Kia ora tatou,
Hello to all of us,
I’m really pleased this week to have received some feedback. Your comments are always welcome on how we do this or information you may want to share with others. If you send a reply it comes in to my Inbox and is not shared to anyone else. Your feedback is very welcome!
Here’s something Dr Paul Glover sent through previously sent to Retina NZ. Thanks Paul!
Good news is that unlike most visual loss at present, there are often good, reasonably simple solutions to hearing loss. This ranges from hearing aids through to cochlea implants. The earlier age a person is introduced to hearing augmentation, the better their brain will adapt to the additional sound. Initially there is a sense of too much noise but the adaptable brain will accommodate to this and learn to focus on the relevant sounds. For people who have struggled with old style aids, the new models also have smarter sound processing to help in different noise environments. The other plus in most new aids is that they are rechargeable, so cheaper and easier to run.
Even more good news is that if registered with Blind Low Vision, funding may well be available for hearing aids. A GP referral is required for public hospital for assessment and fitting. This is free or will only have a small charge. In the private system the aid up to a certain level can be funded but testing and fitting are not covered.
Details
The Ministry of Health’s Hearing Aid Funding Scheme covers the cost of hearing aids for eligible children and adults who are New Zealand citizens living in New Zealand or who are permanent residents. Adults are eligible if they:
- have hearing loss and a significant visual impairment (for example, Deafblind) or,
- hearing loss and an intellectual disability or a physical disability that limits their ability to communicate safely and effectively,
- or a range of other criteria can attract different funding.
This funding covers only the price of the hearing aid and does not cover any assessment or fitting fees that an audiology service may charge. Funding for a hearing aid for each ear is available for adults no more than once every six years. For children it is available no more than three times in six years.
You may be able to get help to buy hearing aids from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) or Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand. If you can get help from either of these organisations, you cannot get support from the Ministry of Health’s Hearing Aid Funding Scheme as well. This would be following trauma or noise related hearing loss for ACC and Service related tinnitus or hearing damage for Veterans’ Affairs. Specific assessments are required.
Only audiologists who are full members of the New Zealand Audiological Society (MNZAS) or audiometrists who are an audiometrist member of the NZAS can access the Ministry of Health’s Hearing Aid Funding Scheme for their clients
As at July 2023 Specsavers, with audiology services charge $59 for hearing testing and $475 for fitting the funded hearing aids.
Hearing aid funding (NZ Audiological Society)
Deaf or hearing loss equipment for adults (Disability Support Services)
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Join the Deafblind Association New Zealand
A reminder that expressions of interest for our DBANZ Board Secretary and Adminsitrator close on November 1 at 5pm. Please send an expression of interest with your curriculum vitae and covering letter to info@deafblindassociation.nz.
Call for Expressions of Interest: DBANZ Board Secretary and Administrator, October 2024 [DOC 35 KB]
Email enquiries to the same address or call 0272 450 650 or free phone 0800 450 650.
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New DSS website launched
Disability Support Services (DSS) has launched a new website!
They’re also looking for your feedback on the future of disability support services – you can find out more, compelte their survey, and check out the new website, below.
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Board vacancies – Paralympics NZ
From Paralympics NZ (PNZ).
“PNZ supports and celebrates the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, PNZ leads the New Zealand Paralympic Team to the Paralympic Games. We also work with NZ members, key stakeholders and partners, to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport.”
And they’re looking for up to 3 new Board members.
Of particular interest are applicants with extensive experience in Para sport and disability sport, finance, government / public sector, or revenue generation / philanthropy.
Applications close 5 November 2024.
Find out more about PNZ and the Board vacancies
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World Blind Union Celebrates 40 Years of Advancing the Rights of Blind and Partially Sighted People Worldwide
From the World Blind Union.
“Today, on October 26, the World Blind Union (WBU) proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of dedication and commitment to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted individuals across the globe. Since our founding in 1984, the WBU has worked to promote human rights, equal opportunities, and accessibility for all.
“WBU President, Martine Abel-Williamson, said: “This milestone is a testament to the collective effort of our members and partners worldwide. Over the past 40 years, we’ve made incredible strides in advancing the rights and inclusion of blind and partially sighted people, breaking barriers and building bridges. Our community has grown stronger, more unified, and determined to shape a future where no one is left behind.””
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NVDA 2024.4 released
The latest version of NVDA, the free screen reader for Microsoft Windows, has just been released. The release includes a number of improvements in Microsoft Office, braille, and document formatting.
Find out more about the 2024.4 release (NV Access)
Find out more about using NVDA (Accessibility Central)
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Ph.D. opportunity in braille at University of Montreal, Canada
From Dr Natalina Martiniello, Assistant Professor, Vision Rehabilitation, School of Optometry, University of Montreal.
“We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with strong interest and experience in the domain of braille and assistive technologies for people who are blind, deafblind or who have low vision. The candidate will join the research laboratory of Dr. Natalina Martiniello and complete a Ph.D. in Vision Science (Specialization: Visual Impairment Rehabilitation) in the School of Optometry at the Université de Montréal, in Montréal, Québec, Canada.
“The individual will work on research to develop evidence-based indicators to guide the selection of braille display technologies for diverse reading and user needs across adulthood. This research will explore the influence of braille display characteristics (e.g. line length, single vs. multiline design, ergonomics, complexity) on reading performance across a range of linear and non-linear reading tasks for education, employment and independent living. This research will also explore the potential impact of age-related declines on the ability to use braille display technologies, and factors to maximize usage for working-age and older adults with acquired vision loss.”
Funding is available and the candidate may come from any country.
More information on the PhD – English [DOCX 26 KB]
More information on the PhD – French [DOCX 27 KB]
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Finalists Announced for 2024 ABC International Excellence Award
The finalists have been announced for the ABC (Accessible Books Consortium) International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing.
And, excitingly, the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities (Australia and New Zealand) has been shortlisted in the initiatives category!
Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities
Find out more about the awards, and the finalists and shortlisted candidates, on the ABC website, below.
Finalists Announced for the 2024 ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing (ABC)
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Events
Notice of next RNZFB Board meeting
From Blind Low Vision NZ.
“The next RNZFB Board meeting is scheduled for Friday 15 November 2024. This meeting is scheduled to be held in Auckland. In line with our Constitution, those observing will be able to listen but not contribute to the meeting procedure.
“For those members who wish to observe, please let the Board Secretary know by emailing boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or calling the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. A copy of the agenda, which will indicate approximate timings and details, will be sent closer to the time of the meeting.
“Please note the cut-off date for any correspondence which members may wish to have raised at the upcoming meeting. Please ensure you have emailed the Board Secretary by latest 10 calendar days prior to the meeting to have your matter included in the agenda papers.
“Meeting minutes are available on the TIS menu 313 or available by request.
“Please note that the Board will be hosting a meet and greet event with the CEO on Thursday 14 November at 1pm in the BLVNZ South Auckland Recreation Centre.
“A reminder to please RSVP to the AGM and Special Meeting of Members scheduled for Saturday 16 November.”
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Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking
From the Auckland Theatre Company.
4-23 November 2024, with accessible performances available on 16, 18 and 21 November.
“I am 185 years old. I was born on 6 February 1840.”
“An extraordinary mapping of Aotearoa through the eyes of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Mahana. Her story, our history.
“Creator of the acclaimed The Haka Party Incident, Katie Wolfe (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama) directs this new adaptation of the epic tale of Tiri Mahana, a 185-year-old matriarch, from her birth at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi to present-day Aotearoa.
“With award-winning Miriama McDowell (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) and supported by Nī Dekkers-Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou), audiences are invited to explore themes of memory, family and resilience.
“For the first time, the play will be performed in both English and te reo Māori, with both versions capturing the enduring spirit of Te Ao Māori. Woven into a deeply emotional tapestry, Witi Ihimaera’s (Te Whānau a Kai and Ngāti Porou) extraordinary play will shine once again in this unprecedented and astonishing new production: a national treasure that continues to resonate across time and place.”
Book your tickets for Tiri (Auckland Threatre Company)
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The Santa Claus Show ’24
From the Tim Bray Theatre Company.
1-22 December 2024.
“Get Ready to Sleigh with Santa’s Play
“Ho ho ho – off we go! Join our hero Kelly on an epic adventure, dashing through the snow, and laughing all the way to the North Pole. Along the way, you’ll find yourself singing, giggling, and embarking on a magical journey as Kelly learns the true sentiment of Christmas.
“Bring along your little elves (and even some big ones) for a truly entertaining Christmas show that will fill your souls with jolly holiday cheer.”
There are a number of accessible performances available.
Book your tickets for The Santa Claus Show ’24 (Tim Bray Theatre Company)
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Innovation in Retina Research 2025
Retina NZ’s summer symposium will be taking place in Auckland on 21 and 22 February 2025.
Confirmed speakers thus far:
- Professor Robyn Guymer: What’s new in AMD if that suits and will talk on the new treatments for wet AMD and Dry AMD and what is in the pipeline.
- Associate Professor Lauren Ayton: Updates on inherited retinal diseases, including gene therapy clinical trials.
- Dr. Odunayo (Lola) Mugisho: Advances in Diabetic Retinopathy.
Stay tuned for more details and speakers to follow!
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Other newsletters
Disabled Persons’s Assembly (DPA) Information Exchange: 30 October 2024
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Family Violence and Sexual Violence Update (MSD): October 2024
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The D*List
The D*List website is an online culture magazine that creates space for disabled people to tell their own stories through features, columns and news reporting. This week, they ask whether self-diagnosis is empowering or the only option, share some more genuinely scary Halloween costumes, and check out other interesting news.
Link to weekly update below.
The D*List Delivered (Substack)
Following is a link to have a browse of The D*List website or sign up to receive their weekly newsletter.
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Be Seen be Heard be Connected Weekly Update
Please note, access to our weekly be Seen Be Heard Be Connected emails is also available on our website via our events page, at the following link.
News and events (Deafblind Association New Zealand)
Ngā mihi mahana,
Warm regards,
Amanda
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Event reminders
Peer-to-peer gatherings
- Whakatū / Nelson: Sunday 10 November, 11am to 3pm.
- Taranaki / New Plymouth: to be confirmed.
- Kirikiriroa / Hamilton: to be confirmed.
- Te Papa-i-Oea / Palmerston North: Wednesday 6 November.
- Kāpiti: Friday 8 November.
- Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington region: to be confirmed.
- Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland: to be confirmed.
Please contact us if you are interested in attending any of these events by replying to this email or calling Amanda on 0800 450 650.
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Wellington Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival
Come along to the Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival, also known as DAT Fest, 2-7 November. From the 2nd of November to the 17th at Te Auaha Campus, 65 Dixon Street, there will be a range of awesome events such as the opening gala show, workshops for disabled artists, a comedy night, a music night, a cabaret brunch, panel discussions, and SO MUCH MORE! The Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival was started in 2022 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington and this is its 3rd year running. Come through to Te Auaha in November to see some cool disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse creatives and performers doing their thing.
More information is available:
- by phone on 022 545 8185
- by email at media.datfest@gmail.com
- at the website datfest.nz
- on the Facebook page “DAT Fest: Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival”.
More details in our 18 October 2024 update
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Audio Described Centauria Taranaki Garden Festival
An audio described garden tour for people with low vision. Our professional audio describers will be there to guide you through our wonderful festival gardens. The bus tour, supported by Weir Tours, is a half-day outing, with a morning tea stop on the way.
When: Tuesday 5 November 2024, 9:00am.
More details about audio described garden festival, and how to book, in our 13 September 2024 update
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Free online event about reading tools and technology!
Vision Australia invites you to join an event showcasing reading tools and technology designed to help blind or low vision people continue the joy of reading on 6 November, 1-2pm.
Find out more in our 11 October update
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Auckland improvised fantasy adventure with pre show touch tour
Improverished Presents: Can I Get an Underground Location and a Mythical Creature?
Touch Tours available. This highly auditory, storytelling show will not be audio described.
Want to experience Dungeons & Dragons without doing all that math? Is watching a wizard fight a shapeshifting dragon on your Must-See list? Then is for you! Experience an improvised fantasy adventure entirely made up on the spot and entirely controlled by the dice.
8 and 9 November, Auckland.
More details in our 18 October 2024 update
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Alternate formats Registration of Interest for Public Apology Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry
On 12 November, the Prime Minister will deliver a public apology in Parliament to survivors of abuse in care. You can register your interest to attend the event in Parliament, or events in Auckland Wellington or Christchurch.
Accommodation, travel and food costs will be covered.
Find out more in our 20 September 2024 update
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Invitation – Hui on Planning for Emergencies
Auckland Council’s Disability Advisory Panel invites you to attend their upcoming disability community hui all about planning for emergencies.
13 November 2024.
Find out more in our 4 October 2024 update
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Auckland Audio Described Lord of the Rings Musical
From Audio Described Aotearoa.
Embark on a new journey as the timeless tale of The Lord of The Rings returns home to Middle-earth and unfolds in an intimate, yet breathtaking theatrical production to capture our imaginations and hearts.
20 November, Auckland.
More details in our 18 October 2024 update
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Blind Health Expo 2024
Friday 6 December 2024 (virtual).
10 am to 4 pm Eastern Time.
Join us for the 3rd annual Blind Health Expo! The Blind Health Expo is the world’s largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, and services for individuals, organizations, and companies in the health, blindness, and disability communities.
Free to attend and / or exhibit.
More information about the Blind Health Expo 2024
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DbI Asian Regional Conference Pokhara Nepal
1st to 3rd March 2025.
Deafblind International Notice of Asian Conference 2025
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Pac Rim 2025: disability-related conference opportunity
15-16 April 2025.
The conference is hosted in Hawaii and it’s their 40 year anniversary.
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Save the Date – WBU General Assembly & World Blindness Summit 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil
Date: 2-5 September 2025, with committee meetings and special forums on 1 September.
Find out more in our 20 September 2024 update
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Feedback requested reminders
National Housing Survey
The Urban Advisory longitudinal study so there is no foreseeable closing date. The survey asks how people make their housing choices and what they want to see happen with housing in the future, with the intention of helping New Zealand better respond to housing needs and demand.
Completed surveys are eligible for entry into a quarterly prize draw to win a $200 Prezzy Card. It is an online survey through Qualtrics and is expected to take less than 30 minutes to complete.
Details in our 24 May 2024 update
The website link below includes Frequently Asked Questions, an info pack and a contact email address.
New Zealand’s Housing Survey (The Urban Advisory)
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Public library use and accessibility
Blind Low Vision NZ Client Training and Engagement Senior Advisor Tom Smith asks: “Is there anybody willing to be interviewed about their use of public library services and accessibility?”
See our 14 June 2024 update for details, or email Tom.
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Ongoing events
No Labels on Wellington Access Radio
You can listen to this edition of the show on Wellington Access Radio on Tuesday just after 1:00pm, or the following Tuesday at the same time.
If you miss the scheduled show, you can check it out later online at the link below.
No Labels (Wellington Access Radio)
Or you can subscribe to the show via your preferred podcast player to check out this episode or previous episodes of the show.
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Living Blindfully
Weekly show hosted by Jonathan Mosen
Living Blindfully audio episodes (Living Blindfully)
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Blind Spot, Radio Southland
Monthly show hosted by Carolyn Weston
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Entertainment with Able
Able is a not-for-profit organisation working towards a more inclusive Aotearoa, believing everyone should be able to access news, entertainment and culture. Funded by NZ On Air, they’re Aotearoa’s leading provider of media access services, including captioning services, subtitling and audio description.
Listings are available at the following browser links.
A link to Able’s website to subscribe to the weekly newsletter with listings and picks of the week follows.
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Deafblind Association New Zealand access to TellMe
See TellMe numbers for your area
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End of report and this week’s update.
Amanda Stevens
Executive Officer
Taringa Turi Kāpō Rōpū
Deafblind Association New Zealand
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