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SUMMER 2016/2017
The newsletter of CCS Disability Action’s Northern RegionBillboard
Inside This Issue03 Regional
Round-up16 Spotlight on
Total Mobility18 A Family affair
CCS Disability Action Auckland09 625 9378 or 0800 227 200
@ [email protected] 14 Erson Ave, Royal Oak, Auckland
CCS Disability Action Northland09 437 1899 or 0800 227 200
@ [email protected] 291 Kamo Rd, Whangarei
f Facebook/ccsDisabilityAction Twitter.com/ccsDisabilityA www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
Get in touch
Tēnā koutou and welcomeUN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also profile the launch of the first Guide to ‘Reasonable Accommodation’ (p.15) a practical resource which will hopefully break down barriers to employment.
And alongside that you’ll find plenty of stories on disabled people, and their whānau, living the lives they choose, and doing the things that are meaningful to them. Because, after all, that’s what all the strategies and committees are ultimately for: creating an Aotearoa that includes all people.
Your Local Advisory Committee Chairs Allyson Hamblett and Anna Nelson (Auckland) and Theresa Lynn (Northland).
In many ways 2016 has been a momentous year. In December the Office for Disability Issues launched the 2016 – 2026 New Zealand
Disability Strategy. The strategy is written from the view point of disabled people and it is largely visionary rather than objective based as the previous one was. This was the result of considerable community feedback and, while it won’t be enough for everyone, it is worthwhile taking a moment to reflect on the value it places on the rights, needs and wishes of disabled people and their family and whānau.
In other big news we acknowledge Robert Martin of DPO People First (p. 13). Robert is the first person with an intellectual disability to serve on the
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.
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Regional Round-UpNews, views and interviews from across our diverse region
Designing her future
Working for a few years as a freelancer allowed Laura to gain experience, compile a portfolio of her work, and build up her confidence – giving her the experience she needed to start getting work.
Eventually, Laura saw a friend post on Facebook about a job at Media Works as a freelance in-house designer. She “pounced” at the opportunity. Her application was successful and at the end of 2015, after working for two years in the role, she was offered a newly-created position at Media Works.
“It was a momentous moment in my life. This is the first time in my career I feel 100% proud of myself, I am doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Laura acknowledges that reaching your goal is not always an easy journey but has some useful advice for others.
“Ask for feedback. If you ask why, you can improve for next time. It might take a long time but it will be all the sweeter when you get there.”
30-YEAR-OLD LAURA Feavearyear is currently working as a Graphic Designer at Media Works Radio, a position which she loves.
“It’s a really positive place to work. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do. Work just feels like fun.”
Laura describes how she’s been an arty person from a young age, so a job utilising her creative side seemed like a natural choice. She studied Creative Advertising at university but says she struggled to find work from that.
Laura decided to return to university, this time to study Graphic Design – the start of her journey to her dream job. However, it wasn’t an easy path. She couldn’t find work for over six months after completing her degree and began to question if it was because she was visually impaired. Laura explains that the support from her family and partner was invaluable during this time to keep her head up.
“After a while, you get used to hearing ‘no’. You’ve got to believe in yourself and know that you’ll always find a way.”
And find a way she did. Employing some creative thinking, Laura decided to take a risk and start her own business. With a little help from her dad, a businessman, she started up Bandwagon – a boutique design business.
After years of hard work, Laura Feavearyear is enjoying her first year at her dream job. She tells us how she achieved her goal.
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the bills we have more money to fill the fridge and freezer,” says Maureen. “It’s a big weight off our shoulders.”
Their new home suits Tiweka’s needs well. It’s now much easier for him to get in and out of their house, the bathroom is accessible and the hallways are wider to accommodate his wheelchair. All this adds to Tiweka’s independence.
The house benefits the whole family. There are raised garden beds in the back yard where they are able to grow produce. They’ve managed to grow all sorts – vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. Maureen has even been able to make chutney from their produce. While Maureen may be the chef, Tiweka jokes that his role as the taste tester is equally important.
All in all, the family are very settled in their new home. Nicely decorated with family pictures and art, they’ve really made it their own.
“It’s got our own personal touches. We’re really happy here,” Maureen says.
FOR TIWEKA BROWN and his family, their new home has been a “blessing”.
Tiweka, who lives with his mother Maureen, his brother and his partner, has been living in his Ruakaka home for over a year now.
The Browns found out about the Trust through an advertisement in their local newspaper. They rang Housing Projects Manager Barry Moore to find out more and, after an interview to check they qualified, the process for obtaining a Trust home began.
Maureen explains that they were offered a house soon after but had to turn it down because it was too close to the neighbours. She was worried they wouldn’t get another chance, but Barry continued to support them. “Barry never gave up on us. He continued to check in and see how we were going.”
Eventually, 44-year-old Tiweka and his family were offered their current Ruakaka home, which is more suited to their needs. “It’s been a blessing. Tiweka is a lot calmer now – perhaps because he knows he doesn’t have to move again. Barry has assured us this home is his for life,” Maureen says.
The family particularly enjoy the bright and welcoming atmosphere of their new home. “It’s warm and sunny. Nobody wants to leave the house!” jokes Tiweka. It’s also a lot more affordable, which means he is able to cover the cost of rent himself, with financial support from Work and Income New Zealand. “Because he’s paying
Tiweka Brown and his family moved into an accessible home, with support from the Whangarei Accessible Housing Trust. We share their story.
Tiweka (front) and Maureen have made their Ruakaka home their own.
Home for life
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many years. The higher rates of abuse in the disability community are not well understood or recognised and Paul will be a great advocate for this group of people.”
Mr Brown has been involved in programmes to prevent violence towards disabled people and awareness training for various organisations. Mr Brown has used his role in the Office of the Ombudsman to continue advocating against violence towards disabled people.
whiteribbon.org.nz.
THE ANTI-VIOLENCE organisation White Ribbon has announced that Paul Brown, the Senior Advisor on Disability Issues for the Office of the Ombudsman, has agreed to become their new ambassador. White Ribbon’s mission is to end violence toward women. As ambassador, Mr Brown will highlight the issue of violence against disabled people.
In White Ribbon’s media release, Mr Brown was quoted as saying: “Disabled people are targeted and are disproportionally represented as victims of family and sexual violence. As a White Ribbon ambassador I want to increase awareness of this.”
Disability Action Team Leader Susan Sherrard was pleased with Mr Brown’s appointment. “This is great news and very important to have a strong disabled person included as a White Ribbon ambassador. Paul is an excellent choice as he has been involved in violence prevention in the disability community for
White Ribbon ambassador Paul Brown with his daughter.
Disability leadership development opportunities
Paul Brown announced as White Ribbon ambassador
CCS Disability Action can apply for funding to present training workshops and provide leadership opportunities for disabled people and their family and whānau.• What do you want to learn
more about?
• What might interest and inspire you?• Who might interest and inspire you?
Send your ideas to:@ Liz.Church@ccsDisabilityAction.
org.nz Phone or text Liz: 027 801 1405
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Staff at CCS Disability Action’s Northland office have partnered with local groups to tame their wild garden into a new community project. We chatted to a few of the people who helped germinate the idea.
THE NORTHLAND CCS Disability Action office is in the midst of starting up a community garden for the public to enjoy.
The community gardens will offer people a place to practise their gardening skills, plant produce, and learn new skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Staff members Francina Botha and Camellia Neilson are leading the project, which began last year.
“We noticed this big garden at the back of our office which was in an unkempt state and we thought – why aren’t we using it?” Francina says.
With the support of local community groups, they are transforming the garden. So far a group with the Department of Corrections have come in to help clean up the garden. Francina says she was “very impressed” with the group, who even came in an extra day to mow the lawns. As well as this, Te Puni Kokiri generously donated towards the garden and church group ‘Our Helping Hands’ are volunteering their time to help figure out a “plan of attack” for the garden. All in all, the Northland community has offered fantastic support to get this initiative going.
Camellia and Francina have big plans for the garden in the future. “We want to plant lots of veggies and use them in different ways like making preserves. We also want to get experts in different fields to come in and hold workshops to teach people new skills” Francina says.
The team would love to hear from anyone who is interested in donating gardening tools or equipment. They’re also looking for garden volunteers – if you’re interested, please get in touch.
09 437 1899@ [email protected]
Northland community garden
Sam Brown is entering his second year volunteering at the Dig It! Gardens.
The 29-year-old helps out every Friday in the Auckland-based gardens, and also helps out in Northland when he can.
“I go up North frequently for work and to see my family, so I help out there when I can, getting their garden started.”
Sam came into contact with the gardens through our staff member Rob Furness and, along with Rob, provides some much-needed manual labour support. “The ladies give me all the heavy jobs. I help out with mulching and cleaning too.”
Sam’s favourite part about working in the gardens is the opportunity he’s had to meet a lot of new people and get to know them well. He’s a well-known face around CCS Disability Action!
Volunteer Profile Sam Brown
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a disability to share. Often this is about knowing yourself, he says. “I had a lot of unanswered questions about my impairment growing up and I want to offer support to kids going through a similar thing so that they can achieve their full potential. I can only offer personal experience, not advice.”
If you’re keen to connect with Anthony you can reach him via email. @ [email protected]
ANTHONY TROY RECEIVED support from CCS Disability Action as a child and now wants to give back.
40 years on, Anthony has a loving family - two kids and a very supportive wife. He is an avid runner and spends his time training for marathons. “I’ve been running the last 3-4 years. I never thought I’d be able to. I started out doing exercises such as skipping to build up my strength. It’s about knowing what works for you.” Anthony recently completed a 30 kilometre marathon at the beginning of the year and took part in the Ultra Marathon in November - a whopping 50 km!
Anthony says he got into running because he didn’t want to limit himself - a feeling he wants young people with
Looking for a mentor?
Anthony Troy
GERRI POMEROY AND Amanda Banks from CCS Disability Action’s Waikato office are involved in a project to improve footpath accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The over-arching project is called ‘Journeying Together’. Because there is currently no data on people using footpaths, decisions made about footpaths are not evidenced-based. The aim of the project is to develop
New project analyses footpath accessibility
new ways of gathering evidence so that disabled pedestrians’ complaints are treated equitably.
They are running an online survey to find out how often people use footpaths and why they use them.
If you are interested in taking part in the survey, contact Bridget Burdett.@ [email protected].
“I had a lot of unanswered questions about my impairment growing up and I want to offer support to kids going through a similar thing so that they can achieve their full potential. I can
only offer personal experience, not advice.”
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Talking about sex
disabilities choose ways of experiencing their sexuality. As part of this discussion, it was acknowledged clearly that there is a big difference between sex and intimacy, just like there is a difference between having support and being cared for.
This is a controversial topic for a lot of people with disabilities, meeting with a sex worker can sometimes be the first and maybe only experience they have of sexual touch. Having said this it is not the only option and it is not assumed that we as disabled people aren’t capable of finding and building our own positive intimate relationships. The services of sex workers is just one of the options or opportunities that people can consider if they are wanting to have a sexual experience that is on their terms. It is up to us as disabled people and those who support us to be open to the possibility of doing things differently and having the courage to work through these sensitive topics with the bravery and determination we all use with the rest of our lives. Reprinted with permission from In Touch the Muscular Dystrophy Association magazine.
www.mda.org.nz
WHY IS IT that so many people find it difficult to discuss sex? Why is it still such a taboo subject, especially within the community of people with disabilities?
There are so many positive things that can come from the experience of being sexual in a safe and consensual situation, but it is something that a lot of people with disabilities miss out on.
Many of the difficulties come because there are still a lot of misunderstandings or assumptions about what sex could mean for a person with disabilities. The lack of information and open discussion around matters relating to sex and intimacy means that often those who most need to discuss such topics don’t necessarily have the confidence or know-how to do so. Even now, sex education in schools has a reputation for not doing a very thorough job, even for the heterosexual and non-disabled mainstream students.
Amongst the group attending this workshop, it seemed that everyone recognised and had experienced the barriers present in exploring sexuality and opportunities to date, or forming relationships. Largely the group agreed on the barriers coming from the assumptions of others, but also the impact of self-esteem and confidence was raised.
A documentary called Scarlett Road was introduced. It deals with the organisation Touching Base in Australia, which helps facilitate people with disabilities accessing sex worker services. This was part of a conversation around how people with
Tegan Morris shares her thoughts on a CCS Disability Action workshop that discussed sex and intimacy.
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A new direction
receiving support to use technology, which is coming in handy as Charlotte recently received funding for a talking laptop from TalkLink.
These skills will help Charlotte develop the tools she needs to achieve her goal of going flatting next year.
“I’m deciding between Whangarei and Auckland. I’m not sure exactly what I want to do but I would like to study Te Reo – I’ve been looking up courses. I want to challenge myself.”
FOR CHARLOTTE MAAKA, the 2016 Gathering event was a huge learning experience.
The High School student was part of the Youth Committee for the Gathering, a role which saw her organising things such as catering and room hire to ensure that the two-day event ran smoothly.
Charlotte’s hard work paid off and the day was a success, attended by over 100 young people who took part in workshops and heard from guest speakers. She was able to join in on the day and said she found the experience to be hugely rewarding.
“It was awesome – a pretty emotional experience.” Hearing from other young disabled people was particularly valuable for Charlotte. “It opened up my mind – I learned that we have a voice. We’ve got to stand up for ourselves. It gave me confidence, and I’m not so shy now.”
Charlotte’s growing confidence is evident in the latest goal she has set for herself.
“This experience boosted me to want to finish school.”
Charlotte is currently receiving ‘Independent Living’ support from her Community Support Coordinator, Jan Curtis. She’s been learning to cook and budget her money. She’s also been
The opportunity to flex her organisational expertise has seen 19-year-old Whangarei local Charlotte Maaka blossom in confidence and expand her horizons. We find out how.
Charlotte has new-found confidence and belief in herself as a result of her contribution to The Gathering event.
It opened up my mind - I learned that we have a voice. We’ve got to stand up for ourselves. It gave me confidence,
and I’m not so shy now.
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The CCS Disability Action Local Advisory Committee (LAC) is a group of disabled leaders who provide valuable governance to our organisation. We meet the Auckland Co-chair.
LAC Member Profile: Anna Nelson
I am supporting our Chairperson Allyson Hamblett and the rest of the team in the work that they do. I get to support others, think creatively, and practise my advocacy and teamwork skills in the work that I do.
What do you like best about working with the LAC?I like the opportunity it gives me to communicate my beliefs and values in regards to the disability community. For me, it’s important to voice that as advocacy is crucial to the work we do. I believe society will change more in the future and the ignorance surrounding the way people with impairments are treated will disappear and there will be a lot more respect generally from society. I hope to influence this change.
What motivates your success? I would say my upbringing. I was never treated differently at school or at home – I was always encouraged to do everything I wanted to do and I was not wrapped up in cotton wool. I think this gave me confidence and assured me of my abilities. If you are interested in more information about LAC and the work they do, contact Kira Cook. @ [email protected]
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Anna.I am Student Advisor at AUT University, and I also do a bit of social media work for Diversity NZ. Both roles incorporate supporting and promoting individuals with disabilities to succeed in their studies and in their lives, which is something I am passionate about.
How would you describe the LAC? The LAC is a voluntary service that influences the work that CCS Disability Action does.
What is your role within LAC and what does that role entail? I’m the co-chair of the LAC, which means
Anna Nelson
I like the opportunity it gives me to communicate my beliefs and values in regards to the disability community.
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A major bequest makes a major difference
range of sources, including government contracts and local grant funding. We are extremely grateful for donations and bequests from people who share our vision of a New Zealand that includes all people. These extra funds allow us to provide support in a flexible way that really meets disabled people’s needs and aspirations.”
If you’d like to talk to us about making a bequest, please contact our General Manager Auriole Ruka. @ Auriole.Ruka@ccsDisabilityAction.
org.nz 09 624 2568
THE LIFE OF the late Harry Farmer remains something of an enigma, but there is no mystery about what he left behind. On his death in 1967, Mr Farmer left a life interest in his estate divided equally between his four children. The last of the four died in January, three days before her 100th birthday. As the surviving member of the family, all the income remaining in the estate from her late parents and siblings is now being distributed, in a remarkable gift, to CCS Disability Action and the Blind Foundation.
Both charitable organisations received more than $336,000 each from Perpetual Guardian, in accordance with the late Mr Farmer’s wishes.
Of the bequest, Auriole Ruka, General Manager for CCS Disability Action Northern Region, says, “While we do plan and hope for support from bequests each year, the incredibly generous contribution of the late Harry Farmer came as a very welcome surprise! The Auckland branch serves an incredibly diverse community, from Karaka in the south to Warkworth in the north, and there’s far more demand for our support and advocacy than we are publicly funded for, so our focus will be on how we can best work alongside disabled people and their family/whānau who are currently falling through the cracks.
“As a not-for-profit, CCS Disability Action receives its funding from a
Nearly half a century after his death, a benefactor has gifted a legacy to CCS Disability Action.
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People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi’s Make It Easy Translation Service has launched an Easy Read Will form and Guide.
The Will form is a template designed for a person to fill in, alongside their lawyer or legal representative. The guide shows the person how to fill out the form and introduces the ideas and words involved.
www,peoplefirst.org.nz
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Government launches video-based NZSL service
You can check out the new service at www.nzrelay.co.nz.
EARLIER THIS YEAR, the Government launched a service to reduce barriers for deaf and hearing impaired people.
The service links any deaf or hearing impaired person with a Video Interpreter and a hearing person.
Communications Minister Amy Adams said, “The new Video Interpreting Service helps reduce communication barriers for deaf people, making it easier for them to interact with their friends and family. It assists them in parent-teacher interviews, medical appointments, and meetings with businesses and government agencies.”
The free service will be available from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Uber’s new service increases accessibility
company pointed out that uberASSIST vehicles do not have accessible ramps or lifts.
Be.Accessible is a social change initiative and a holistic framework for accessibility with a mission to turn New Zealand into a “truly accessible country for us all”.
To read the full statement, check the link below.
https://newsroom.uber.com/new-zealand/uberassistnz/
UBER HAS LAUNCHED a new service aimed at persons with different accessibility requirements.
Called uberASSIST, it will be available in Auckland and Wellington. Drivers will take part in information sessions run by Be.Accessible to help them understand the necessary knowledge and safety requirements of people with different accessibility needs.
While uberASSIST partners can also accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers and collapsible scooters, the
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Robert Martin joins UN
Convention, he attended the signing as part of the government delegation in 2007.
The New Zealand government nominated Robert as the representative for the Asia-Pacific region. His nomination was supported by then-Minister for Disability Issues the Hon. Tariana Turia and Disability Rights Commissioner Paul Gibson.
Robert is a founding member of disabled person’s organisation People First and worked as a self-advocacy advisor with IHC. In 2008, Robert was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
IN JUNE, Robert Martin was elected to serve a four-year term on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He is the first person with a learning disability to serve at the United Nations (UN).
The Committee monitors how countries implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It is made up of 18 disability experts from around the world. This past October, New Zealand signed on to the Optional Protocol, which will enable individual New Zealanders to make their complaints directly to the Committee.
Robert’s election took place during the June Conference of State Parties to the UNCRPD, an annual meeting for signatories. Robert first addressed the UN during the drafting of the UNCRPD over a decade ago as a representative of Inclusion International, a global federation of family-based organisations advocating for the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities. As well as contributing to the drafting of the
Robert Martin
A number of new Supported Decision-making tools have been developed.• Easy Read information on Supported Decision-Making.• Easy Read form ‘How I make my decisions’.• A video from Robert Martin, MNZM and elected UN Committee member, UNCRPD.These provide some fantastic tips and information for disabled people to support them to have control over their decisions. They’re targeted at disabled people and their family and whānau. These resources can all be found at:
www.peoplefirst.org.nz or www.aucklanddisabilitylaw.org.nz
You can also contact People First NZ on [email protected] or 0800 20 60 70 for more information or to get a hard copy posted out to you.
Supported decision-making tools
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Mobile App Recognised at NZDSN Awards
How’s it Going? is a free conversation and self-reflection tool that can support people to work out whether they are living the life they want. People can also use it to talk, or think, about where they are at and where they want to be.
CCS Disability Action first developed How’s it Going? in 2012. In addition to the mobile app, it is available in Te Reo, Easy Read, Large Print, E-Text and braille.
Peter Wilson, National Manager of Partnerships & Projects at CCS Disability Action, is excited that CCS Disability Action has been acknowledged at the NZDSN awards.
“We originally developed this tool because disabled people told us they want more say and control in their lives. People have told us that How’s it Going? can be really useful in identifying the things in their lives that are going well and the things that they might want to improve or change. Reflecting in this way and then having the conversation you want is very powerful,” he says.
The content in How’s It Going? can be used by anyone. It is not specific to people who are supported by CCS Disability Action or people with disabilities.
You can download the free app via Google Play or iTunes or find out more on the dedicated How’s it Going? section of the CCS Disability Action website.
CCS DISABILITY ACTION’S How’s it Going?™ mobile app took out the ‘Most Innovative Technology or Research in 2014/15’ category at the New Zealand Disability Support Network Awards.
The award recognises an idea that has been translated “into a product of technology or a part of service that has created or contributed great value towards the disability sector by a service provider.”
Left: Peter Wilson is excited by the opportunity How’s it Going? provides disabled people to lead important conversations about their lives.
We originally developed this tool because disabled people told us they want more say and control in their lives
Demystifying Reasonable AccommodationNEW ZEALAND’S INDEPENDENT Monitoring Mechanism (constituted by the Office of the Ombudsman, the Human Rights Commission and the Convention Coalition Monitoring Group) has published a guide to ‘Reasonable Accommodation on Persons with Disabilities’.
The Guide aims to assist persons with disabilities to understand their rights to request reasonable accomodation in all actions, services and decision making,’ and informs agencies on the importance of having services that are accessible and do not pose barriers. The guide has been published in several formats (including an Easy Read version and a New Zealand Sign Language Video)
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CCS DISABILITY ACTION’S Northern region has been recognised for its commitment to creating accessible materials with the ‘Make It Easy’ award, a newly introduced award from national Disabled People’s Organisation, People First.
People First National Chairperson David King said they wanted to thank the organisation for its commitment to making it’s information easy for people with learning disabilities to read and understand.
David King called CCS Disabilities Action a role model for other organisations to follow. “We were absolutely thrilled to be acknowledged with the ‘Make it Easy’ award. We’ve made accessibility a key
Disability Rights Commissioner Paul Gibson, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Catalina Devandas Aguilar and Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier attended the Auckland launch event.
part of our communications strategy because access to information is an important aspect of disabled people’s rights,” says Lucy Green, Communications Manager (Northern Region).
CCS Disability Action wins first ‘Make It Easy’ award
and is available on the Office of the Ombudsman’s Website.
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/resources-and-publications/guides/good-administration-guides
dignified manner: • Getting to the place where your nearest
form of public transport departs (assumed to be approximately 500m).
• Getting onto the transport. • Riding securely.• Getting off the transport. • Getting to the final destination point
(assumed to be approximately 500m) In some places you will only be
covered if your disability is permanent, but the Scheme in most regions will cover temporary impairments as long as the impairment will last a minimum of six months.
Applying for Total Mobility taxi vouchersCCS Disability Action administers this scheme in partnership with Auckland Regional Transport Authority and Northland Regional Council. Our staff are accredited to do assessments and issue Total Mobility taxi vouchers.
The assessment costs $28. $20 is the membership fee for joining CCS Disability Action and the balance is the cost of the card from Auckland Transport or Northland Regional Council.
After your assessment, we will send your completed application form to your regional council for approval. After your initial application and approval, you can contact us for more taxi vouchers when you need them.
The Total Mobility scheme offers registered people a 50 per cent discount (up to a maximum subsidy of $40 in the Auckland
region) on fares with contracted transport providers.
How do I know if I can use the Scheme?If you cannot easily access public transport due to an ongoing impairment, you may be eligible for the Total Mobility Scheme. You will need to be assessed by an approved agency. As a general rule of thumb, you will only be eligible if you are unable to do any or all of the following in a safe and
Total Mobility Scheme
The Total Mobility Scheme provides subsidised taxi services to people who have a mobility impairment. Here we share the
‘ins and outs’ for those new to the system.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
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Total Mobility Providers• Affordable Choice Cabs• AK Co-op• Alert• Budget Taxis • Cheap Cabs• Corporate Cabs• Discount taxis• Driving Miss Daisy• Freedom Companion Driving Service• Kwik Cabs• North Shore Taxis• South Auckland Taxis• Taxis United• Waiheke Executive Transport• Warkworth• Western TaxisFor more information, get in touch.Auckland
(09) 625 9378 or 0800 227 2255@ [email protected]
(09) 437 1899 or 0800 227 2255@ [email protected]
A personal view on Total MobiltyBy Tim George
POURIA DARYANI JOINED CCS Disability Action in 2013 and works as an Administrative Assistant at the office in Royal Oak.
As a jack-of-all-trades Pouria has many responsibilities including looking after Hendrey House (an Orewa-based holiday home for CCS Disability Action members), looking after the fleet cars and various other tasks.
One of these roles includes working as a Total Mobility assessor.
Pouria has a vision impairment and also uses Total Mobility so he understands both sides of the process.
Pouria found getting around, including to and from work, much harder before he had a Total Mobility card. With taxis ruled out because of cost and public transport posing occasional logistical difficulties, he felt frustrated by his lack of good transport options – especially for getting to work. “It was not possible to use taxis so I had to use buses and it was so time-consuming,” Pouria says.
He encourages disabled people to see if they are eligible.
“Sometimes it’s not easy to get around on public transport. So for that reason it’s a great back-up,” Pouria says.
Tips for Using Total Mobility• It’s always a good idea to check with your taxi driver that they accept vouchers before you start your journey. You must show your Total Mobility Card to the driver at the start of the trip to receive the discount.• Your support person is able to accompany you and your vouchers will cover them. But they cannot access the Scheme without you, even if they are undertaking an activity on your behalf.• If you experience problems with the Scheme, such as unhelpful taxi drivers, it’s a good idea to follow this up. Contact MAXX at (09) 3666 400, or the NRC at 09 470 1200 for Whangarei services.
A Family AffairLike the family that lives there, the Profner home is warm and inviting.
Walking inside feels like entering a topsy-turvy world of cartoons, toys and ready hugs. This is the perfect place for children. Tracey Profner and her
daughter Brittany would not have it any other way.By Tim George
barrier. “Michelle was really open to that too because she didn’t see my disability as a barrier whereas a lot of other people do,” Brittany says.
Tracey has been happy with the support she has received from her Community Support Coordinator Liz Goldsworthy and Senior Coordinator, Fiona McDonald. “They’re just at the end of the phone. There’s on-call in the weekend. And no question is too stupid I found out,” she says. “Some of the silliest questions are really important to be answered.” On the other hand, Tracey appreciates the fact that the organisation gives her the space she needs to “get on with it”. “You don’t feel like somebody’s breathing down your back. And you get told you’re doing a good job which
Fostering a child is a team effort for the Profner family. Single mum Tracey lives in Manurewa with her four children, Brittany (21), Brooke
(14), Mitchell (12) and Evie (11). Tracey works in home-based care and has made the jump to caregiving for CCS Disability Action. With the help of her eldest, Brittany, the pair currently share care for baby Arthur* who is 21 months old. Their home is fully accessible meaning Brittany, who uses a power chair, has the run of the house. It’s also the perfect environment to support kids who need a place to call home.
When Michelle Herewini, Team Leader for the Children and Families team, visited the pair to assess their potential as caregivers, she didn’t see Brittany’s impairment as a
Tracey and her children have created a strong
family environment for baby Arthur.
CARING FOR KIDS
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18 CCS DISABILITY ACTION
Note: On November 10, 2016, the Government announced that payments to foster carers of children and young people would no longer be subject to income tax. The changes are set to go into effect at the end of the year.
goes,” Brittany says, voice trembling.By contrast Tracey has made her peace
with the fact that she will have to say goodbye, safe in the knowledge that they have given him a lovely home, albeit a short-term one. “I think it will be hard. But if I’ve done a good job and he’s going somewhere - whether it’s back to mum and dad or somewhere else - he’s loved.”
Tracey learned about becoming a Foster Carer through an advert on the back of an issue of Billboard. While she recognises the toll it can take, she would recommend becoming a caregiver, especially with CCS Disability Action. “They take great consideration on the right child for the family. They don’t just place any child to any family. They do look at the whole picture,” she says.
The connection with the organisation has also seen Brittany reconsider her own future. She recently referred herself to CCS Disability Action’s Transition Services, after feeling limited by others’ expectations of what she can achieve in life. She is keen to use the skills she has gained from volunteering as a buddy with Idea Services, and this new role as a caregiver, to see if these skills might lead into a career – potentially working to support other disabled people. It’s an exciting prospect, so we will watch this space!
is really nice,” she says. Tracey and Brittany are also happy with
the way the rest of her family have taken Arthur into their hearts. “Even my brother, who’s 12, he’ll bring all his mates round. They’ll sit there and play with him,” Brittany says.
The children that Tracey looks after during the day have also accepted the new member of the household – including that most contested childhood territory, sharing their toys!
Brittany believes the busy household and warm atmosphere have helped make Arthur feel at home. “He didn’t like touch when he first came, and now he’ll give you a cuddle,” Brittany says. Tracey explains that his Child Youth and Family Social Worker has been amazed by the transformation, explaining she could not “get over what a different boy he’s become”.
While Arthur is an easy-going baby, like so many babies, they have learned he has a sweet tooth. “He likes icing, we figured out,” Brittany says. “He went straight for my birthday cake at my 21st and started licking the icing off!” He also has a love for all things stripy. “As long as you wear stripes everything’s okay,” Brittany jokes, pointing to her stripy outfit as she cuddles Arthur.
In terms of challenges, Tracey and Brittany feel it’s been relatively easy, in part perhaps because of their ‘take-it-in-your-stride’ attitude.
The only slight hiccup they experienced was when he was unwell for a time. “That was probably the biggest challenge, just knowing what he wanted when he was unwell. Because when you don’t have them from birth you don’t know their tell-tale signs of what they want,” Tracey says. “Apart from that he’s been happy.”
At the time of our interview, Tracey and her family had had Arthur with them for eight weeks. While it’s never possible to say exactly, it’s expected that he will stay with them for around 6-12 months overall. Mother and daughter have different takes on the thought of life without their newest member. “It’s going to wreck us when he
“He likes icing, we figured out,” Brittany says. “He went straight for my birthday cake at my 21st and
started licking the icing off!”
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INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 19
You Can Make a Difference in One
Child’s LifeWe 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 227 200 or 09 955 1827
027 289 9284@ [email protected] or@ [email protected]
291 Kamo Rd, Whangareif www.Facebook.com/ccsDisabilityAction www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
