and the couple have really embraced the new culture,
celebrating Muslim holidays as a family and adapting their meals to fit in with the
boys’ needs.
The couple also provide ample opportunities to keep Yusuf and Ahmed connected
with their roots. “The boys keep in contact with their extended family because their
culture and religion are completely different from us so we need to make sure that
they have all of that in place and that they are aware of their own culture and their
own religion.”
While keen to keep them grounded in their culture, Danae and Wayne recently
decided to shift the boys from the special school they were attending to their local
mainstream school. It’s a move that has had a hugely positive impact on Yusuf and
Ahmed.
Danae has a passion for education and with the brothers struggling at their existing
school she was thrilled when their local primary school Lincoln Heights was open
and supportive when they approached them to enrol the boys.
“I am very grateful to the school. It has been fantastic to work with. The Principal has
just been very open.”
Both boys have taken to the new environment. Ahmed is far more settled and happy
and Yusuf is making lots of new friends. “I like learning new things from the other
children,” he says.
Danae sees benefits for both the kids and their classmates, and has noticed that
Yusuf and Ahmed are really rising to the academic and social challenges that the
school presents.
“Mainstream school has made such a difference. I think sometimes we do our kids a
disservice by not having expectations for them. I think it also teaches kids at a
mainstream school that it’s okay to be different.”
As Senior Coordinator at CCS Disability Action Helen Williams explains, the couple’s
commitment to Ahmed and Yusuf has had a tremendous and lasting impact on their
lives. “As caregivers, Danae and Wayne really go above and beyond to make things
work for the boys. Despite a rocky start in life, they boys are doing great now, and
Danae and Wayne are the driving force behind that. We’re all really lucky to have
them on board.”
*We’ve changed the names of these children to protect their privacy.
Re-Shaping Respite Services
CCS Disability Action will be re-shaping its Child Respite Services in
upcoming months to better meet the needs of children and their families.
CCS Disability Action has handed over the reins of its residential respite service
Longford Park in Auckland to Spectrum Care. The organisation will instead focus on
supporting families to access community-based options.
For Regional Manager Auriole Ruka, the new focus will offer more flexible and
personalised support in a way that matches the experience of living in a family home
as closely as possible for children and young people.
“We know that many parents and caregivers need time out to recharge, rest and also
focus on the needs of their other family members, but often have limited options.
We'd like to support families to grow their extended whānau and community
networks so that they can get a break, safe in the knowledge that their children are
happy, safe and loved. Basically, the same things we want for all our tamariki and
mokopuna.”
Auriole explains that staff and families were all happy with the transition process –
some have opted to stay with the new providers and others have moved into the
community with our support.
It’s a move that better fits CCS Disability Action’s vision and values.
"This approach means we can be more responsive to family's needs across the
board. That could mean working with people's cultural needs, creating support that
fits in with siblings or simply creating a range of options that make juggling a busy
family easier regardless of age or where you live. We think this new approach is
much more in line with what most families would choose for their child."
The new direction has been made possible with grant funding from the Jubilee Trust,
who provided the much needed financial support needed to forge this new way of
working. All in all, the re-shape will see children better supported to participate in
their local communities and hopefully develop a sense of where they belong –
included in the life of their community and family.
If you want to find out more about community respite care options for your child or a
child in your care, please get in touch with a member of our Child, Family and
Whānau team.
CCS Disability Action Auckland
09 635 9378 or 0800 227 225
Auckland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
CCS Disability Action Northland
09 437 1899 or 0800 227 225
Northland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
Happy Home, Happy Kids
North Shore-based Maria* and James* have opened their hearts and their
home many times over the years, making a huge difference in the lives of the
children they’ve welcomed into their family.
The Miller family leads a very full life. Maria and her husband have two children – a
19-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. They also own their own business, with
James frequently traveling the country for work and Maria working from home. While
family and work life is hectic, they’ve warmly welcomed four children into their lives
over the years.
Maria and her family started out doing respite care for CCS Disability Action in 2009.
She says that respite provided a great stepping stone into foster care, as she had
the chance to meet the team that supports foster and shared care families, the Child,
Family Whānau (CFW) team, and see what it was all about. Ultimately the family has
found fostering a better fit for the demands of their own busy lives. “With fostering it’s
easier because the child just works in with your family.”
Most recently they have fostered two little boys, Jake* and Isaac*, who are now living
with permanent foster care families and are open to fostering more children in the
future.
Maria comes with a background of working with disabled children, having been a
support worker at the Ministry of Education Special Education some years ago. But
she says the main job qualifications for fostering are simply love and care – both of
which their family has plenty to offer.
Maria says her daughter adored having Jake and Isaac around. “My daughter’s
wonderful, we’re really lucky because the minute she gets home from school she is
just playing with these children and they learn a lot off her that they can’t learn off
me. Kids learn from kids. Any little ones she just adores.”
The Miller family gets a lot of support from family and friends to help with day-to-day
life. Maria is lucky enough to have her mum live just across the road, who is a great
help. Maria also has a friend living nearby who’s a CCS Disability Action caregiver
too so they are both able to give each other mutual support.
They also get practical support from the team at CCS Disability Action to help with
appointments for the children as well as emotional support when needed. “I’ve
always felt like I can ring up. I’ve text [Team Leader, Child, Family Whānau] Michelle
on her days off and they’re always available,” says Maria. “But they give you your
space as well, which I like. But you know you can always flick a text and someone is
there.”
The Miller family’s commitment is highly valued by the team at CCS Disability Action.
“We have been continually impressed with Maria and her family’s dedication and
love towards the children in her care. She’s an absolute star caregiver and we look
forward to watching the next little one blossom in her care,” says Helen Williams,
Child, Family and Whānau Senior Coordinator.
Maria admits fostering can be an extremely emotional experience. Especially with
Isaac having left just a few months ago, it is a hard time for her family. “I do struggle
when they move on. We’re in a good space now but at first it was really hard – it’s
almost a process of grieving. I mean you can’t help but get really attached.”
But she says it’s all worth it to see the children’s progress during their time with the
family. “After a few months – wow they’re just happy little wonderful people. It's huge
to see how they can progress in such a short time."
Maria explains that when Isaac first came to her family aged 18 months, he seemed
“a bit lost”.
“His eyes were sort of empty. He wasn’t walking or sitting up. But he left nearly
running. We first of all taught him how to cuddle and how to be affectionate. And
then we had the physiotherapists come around and we did exercises with him so
slowly he learnt to crawl and then he started to investigate and he loved to play.”
Since living with the Miller family, he’s really come into himself. “Now he is just the
happiest, most beautiful, affectionate little boy. There was nothing special that we did
and he had a sparkle in his eye as kids should do. It was really hard letting him go.”
But although it’s hard, Maria knows Isaac has a bright happy future ahead of him.
“He’s going to do really well; he’s going to go to a mainstream school and the family
he’s gone to are going to travel with him. They just love him to death, he is their
dream come true so it couldn’t be better.” Proving that sometimes all kids need to
have a happy life is a little love and care.
*We’ve changed these people’s names to protect their privacy.
You Can Make a Difference in One Child’s Life
We have children and young people who need a safe, stable and nurturing home
away from home.
If you’re interested in welcoming a child into your family, either on a short or long
term basis, give us a call to find out more about Shared Care or Foster Care with
CCS Disability Action.
Put Yourself in the Picture. Contact Us Today.
0800 227 2255
Northland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
Auckland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
www.Facebook.com/ccsDisabilityAction
www.Northern.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz