Weekly update: 24 January 2025
Kia ora tatou,
Hello to all of us,
I was so pleased this week to receive feedback from Sue about how to access the alt text of the photo in last week’s Friday update. Keep the comments coming please as it is all kete pai – really thank you!
We're also very happy to hear your feedback and thoughts on our fresh new website, which we've designed to be fast, simple to use and manage, and of course highly accessible. You can find it at the usual link, at deafblindassociation.nz.
It’s exciting that our conference this year is happening thing in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. If you are interested in coming we would really like to know.
We also want to know what you would like from attending your conference. What is important to you about getting together with other deafblind people, policy makers, and people who might be able to make a positive change for you. Think about communication, housing, employment, education, independence, mobility, social engagement, and anything else that springs to mind for you.
This conference is for you, so your input is critical. I look forward to hearing your ideas by email, text, or phone call. 😊
Notice of next RNZFB Board meeting
From New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB).
The next RNZFB Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday 1 March 2025. This meeting is scheduled to be held in Gisborne, and online via Zoom. 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.
Other newsletters
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.
Updates (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 (Deafblind Association NZ)
Feedback requested reminders
National Housing Survey
The Urban Advisory is running a 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)
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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?"
Email Tom for details, at tsmith@blindlowvision.org.nz.
Regular / ongoing events
No Labels on Wellington Access Radio
You can listen to the show on Wellington Access Radio on Tuesday just after 1pm, 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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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.
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