Kia ora Tatou,
Hello to all of us,
Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! How wonderful it was to meet with so many of you from the Kāpiti Coast last Friday! And for those of you in Wellington and Lower Hutt how lovely to reconnect. It’s wonderful that we plan to reconnect in April and I look forward to being with you again. At the same time I will be in Palmerston North to launch another group with you and look forward to that also. Please let me know if you want to join any of these groups and know you are very welcome. We provide some kai, and safe transport and venues.
If you are in Christchurch or Hamilton, we are about to launch this month and I will be in contact, or do please contact us if you want the connect. We are always here for you. You just have to let us know your needs.
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There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met
This saying is attributed to William Butler Yeats, but is lived by Julie Woods in Ōtepoti. Following is a link to her interview with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ National yesterday.
Julie Woods’ 58th birthday and raising awareness of blindness (RNZ)
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Survey on accessibility of home appliances
This link was shared by Áine on the Blind Discuss List, noting: “A friend (UK-based but can fill it in anywhere) has made this survey to gather the experiences of disabled people on the accessibility of home appliances, in case folks are keen to fill it in.”
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No Labels on Wellington Access Radio
The first show for 2024 was hosted by Thomas Bryan on 30 January but is available online at the link below. Firstly, a description about the show from Thomas.
“Hi All,
“We are back with new shows for 2024.
“Mike and I aim to showcase a range of topics and interviews with guests who share news, events, and or items that might be of interest across the wider disability community.
“This month my guest is no stranger to the blind community. This edition of the show I catch up with Jonathan Mosen.
“Jonathan Mosen MNZM is CEO of Workbridge, the largest New Zealand-owned agency dedicated to the employment of disabled people. He is Chairman of the New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN), which represents over 200 of New Zealand’s disability service providers.
“He also hosts the popular Living Blindfully podcast, heard by members of the blind community in more than 113 countries.
“He has been totally blind from birth and is also hearing impaired.
“He has been a thought leader, broadcaster, podcaster, advocate, change agent, government relations professional, author, senior manager, DPO leader, information technology consultant, Internet start-up founder, candidate for Parliament, IT product designer, and non-profit Chair. He is married to Bonnie and has four children – two daughters and two sons, as well as a granddaughter.
“He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019 for his services to the blind community and has received numerous other awards for his work for blind people.
“For this edition of the show Jonathan will be talking to us about Workbridge and the establishment of the new Workbridge Foundation Trust.
“So check out this month’s show on Tuesday 30 January to hear more about the Workbridge Foundation, what it is and its aims.
“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.
“Many thanks
“Regards Thomas Bryan
“Host of No Labels,
“Wellington Access Radio”
A link to information about the show and previous episodes follows.
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Other newsletters
Disabled Person’s Assembly (DPA) Information Exchange: 2 February 2024
Following is a link to have a browse of The D*List website or sign up to receive their weekly newsletter:
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)
As usual, event reminders and TellMe phone numbers follow.
Ngā mihi mahana,
Warm regards,
Sarah on behalf of Amanda
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Event reminders
Touch Compass presents AIGA at Auckland Arts Festival March 2024
AIGA (the Samoan word for family/whanau) is a World Premiere of a new ground-breaking Disability-led, Pasifika-led work of theatre exploring personal identity, life’s struggles and triumphs, family and desire. Details were provided in 24 November update.
25 to 31 May 2024, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – International Council on English Braille (ICEB) 8th General Assembly
ICEB 8th General Assembly (ICEB)
June 2024 Deafblind Awareness month – Yarn bombing
#DbIYarnBombing2024 – information was provided in 21 January update.
2024 Activity Deafblind International Youth Network (DbIYN)
Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October in Disneyland Paris.
Expression of Interest: Please contact simon.allison@sense.org.uk.
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Ongoing – 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