Weekly update: 15 November 2024

14 Nov 2024

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…

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

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

New 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."

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.

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."

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.

The D*List

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

Event reminders

Check our calendar of events for reminders of all the other events coming up, and updated dates for our regional peer-to-peer gatherings.

Calendar (events)

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.

New Zealand's Housing Survey (The Urban Advisory)

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?"

Email Tom for details, at tsmith@blindlowvision.org.nz.

Regular / 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.

Living Blindfully

Weekly show hosted by Jonathan Mosen.

Living Blindfully audio episodes (Living Blindfully)

Monthly show hosted by Carolyn Weston.

Blind Spot on Radio Southland

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.

able.co.nz

Deafblind Association New Zealand access to TellMe

See TellMe numbers for your area

End of report and this week’s update.

Amanda Stevens
Executive Officer
Taringa Turi Kāpō Rōpū
Deafblind Association New Zealand