INFOLINK
CONNECTING YOU WITH DISABILITY INFORMATION
WINTER
2017
WELCOME This winter marks a time of change for the disability sector. A team of 13 people representing disabled people, their families and support services are busy taking part in a codesign process that will influence the future of disability support services and give disabled people and their families greater choice and control in life. You can learn more about the transformation process on page three. Life Unlimited supports the principles and direction of the transformation and is seeking over time to align the way we support disabled people with this new approach.
IN THIS ISSUE SENSORY GARDEN COMING SOON DISABILITY RESPONSIVE TRAINING TRANSFORMING THE DISABILITY SECTOR LEARN NZSL ONLINE WHAT'S ON
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• Life Unlimited
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SENSORY GARDEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Work has begun on a new multi-sensory garden at the Palmerston Street location of Life Unlimited. Wendy van den Berg from the Community Services team is coordinating the construction phase. Wendy looks after Whare-O-Rongo, Life Unlimited’s multi-sensory room which hosts up to 40 users every week. She provides training to parents and carers so that the people they support get the most benefit from the range of sensory equipment in the room. Wendy also provides training to other organisations and agencies who want to implement their own sensory environment. The new garden will complement the existing multi-sensory room. "It will give users a broader range of sensory experiences in a more natural and relaxed environment. They’ll be able to touch, smell - even taste - the plants in a safe and inviting space,” says Wendy. The garden will be fully accessible with a built-in wheelchair ramp, handrails and planting at various heights. The space will also include a water feature, interactive activity murals and a swinging hammock. A textured, mosaic walkway will take pride of place. And there'll be a range of fragrant herbs, edible fruits and tactile plants like succulents and lavender. Wendy hopes work on the garden will wrap up in July, but that will depend on continued community involvement and volunteer help. “We’re still looking for people who are a bit handy and have the right tools to get stuck in and lend a hand with things like digging holes, pouring concrete, making planter boxes and planting a range of plants and flowers.” Contact Wendy by email at wendyb@lifeunlimited.net.nz if you think you can help.
ARTIST IMPRESSIONS: The finished sensory garden will include hanging baskets and a water feature.
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2017
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WHAT IS A MULTI-SENSORY ENVIRONMENT A multi-sensory environment is an artificially created space designed to allow those using it to experience a range of sensory stimuli - including sound, light, smell, touch, temperature and movement - in a controlled way. The concept was originally developed in the Netherlands in the late 1970s as a therapy for individuals with severe disabilities. People who can benefit from multi-sensory environments include children and adults with learning differences such as autism, cerebral palsy, learning and multiple disabilities, people with brain injuries, dementia sufferers, and people who experience stress or anxiety. Visit www.lifeunlimited.net.nz/community to learn more about Whare-O-Rongo at Life Unlimited in Hamilton.
DISABILITY RESPONSIVE TRAINING JOHN MCINTOSH
Although many of us have some personal knowledge and understanding of disability, we don’t always recognise barriers that may exist in our workplace or recreation environments.
I also wrote about the Outcomes Framework that will help measure the progress of the Disability Strategy, which is due to be developed this year in consultation with the public. The schedule for public consultation is yet to be decided, so be sure to keep an eye on the Office for Disability Issues website for updates www.odi.govt.nz/nz-disability-strategy
Therefore, we are often not aware of the difficulties people with disabilities might face in something as simple as accessing every-day services. Disability Responsive Training is designed to educate organisations and businesses on disability related issues and to break-down and eliminate the barriers that exist to achieve a fully inclusive society. At Life Unlimited we have developed a multi-faceted Disability Responsive Training programme to help all people to understand disability and the need for inclusion. The programme is interactive, delivered in a non-threatening way while catering for all learning styles. We typically deliver at the client's venue for either a two or three hour session. By increasing awareness and improving accessibility we are laying the foundation for building an inclusive community and achieving equality for disabled people. Education around appropriate responsiveness to disabled people will promote value, inclusion and participation within our communities. We all have a duty to ensure that a person with a disability can access services and environments on the same terms as any other person.
Disability advocate Alexia Pickering
FAREWELL TO A FRIEND Life Unlimited is saddened by the passing of disability and accessibility advocate Alexia Pickering on 27 April 2017. Alexia was a manager of Life Unlimited - formerly the Disability Resource Centre - from 1989 until 1992. This was just one of her many contributions to the disability community. Born with spina bifida in Petone in 1930, Alexia defied many expectations, not least of all raising a family and enjoying a busy career.
Learn more about Disability Responsive Training on our website w w w.lifeunlimited.net.nz/disability-information/ disability-awareness-training
Her achievements include founding the Barrier Free New Zealand Trust, Laura Fergusson Trust and the Hamilton Volunteer Centre Trust. She also served on the national executive of the New Zealand Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Federation (now known as Parafed NZ) and as elected president of the New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres.
In my last column for Infolink, I wrote about the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the vision for the strategy that is encapsulated by eight outcomes.
Alexia Pickering's significant contribution to the disability community was recognised in 2005 when she was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
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DISABILITY SECTOR UNDER TRANSFORMATION A transformation is under way in the disability sector, where disabled people and families have been calling for more choice and control over their support and lives. In 2011, a group of sector stakeholders developed the Enabling Good Lives’ (EGL) vision and principles. Since 2013, there have been two demonstrations of how the EGL vision and principles could work in practice in Christchurch and the Waikato. Some of the parents of those who took part in the Waikato demonstration had the following to say: “Our son is now attending university with a view to starting a degree.” “Our daughter is able to be part of a business venture that creates school lunches.” The flexibility under EGL was also commented on: “Under EGL, I can employ who I want to work with, when I want to work with them, how I want to work with them.”
Gerri Pomeroy is one of 13 on the co-design group
A PRACTICAL OPTIMIST As a member of the Waikato Enabling Good Lives Leadership Group and the National EGL group, Gerri Pomeroy is well placed to provide insight into the Enabling Good Lives principles that will underpin the transformation of the disability support system. She also brings a wealth of experience through her advocacy roles as CCS Disability Action Access Coordinator, President of the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) Waikato branch and incoming national president of DPA. Gerri began using a wheelchair in 2006 after slowly losing the ability to walk following cancer treatment in her twenties.
John Taylor and Shane McInroe take part in the co-design workshop on 11 May
In February 2017, Cabinet agreed to a three month co-design process with the disability sector as the start of a nationwide transformation of the disability support system.
As she transitioned from being an abled person to a person with a disability she was concerned by the outcomes for disabled people. “Generally disabled people are poor and have less choice to get out of tough places. When you’re able, you have options. Disabled people have fewer options in the first place.” So, she says, it’s “a sense of social justice” that drives her work.
This process is different to the previous demonstrations. The objective is to change the existing system rather than add another layer to it by creating a design that can be rolled out across the country.
“I don’t think it’s acceptable how disabled people are viewed.
A co-design group is currently holding a series of workshops to develop a high level design, based on the EGL vision and principles, for the new system.
Gerri describes herself as a “practical optimist”.
The group includes five disabled people, two representatives with disabled family members, and two representatives from disability service organisations. There will be an explicit social investment approach. Social investment is about spending/investing money upfront or early where this will produce better life outcomes for people in the long term and may also reduce long term costs to government. The co-design will be considered by Cabinet mid-year, and the new system will first be implemented in mid-Central (Palmerston North and surrounding areas). You can find regular updates about the co-design workshops at www.enablinggoodlives.co.nz/system-transformation
“The challenge is for broader society to recognise disabled people have a lot to contribute. They’re a diverse group of people with rich insights.” She became involved with CCS Disability Action after finding a public notice in the paper for a meeting about access to the built environment. Gerri went along in the hope of connecting with other disabled people and learning about the practical solutions they’ve come up with to support their mobility. This initial contact led to an invitation to join the organisation writing submissions on local government transport plans. Now, as Access Coordinator for CCS Disability Action, Gerri is committed to eliminating barriers so people with disabilities have more options for improved accessibility. “I’m in a position where I can bring disabled people's stories to the fore. “I see myself as a catalyst for enabling their voices to be heard, and bringing them to the table.”
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WHAT'S ON
1 June - 30 June - IHC Art Awards entries open Open to all New Zealanders with an intellectual disability aged 13 and over. The IHC Art Awards provides artists with an intellectual disability the opportunity to have their talent recognised, their voices heard and to sell their work. Visit www.ihc.org.nz 19 - 20 July - Altogether Autism Conference - Auckland A unique opportunity for people on the autism spectrum, their family and whānau, researchers and clinicians to come together and discuss best practice, hear lived experiences and share learnings. Visit www.altogetherautism.org.nz/conference
LEARN NZSL ONLINE New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) celebrated 11 years as an official language of New Zealand on 6 April. To recognise this milestone, Victoria University have launched a free, interactive programme so anyone can learn NZSL online. The website teaches common vocabulary, phrases and conversations, and is organised into nine topics that span everyday situations at work, home, and in the community. The programme utilises 660 video clips and includes fun, interactive exercises to support learning. Visit www.learnnzsl.nz and start your NZSL learning journey.
4 August - Silent Leadership Challenge Encourage your workplace and community leaders to sign up for the Silent Leadership Challenge and tackle four communication challenges while wearing hearing protectors to simulate deafness. Participants will raise funds for the National Foundation for the Deaf and challenge workplace and community attitudes to hearing loss. Visit www.silentleadershipchallenge.com 9-11 August - Why Work Matters - Hamilton A two-day symposium on employment hosted by New Zealand Disability Support Network. Visit www.nzdsn.org.nz 6-8 October - Halberg Junior Disability Games - Auckland A national sports competition for young athletes aged 8-21years with a physically disability or vision impairment. Visit www. juniordisabilitygames.org.nz 18 November - SibShop - Bay of Plenty/Lakes SibShops provide a chance for 8 to 18-year-olds, who have a sibling with a disability, to have a fun day just for them, and to make friends with siblings in similar situations. Contact Ruth from Parent to Parent at rutht@parent2parent.org.nz 27 Nov - 1 Dec - Special Olympics National Summer Games New Zealand's largest sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities takes place in Wellington. Visit www.specialolympics. org.nz for information or to sign up and volunteer.
IHC ART AWARDS 2017
New online learning portal teaches NZSL in everyday situations
NZSL VIDEO INTERPRETING
Video Interpreting Service (VIS) is a free service for NZSL users which allows them to make phone calls or use a video interpreter over Skype. Use VIS to: • Make telephone calls to anyone, anywhere • Book a video interpreter for an in-person meeting The service is available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm. Visit www.nzvis.co.nz to learn more about the service. The IHC Art Awards remain an annual highlight as a showcase for the talent of people with intellectual disability. Artists have the opportunity to have their talent recognised by our judging panel who this year are Gina Matchitt, Boh Runga and Tim Walker. It's also an opportunity for the public to show their appreciation with artists’ work going up for auction – and the artists keeping all the profits. Artworks can be anything from sculptures, photographs, installations and textile art, to painting and drawing, so select your best piece from this year's work and get involved.
Jo-Anne Tapiki (middle) won the 2016 IHC Art Awards, with Rebecca Donovan (right) winning second prize and Karin Claydon (left) winning third.
The Awards are open to all New Zealanders with an intellectual disability, aged 13 or over, regardless of whether they use IHC services. Entries are submitted online with instructions for how to enter found on the IHC website www.ihc.org.nz. Entries close Friday 30 June.
LIFE ON THE ROAD
New look: William Hughes and Toni Naera pictured with Life Unlimited Store vans. Fleet branding graphics completed by Admark Visual Imaging
Keep an eye out for the new Life Unlimited Store vans hitting the roads around Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua. General Manager Enterprise, William Hughes, says the distinctive new vans will enable Life Unlimited Store, part of Life Unlimited Charitable Trust, to take information and equipment services out into the community. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service and better support the needs of people in our local communities.” This includes finding ways to connect with people who need help with their mobility and independence, but who find it a challenge to visit a Life Unlimited Store location. The online store at www.lifeunlimitedstore.co.nz is one way people can conveniently view and purchase mobility equipment and daily living aids.
Hamilton 20 Palmerston Street 07 839 5506
Tauranga 160 Devonport Road 07 571 6351
LIFE UNLIMITED
STORE
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But for many people, having an opportunity to trial equipment first hand is important. It provides the chance to see how things work, where they will fit into the home and how they can improve day-to-day living. And it gives peace of mind when purchasing big items like mobility scooters. So, it’s ideal that the new, larger vans accommodate up to four scooters. It means the team can now take a greater selection of scooters out to demonstrate in people’s homes, or at public presentations. Toni Naera is an information and equipment consultant with Life Unlimited Store in Hamilton - she’s also pictured on the side of the new vans. Naera is passionate about getting out into the community and has five years’ experience delivering information and equipment presentations to retirement villages, community organisations and disability support groups. She says taking Life Unlimited Store on the road is a great way to service smaller communities who may have limited choice when accessing the mobility equipment they need. “People are really happy to see us out and about,” says Naera. “It’s about community engagement,” Hughes adds. “Making it more accessible to the wider community.” The goal is for the new van artwork to not only turn heads, but increase awareness about the disability information and equipment services offered by Life Unlimited Store.
Rotorua 110E Lake Road 07 349 2513
Gisborne 105 Disraeli Street 06 863 2836
Freephone 0800 008 011 • www.lifeunlimitedstore.co.nz
LIVING WELL WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Some common symptoms of MS include fatigue, visual impairment, spasticity - or muscle stiffness - and difficulties swallowing. These symptoms can make completing everyday tasks challenging. Equipment to assist with things like dressing and eating, in addition to mobility support, can help people with MS to live more independently. Visit us in store to talk about your individual needs and we’ll help you find solutions to support independent living with MS.
Uccello tipping kettle
Pedal exerciser
A tipping kettle means making hot drinks is safer for those with limited mobility. The Uccello tipping kettle allows for easier lifting and pouring from your electric kettle. It’s ideal for people who lack strength or control in their wrist, arm or shoulder.
Light exercise helps build stronger bones and muscles, and improves flexibility, balance and coordination.
Bed lever
NIP* Glide walker
A bed lever has a sturdy, easy-to-grip handle that provides support when getting in and out of bed, or adjusting position while in bed — so it’s ideal for people with limited mobility. The handle is attached to a wooden base that slides securely between your mattress and bed base.
NEW HOME IN GISBORNE We had a great turnout for the official opening of our new location at 105 Disraeli Street, Gisborne, which is home to Life Unlimited Store, Hearing Therapy and Life Unlimited Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC). Special thanks to Mayor Meng Foon who officiated.
Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon officiated at the opening ceremony of Life Unlimited in Disraeli Street. Pictured with Life Unlimited chief executive Mark Brown.
A pedal exerciser is compact, easy to use and affordable, so it’s ideal if you want to get a gentle workout in the comfort of your own home.
The NIP* Glide is a sleek yet functional walking frame that provides great support when you’re out and about. It also transforms into a fully supportive seat, providing you with the added security of a place to take a quick break when you need to.
SEE US IN THE COMMUNITY 8-11 June - General Practice Conference and Medical Exhibition - Rotorua We’ll be connecting with general practitioners from around the country to let them know how Life Unlimited Store can support their patients’ independent living. 14-17 June - Fieldays - Mystery Creek, Hamilton The largest agribusiness expo in the southern hemisphere attracts over 1000 exhibitors and 130,000 visitors. We’ll have mobility scooters for hire just inside the Gate 1 entrance. Bookings are essential. Call 0800 008 011. Visit www.fieldays.co.nz for more information about the event. 17 July - Mobility Scooter Safety forum - Matamata Pop down from 10am to see Toni Naera talk about scooter safety at Railside by the Green, 41A Hetana Street.
Visit us for a great range of mobility equipment and daily living aids to make independent living easier. Freephone 0800 008 011 • www.lifeunlimitedstore.co.nz