Kia ora tatou,
Hello to all of us,
I start today thanking people. Every month that goes by another person steps forward willing to convene meetings or volunteer in other ways. Let me acknowledge here Joeline, Judy, Brian, and Elizabeth for willingness to convene in your areas.
I also want to acknowledge that Laura Morse, Deafblind Coordinator Blind Low Vision NZ, spent two days in Whakatu / Nelson this week. That is as it should be, so please, especially if you are in Te Waipounamu / South Island and need services for deafblindness, reach out to Blind Low Vision NZ. If they don’t know we need them, then we are in a space of unmet need. We can’t be found if they don’t know we are there and need services.
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Whaikaha
Many of you may have heard, or are now aware of, the release by Minister Upston yesterday that MSD will take control of Disability Support Services (DSS) and funding by October 2024. Whaikaha is upgraded to a full government Ministry. This means they will no longer be hosted by MSD. The new Whaikaha will be a much reduced body focusing on advocacy and policy advice to the rest of government. It may keep the name but essentially it will be a new entity. You can find the full release from the Minster’s office at the link below.
Government acts on disability review findings (Beehive.govt.nz)
Deafblind Association NZ continue to have quarterly meetings with Whaikaha Chief Executive Paula Tesoriero in pursuit of wellbeing for deafblind New Zealanders.
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Hapai Access Card
Do any of you have the Hapai Access Card? If so, I would love your feedback on how it works. It appears there are symbols on it that show your specific category needs with bonuses like a companion ticket if you need support. Not all businesses will take it, however it is a growing opportunity for us to have needs met to support wellbeing. I will investigate for one for myself.
Find out more about the Hapai Access Card
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2024 AGM
Annual General Meeting
This year, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will at 10am on Sunday 25 August, over Zoom. To join us, please contact Sarah at the address below.
boardsecretary@deafblindassociation.nz
We encourage your questions following the AGM.
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Blindshell Classic mailing list
Sent to us from the BlindDiscuss list.
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While the Blindshell2 list appears to have wound down, there’s still a great community for Blindshell Classic 2 phone users.
I’d love to welcome you to the original Blindshell Classic phone list! This list, started back in 2019, covers all Blindshell Classic phones – although we know most folks are using the awesome Blindshell Classic 2 these days and we rarely see any posts regarding the original one.
Plus, the list will keep you in the loop about any future Blindshell Classic models that might join the family!
To join the fun, simply send a blank email to the address below.
BlindshellClassic+subscribe@groups.io.
The list members, some of whom you’re very familiar with, can’t wait to connect with you!
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Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR)
A free service for unresolved phone and internet complaints.
If you need some help to sort out an unresolved phone or internet complaint with your telecommunications provider, you can talk to TDR – the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service.
To read more or access the documents in Braille (BRF) Audio and Large Print, go to the link below.
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Mobility Centre
The Mobility Centre “offers an extensive range of mobility products and services online and in-store. This includes a wide range of daily living aids, mobility scooters, walkers, braces and supports and so much more.”
They even have recliner chairs which can help one stand up!
They also have smaller items such as deep plates with strong grips to keep them steady and with higher lips, etc.
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BITS
If you’re interested in technology, you may be interested in BITS! The Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS) are the “tech oriented special interest affiliate of The American Council Of The Blind.”
“Blind Information Technology specialist is a not-for-profit organization which fosters the career development of blind computer professionals; promotes the use of computer technology by blind persons to improve the quality of their personal and professional lives; and advocates for improved information access for all visually impaired people.
“BITS holds a chat session on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, for anyone who would like to join us. These chat sessions are informal opportunities to get together and talk about whatever members and friends want to talk about.
Find out more on the BITS website
Memberships
The Presentations committee produces presentations which are for members, and open some to the general public as well. They also provide “exclusive programs to BITS members from the convention, and allow members to download BITS sessions if one can’t attend the convention.
One can also subscribe to the mailing list, which is members-only. Here, members ask questions, and discuss technology with each other.
Note: free memberships are currently available, but there are other options, including a yearly general membership (US$20) and a lifetime membership (US$200).
As a BITS member, you will be able to download BITS program sessions if you cannot attend the convention.
Join their members-only newsletter
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Events
Audio description: Hamlet – one hour. Three actors. Denmark will never be the same.
Set in a high-tech dystopian future, this one-hour adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet explores the mental health impacts of grief, trauma and a life lived on screen.
From Zoom calls to security cameras, Hamlet’s every move is watched. As we explore his thought distortions, we’re left to wonder, is it still paranoia when everyone is a threat?
23 August, BATS Theatre, Wellington.
Audio description and accessibility
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.
For more information check out Hamlet – What to Expect Pre Show Info Guide (PDF 18 MB)
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Ongoing events reminder
A reminder to check out the ongoing events section near the end of the newsletter, including the 2024 audio described events booklet.
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Other newsletters
DPA (Disabled Persons’ Assembly) Information Exchange: 15 August 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.
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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EGL – SAMS and Tama hui
28 August 10:00am – 2:00pm (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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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
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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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