Kia ora tatou,
Hello to all of us,
With a more than usually busy week I offer my apologies to you as our community for not meeting deadlines for this week for this update and to Aimee who has been awaiting my input. I ask for your understanding.
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Social Wellbeing for Deafblind
This week I met with some of our community for a dinner in Te Whanganui A Tara / Wellington. Two are Board Members, two skilled members of our community, a dedicated volunteer, and myself. Those roles didn’t define how we relate however. It was our sharing of stories, information, and communication generally that made it a lovely evening. Let’s keep reaching out to each other to make these informal peer to peer gatherings happen. It’s not the defining of role that is important but the enrichment of being together that brings wellbeing to all of us. Let me know how I can support that! >)
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NVDA 2024.3 released
Microsoft has released NVDA 2024.3, the latest version of its free screenreader for Windows. The release contains a range of new functionality and bug fixes, and Microsoft suggests users upgrade to the new version.
Release: NVDA 2024.3 Released (NV Access)
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Have your say on digital cash in New Zealand
From the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ).
We are inviting disabled people and their whānau and support persons to have their say on digital cash in New Zealand.Digital cash would be a new type of money in addition to banknotes and coins, and the electronic money in your bank account, but it won’t be a replacement for physical banknotes and coins.
We’ve put together information in alternate formats to help you tell us what you think. You can view and download information in easy read, large print, audio, braille and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
The main consultation paper explains the design features of digital cash we’re considering.
The summary document explains why we’re looking into digital cash, and gives you an overview of how you could use digital cash in the future.
There is also an anonymous survey which will help us understand which features of digital cash are important to you.
For more information or if you have any questions about the consultation, please call 0800 RBNZ RBNZ or email futureofmoney@rbnz.govt.nz.
Find out more and have your say and have your say (RBNZ)
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Events
Audio described NZ Opera Rigoletto
From NZ Opera.
Against La Dolce Vita styling of 1950s Italy, court jester Rigoletto delights in making enemies of husbands and fathers while his boss, Duke of Mantua, is a callous playboy. When Rigoletto’s own daughter, Gilda, becomes involved, everything changes.
Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto, a smash hit since its debut, is brimming with crowd-pleasing melodies and lush orchestrations. ‘La donna e mobile’ is the hit but the composer preferred ‘Bella figlia dell’amore’, a sensuous depiction of the characters’ motives. “I never expect to do better,” Verdi said. Join NZ Opera, a star-studded cast including Amitai Pati and James Clayton, and a Fiat Bambina as Verdi steps into uncharted artistic territory, balancing character, drama and music in a way that set new standards for Italian opera.
We are thrilled to have Braille surtitles and text-description, sent in real time to personal Braille readers, available for every performance of Rigoletto, (19, 21 and 25 September). Surtitles and text-description will also be made available to low-vision patrons, sent in real time to personal devices such as smartphones or tablets, for every performance of Rigoletto, (19, 21 and 25 September).
If you would like to receive surtitles and text descriptions sent to your personal devices during a performance, or you need more information about this, please contact NZ Opera Participation Manager, Frances Moore on 027 249 2287 or by email frances@nzopera.co.nz.
We are also delighted that the wonderful Audio Described Aotearoa will be live describing our performance on Saturday 21 September. A free touch tour of our set, some costumes and key props will be held 2 hours before this performance, giving you a chance to gain a behind-the-scenes insight into the production.
When:
- Thursday, 19 September, 7:30pm, Braille and low-vision accessible surtitles and description available
- Saturday, 21 September, 5:30pm, Touch Tour; 7:30pm, audio-described performance, Braille and low-vision Surtitles and description available
- Wednesday, 25 September, 7:30pm, Braille and low-vision accessible surtitles and description available.
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central.
Adult Tickets start from $79 and a free companion ticket is available if required. Guide dogs are very welcome.
To book: Call our wonderful Ticketing Manager Julie Bird on 0800 696 737 or +64 9 379 4068 or email boxoffice@nzopera.co.nz. Box office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm.
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Kinky Boots, the Musical
Act Three Productions, Palmerston North.
From Audio Described Aotearoa.
Based on the 2005 film and inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price, an aspiring young businessman who is forced to give up his dreams of living the London city life in order to save his late father’s family business in Northern England.
When Charlie suddenly inherits his father’s bankrupt shoe factory, he finds unexpected inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As Charlie and Lola work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible, and discover that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Kinky Boots is rated PG13.
When: Sunday, 15 September, 2:30pm touch tour; 4:00pm audio described show.
Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Where: The Regent on Broadway, 53 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North.
Tickets: Adults $65, Children (14 and under) $45. Standard booking fees and credit card fees apply.
Companion Tickets: Provide your PNCC Companion Card number to receive one complimentary companion ticket per accessible ticket sold.
To book: Accessible tickets are only available via Act Three Productions.
Please phone 06 355 0499 or email admin@actthree.co.nz to book a touch tour and purchase tickets.
Touch tour meeting point: meet at 2:25pm in the foyer of the Regent on Broadway. Please access via the side entrance in the Regent Arcade.
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Other newsletters
DPA Information Exchange: 22 August 2024
This week’s DPA newsletter includes a podcast episde on the world of deafblindness. In it, the President of the World Federation of the Deaf Blind (WFDB) talks about the profound and often overlooked world of deafblindness.
The President also talks about how the Federation is promoting the awareness of the rights of people who are deafblind worldwide, and also what is needed locally to achieve independence and the full support for people with deafblindness.
You can access the podcast (audio only) on YouTube, with both captions and transcript, below.”
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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. And they’re hiring! This week, they’re advertising three roles: community hub manager, social media and content manager, and digital content producer / storyteller.
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: Tuesday 13 August.
- Taranaki / New Plymouth: mid-September.
- Kirikiriroa / Hamilton: mid-October.
- Te Papa-i-Oea / Palmerston North: mid-October.
- Kāpiti: mid-October.
- Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington region: mid-October
- Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland: we now have a venue – please let us know if you are interested.
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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Audio description: Hamlet – one hour. Three actors. Denmark will never be the same.
23 August, BATS Theatre, Wellington.
There will be a touch tour at 6:45pm before the show commences at 7:30pm. One of our friendly team members will meet you in the foyer, and if you have any further questions our box office and bar staff will be happy to help.
There is a wheelchair accessible entrance on the right side of the building past a gate and two ramps – there is a door chime to use for entry but please let us know if you require wheelchair access so we know to expect you at book@bats.co.nz.
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EGL – SAMS and Tama hui
28 August 10am – 2pm (venue in West Auckland to be advised).
Hui for for community-led disability leadership informed by the Enabling Good Lives approach. A smaller online hui, for the deaf community is proposed for 27 August 2024 6:00 -7:30pm. Register for either by emailing egl@sams.org.nz.
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The Wiggles’ Wiggle Groove Tour!
When: Saturday 28 September 2024 at 10am
Where: Spark Arena, 42/80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell, Auckland 1010.
Details were provided in 19 July update.
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Thursday 3 October Deafblind UK Online Conference 2024
Theme: “Standing out and fitting in”. The conference is free and all are welcome.
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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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2024 Audio Described Nationwide Events Booklet
The events list with booklet page numbers was provided in the 23 February update.
The full calendar is available as a word document via the following link.
2024 Events Information (DOCX 60 KB)
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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 were provided in 24 May 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?”
Details were provided in 14 June update, 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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