Kia ora tatou,
Hello to all of us,
All of my work with all of you is satisfying to me because it is about building relationships and being creative. This week’s fun for me included the Wakatu / Nelson Deafblind gathering at my house. There were seven of us identifying with dual sensory impairment and fifteen of our natural supports / volunteers. Some of us gathered in my lounge and others sat on the veranda under the rose arches. Everyone brought food to share. Two dogs were in attendance: one retired Guide Dog and one Companion Dog. They were both extremely attentive, as you can imagine. My personal thanks go to all who came and contributed conversation, ideas, laughter, and kai.
My apologies to those of you looking for the Friday update last week – you didn’t miss it, it didn’t happen. This is rare and I ask your forgiveness.
Plans are now well under way for the 2025 conference in Te Whanganui a-Tara / Wellington. This will be Thursday, 26 June, leaving Sunday, 29 June. Last conference, we had 32 people present identifying with dual sensory impairment and 44 other people. It will be exciting to have more of us in 2025 so start putting it in your calendar! I hope to be able to confirm the venue with you next Friday. The theme in 2021 was “Leadership – Confident Communication” and in 2023 it was “Reconnecting”. We chose the latter as it was so close on the heels of lockdowns. If you have suggestions for a theme for 2025 the Board and I would love to hear them!
I only know four emoticons by key commands, have used my happy ones, and I refuse to use the sad face so now point you to information below about next gatherings and other information that may interest you including some opportunities…
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New Research on Young Women and Non-Binary People’s Workplace Experiences
From Gender at Work.
“We are proud to announce a new report by Gender at Work, revealing the current workplace experiences of young women and non-binary people across Aotearoa. This research highlights significant challenges impacting retention and wellbeing of young people in the workplace.
“Key insights include:
- Experiences of bullying, harassment & discrimination: Over a third (38%) of respondents reported experiencing bullying or discrimination in their current workplace.
- Minimisation of identity: Young people reported needing to minimise many aspects of their identity in their place of work. This included their gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality and disability or access needs.
- Staff retention and DEI: Only 14% of young people said they intended to remain with their employer where no formal diversity, equity and inclusion policy was in place. By contrast, 73% of young people intended to remain in their role where organisations had visible DEI commitments and an inclusive culture.”
Find out more about the Gender at Work report
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Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP) Open Vacancies
From the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP).
The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP) is actively recruiting a range of roles across Australia, the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.
PLMSP are committed to building a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce to maximize our support.
We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Disclosing about your disability will not negatively affect your application. The team will work with you should you require appropriate adjustments to participate in the recruitment process. If you would like further information or assistance with this, please contact PLMSP.HR@thepalladiumgroup.com.
Search PLMSP roles on Palladium’s career page
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Events
Applications Open for OPD Representatives to Attend GDS 2025
From The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB).
You are warmly invited to take advantage of the opportunity to attend the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 and the Civil Society Forum (CSF), both scheduled for April 2025 in Berlin, Germany. There is no restriction on the number of representatives from any specific disability group, and full funding is available to cover participation expenses, including those for guide-interpreters / Deafblind interpreters.
Find out more about the Global Disability Summit
If several of you apply and are selected, they may also have the opportunity to hold an EC meeting at the summit.
The selection criteria for funded participants are as follows:
- youth representation (25% of total funded participants)
- representatives from the Global South
- gender balance (no single gender over 50%)
- underrepresented groups and grassroots advocates (ethnic and religious minorities, indigenous groups)
- representatives from informal networks
- experts on topics of interest to GDS2025.
Apply to attend (International Disability Alliance)
Deadline for submission is 18 November.
Please let them know once you have submitted your application.
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Invitation: NZDSN Auckland Council Elections Prep for the Disability Community: Online Hui 4 Dec 2024
From the New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) Auckland.
“One of Auckland Council’s community partners the New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) Auckland is hosting a session for their network members and the disability community about elections. NZDSN Auckland will be hosting an online hui with the Auckland Council Elections team tailored for disability support providers and disabled people/whanau.
“This is an opportunity for people to be informed and engaged with the local elections.
“Do note that NZDSN drafted and designed the notice, so, should you have accessibility related suggestions or comments about it, and is it easier to contact a specific person in order to register for the event, please contact them at ‘Auckland Providers’ aucklandproviders@nzdsn.org.nz.
Ngā mihi
Martine
Martine Abel-Williamson – Auckland Council Disability Advisory Panel Co-Chair
“Auckland Elections Prep for the Disability Community
“With Auckland Council.
“NZDSN Auckland Regional Online Hui, Wednesday 4 December 2024, 4-5pm.
“Auckland’s local elections are happening in 2025 – an opportunity to choose who the next political leaders will be, making decisions for the future of Auckland. Planning is underway to raise awareness and encourage Aucklanders from all backgrounds to make their voices heard.
“This information session will be tailored for the disability community.
“Auckland Council is keen to ensure this election is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Council reps will share with us what’s coming up and how we can get involved in this important work.
“We will hear from the Elections Programme Manager, Elodie Fontaine, and have the opportunity to ask questions and offer our thoughts.
“Together let’s lift diversity of representation in our region.
“Please feel free to share this invitation with others who you think might be interested to join.
Register for the Hui by 2 December 2024 (NZDSN)
A Zoom link will be sent to registrants after they register on the NZDSN website. If you require a NZSL Interpreter, please register by Tuesday 26 November 2024.”
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Other newsletters
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 look at the important role of disabled allies, plus why they hīkoi mō Te Tiriti.
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: to be confirmed.
- Taranaki / New Plymouth: to be confirmed.
- Kirikiriroa / Hamilton: early December 2024, to be confirmed.
- Te Papa-i-Oea / Palmerston North: to be confirmed.
- Kāpiti: to be confirmed.
- 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, 2-17 November, 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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Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking
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.
More details in our 1 November 2024 update
Book your tickets for Tiri (Auckland Threatre Company)
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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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The Santa Claus Show ’24
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.
More details in our 1 November 2024 update
Book your tickets for The Santa Claus Show ’24 (Tim Bray Theatre Company)
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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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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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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
Review of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 – public consultation
The Ministry of Justice is undertaking a review of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010, and are now seeking public feedback on options for change set out in a discussion document. Submissions close on 6 December.
The Government decided to review the Act in December 2023 as part of its 100-Day-Plan commitment to enable more virtual participation in court proceedings. The review is part of a wider work programme to improve the performance of the courts system.
Review of Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 (Ministry of Justice)
If you would like to provide a submission or feedback, you can do so:
- online through the Ministry’s consultation hub – Citizen Space
- by emailing courtspolicy@justice.govt.nz
- in writing to:
- Courts System Policy
- Ministry of Justice – National Office
- DX SX10088
- Wellington.
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Feedback wanted on the future of disability support services
On 16 September 2024, DSS transferred to the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) so is no longer part of Whaikaha.
The immediate priorities are to stabilise and strengthen operations, whilst planning for a sustainable disability support system for the future.
This work will be done in consultation with the disabled community.
As a first step, DSS have launched a survey for the disability community to share their thoughts on the future of disability support services. Further and broader community engagement and consultation will be held in early 2025.
You do not have to give your name to do the survey, and they are not collecting any personal details through it.
The survey is open until Friday 22 November.
Find out more about the survey (DSS)
Alternate formats are available, and if you would prefer to submit your answers via NZSL in video format, please email DSS_NZSLsubmissions@msd.govt.nz.
Subscribe to the DSS newsletter
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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