INFOLINK
CONNECTING YOU WITH NEWS AND INFORMATION
WINTER
2019
IN THIS ISSUE STANDING UP TO BULLIES 'CHANGING PLACES' A FIRST FOR NZ
NEW FOCUS FOR INFOLINK Life Unlimited first published the quarterly InfoLink 10 years ago to provide national and regional disability information in a newsletter form.
More recently many readers told us they preferred receiving the newsletter electronically either by email or social media. They also told us they wanted more articles about people with disabilities and/or mobility issues on a regular basis rather than quarterly.
ON THE HUNT FOR AN EMERGING DIRECTOR
Life Unlimited launched an Online Information Hub on its website www.lifeunlimited.net.nz in response to those requests and in consultation with stakeholders.
SCOOTER FINDS NEW HOME IN ROTORUA
We partnered with Attitude Live, which has the world’s largest collection of videos about chronic health and disability, to support the Online Information Hub with quality videos which told real-life stories using their popular Question Time format.
WHAT'S ON
Those stories delivered more readers and their feedback was they wanted more videos and articles. So this month Attitude and Life Unlimited have launched the next round of videos starting with Timothy Folkema, a talented musician on the autism spectrum who is passionate about helping people find their tribe. He talks about bullies and what he did to combat them.
PUBLISHED BY • Life Unlimited A charitable trust offering health and disability information, advice and equipment to enable you to live the life you choose.
This edition of InfoLink will therefore be the second to last issue we distribute by post. In the final issue of Infolink we'll have details about how you can keep receiving our disability newsletter by email and go in the draw to win a $100 Prezzy Card. You'll also be able to download a printable version from our website or pick up a copy from a Life Unlimited Store. If you want to stay connected with disability and mobility information, subscribe to InfoLink our free disability e-newspaper on our website Visit www.lifeunlimited.net.nz/hub
HAMILTON SENSORY GARDEN Everything we do helps to create OPENS opportunities for people to make and be in control of their own life choices.
Life Unlimited began in 1979 as Disabled Living Centre (Waikato) Trust. In 1997 it became Life Unlimited.
CONTACT DETAILS
communications@lifeunlimited.net.nz Freephone 0800 008 011 Facebook lifeunlimitednz YouTube life unlimited Instagram lifeunlimitednz www.lifeunlimited.net.nz Waikato musician Timothy Folkema talks with Life Unlimited about life on the autism spectrum and features in the latest Question Time video.
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STANDING UP TO BULLIES Timothy Folkema hopes baring his soul in print and on video about the bullying he experienced as a youngster empowers others experiencing something similar to stand up for themselves. The Hamilton-based Progress to Health community support facilitator featured in Altogether Autism’s first journal of 2018 talking about how Dragon Ball Z got him through high school in Havelock North. Timothy praised a teacher who provided a safe space for him and other friends with autism ultimately resulting in a good learning environment for them all. “What I did (talking to Altogether Autism) felt quite raw; there was a lot of personal stuff in that story,” he says. “I am autistic, I say that proudly now.” Attitude Live recently filmed Timothy, a talented musician, for the latest Life Unlimited Question Time series. In it he says he's passionate about helping people find their tribe and he talks about the bullies from his teens and what he did to combat them. The video goes live on Friday April 6 and in it he discusses why he was the target of bullying. “They’ll try and get rid of you by any means. “I put up a big brick wall and I stayed behind it.”
Musician Timothy Folkema performing with his band. PHOTO CREDIT: HIDALGO PHOTOGRAPHY
“Being autistic is a way of life, we just need to take ownership of it.” Timothy runs a weekly Autism Peer Support Circle gathering in Hamilton’s Garden Place every Friday from 3-5pm. He concedes it has been a challenge getting people along but there are three regulars who find it helpful so they will continue. “Everybody’s talking about them so it’s just a matter of time hopefully.” Timothy is currently working with a reserved autistic person who is, in his words, “a super talented artist.”
Today he is more confident and self-aware.
“He wants to start up an art gallery for autistic people and I’m keen to do anything I can to support him in that.”
“We don’t struggle with our autism, we thrive," he says.
For further details contact Timothy on 0800 77 57 57.
Make sure to check out all the Question Time videos on our website: www.lifeunlimited.net.nz
NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST 'CHANGING PLACES' OPENS New Zealand’s first Changing Places facility has opened at Hamilton Gardens.
changing tables, and more space around items such as toilets and sinks, as well as wide doors.
Changing Places are high-specification facilities designed and built to cater to the needs of people with significant physical impairments. Features include mechanical hoists and adult-sized
Inspired by her profoundly disabled daughter Charley, Jenn Hooper entered a partnership with Hamilton City Council to design and construct a Changing Places at Hamilton Gardens, the region’s most popular visitor attraction. It has been constructed near the gardens’ Destination Playground. Jenn has been working toward construction of New Zealand’s first Changing Places facility for several years. Hamilton Gardens Director Peter Sergel says construction of the Changing Places began in late 2017, and it is an important addition to what the gardens already offers. “We’re very pleased to see this come to fruition,” Dr Sergel says. “This Changing Places facility will cater not only for the needs of Gardens visitors, but also visitors to the city with special needs. Hamilton will be the first city to offer this type of public facility.” A mural depicting garden scenes covers the interior walls and ceiling of the facility.
Jenn Hooper pictured with local MPs Tim Macindoe and Jamie Strange and Hamilton mayor Andrew King at the opening of the Changing Places facility on 12 March. PHOTO CREDIT: HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL
Changing Places was first established in the United Kingdom 11 years ago, where there are now more than 1000 facilities of this kind nationwide.
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LIFE UNLIMITED ON THE HUNT FOR EMERGING DIRECTOR Being a board member can be extremely rewarding but also intimidating when you first start out which is why Life Unlimited trustee Tiffiney Perry is encouraging people to consider applying for an emerging director award. Her comments come following the recent announcement by the Waikato branch of the Institute of Directors that nominations for its two emerging director awards are about to open. Life Unlimited Charitable Trust is the sponsoring board for the Emerging Director Award – Disability Sector, which started two years ago when Hamilton chartered accountant Maree Haddon was the first recipient. The award is specifically for an aspiring director with a disability, or with a close family member who has a disability. Maree is a mother of two boys both of who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. She serves on the Enrich+ board. “I think this award is encouraging for disabled people who are considering a step up to becoming a board member in their community or in business,” said Tiffiney, who is a wheelchair user. “By partnering with Life Unlimited and the Institute of Directors the recipient of this award will receive financial assistance to put towards gaining more tools to sit on their chosen board. “This along with the valuable mentoring of Life Unlimited trustees and our experienced chair John Dobson will result in gaining the confidence that will set this recipient up for future boards and management roles of their choosing. “Opportunities for people with a disability or their family to become board members are very rare. This award provides a platform for people interested in governance to get a foot in the door,” she said. Institute of Directors Waikato branch chair Simon Lockwood said the awards provided valuable development and networking opportunities for the winners. The awards are designed to foster upcoming talent in governance, and winners receive the opportunity to be mentored by an experienced director for one year, funding for governance development, and a complimentary one year IoD membership.
Keri Opai
Life Unlimited trustee Tiffiney Perry is encouraging disabled people to consider applying for an emerging director award.
“We are looking to promote a cohort of emerging director talent in the Waikato that will want to utilise the award process as their platform for a governance pathway and who understand the opportunity which it brings,” said Simon. The awards have developed a strong legacy in the Waikato, with past winners going on to contribute to boards of significance in the region, as well as mentor future emerging directors. “The impact of this award and how it energises emerging director talent is without question.” The Emerging Director Award, won two years ago by Daniel Shore, was first run in 2011. Applications for this year’s awards are now open and close on 23 July 2018. “All the same criteria and timelines apply to each sponsoring board but by thinking ahead we can attract a significant talent pool that will contribute to the region for years to come,” said Simon. For further details contact Megan Beveridge, Institute of Directors Waikato branch manager, waikato@branchiod.org.nz.
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RACEDAY FUNDRAISER SCOOTER FINDS NEW HOME IN ROTORUA
Rotorua resident Bill Parker is the proud owner of a new Neo Saturn mobility scooter and his purchase is helping Age Concern programmes in Auckland and Counties Manukau. When he took possession of the mobility scooter recently from Life Unlimited Store Rotorua branch manager Fraser Heron, Mr Parker said the champagne-coloured model would make a big difference in his life.
WHAT'S ON
7-13 May - NZSL Week - nationwide A celebration of New Zealand Sign Language. Visit www.deaf. org.nz/nzslw for more information about local events. 16 May - Planning for Adulthood – South Auckland Solicitor Nan Jensen will talk about the legal framework around disability and disability rights at Mt Richmond Special School from 6.30pm. RSVP on 09 636 0351 or email admin@ disabilityconnect.org.nz. 19-20 May - Support Parent Training - BOP Parent to Parent Support Parent Training is for parents and full time caregivers who have children with a disability or health impairment who would like to support others through the Parent to Parent network. Contact Suzie on 0508 236 236 or email coastalbop@parent2parent.org.nz. 23 May - Altogether Autism Network Meeting - Manukau Learn how Altogether Autism can support you and network with people in your community. A free event at Friendship House, 20 Putney Way from 10am-1pm. RSVP sukhpreetk@ parent2parent.org.nz or call 0508 236 236.
CHAMPAGNE STYLE: Life Unlimited Store Rotorua branch manager Fraser Heron delivers the Neo Saturn to Bill Parker.
Bupa NZ, one of New Zealand’s leading healthcare providers, sponsored the scooter which was on offer at the Auckland Age Concern Raceday held at Ellerslie Racecourse in December. Managing director Jan Adams said Bupa has a strong commitment to helping people live longer, happier and healthier lives. “We’re proud to support the work of Age Concern and delighted that the scooter will help Bill,” she said. The prize was for a Neo scooter valued up to $5000 and a personalised assessment by Life Unlimited Store Rotorua. After the assessment, Mr Parker had his heart set on the Neo Saturn which retails at $5350. Life Unlimited Store general manager William Hughes had no hesitation in paying the difference knowing how much Mr Parker wanted the gruntier Neo Saturn. “It really does suit Bill’s circumstances,” said Mr Hughes. Bill Parker passed away on 1 April 2018. Our condolences to his family and friends.
12-13 June - Champion your needs - Rotorua For parents and full-time caregivers who have children with a disability or health impairment who would like to learn more about advocacy and negotiation. Contact Breanna on 0508 236 236 or email centrallakes@parent2parent.org.nz. 13 - 16 June - Fieldays - Mystery Creek, Hamilton The largest agribusiness expo in the southern hemisphere attracts over 1000 exhibitors and 130,000 visitors. Life Unlimited Store will have mobility scooters available for hire. Bookings are essential. Call 0800 008 011. Visit the website www.fieldays.co.nz for more information about the event. 15 June - Altogether Autism Network Meeting - Hamilton Learn how Altogether Autism can support you and network with people in your community. A free event at Agora Event Centre, 13 Kent Street from 9.30am-1.30pm. RSVP waikato@ altogetherautism.org.nz or call 0508 236 236.
AUTISM PROFESSIONAL AMANDA PHILLIPS JOINS THE TEAM
Amanda Phillips joins the Altogether Autism team to promote and deliver PRISM, Altogether Autism's professional development training designed specifically for professionals whose jobs involve engaging with people on the autism spectrum. Visit www.altogetherautism.org.nz to learn more about PRISM.
Finalist Deshan Walallavita with his highly commended artwork at the 2017 IHC Art Awards.
9 July - 2018 IHC Art Awards Exhibition – Lower Hutt Runs until 6 August at Arts on High, 191 High Street, Lower Hutt.