Navigating the disability support system in Aotearoa can feel like a full-time job. There's a lot to understand, things keep changing, and the stakes are high, because this is about the support that shapes your daily life, or the life of someone you love.
Flying Kites recently ran a free online workshop series to help: Making the Disability System Work for You.
What the series covered
The series is made up of three standalone workshops. Which can now be viewed on YouTube.
Workshop 1 - How the Disability System Works
A plain-language guide to how disability support is structured in Aotearoa, from government policy through to NASC and the services you actually receive. We'll cover eligibility and common supports including Carer Support, Individualised Funding and residential options. You'll leave this session with a better understanding of how the disability system works for you. View Workshop 1 on YouTube here
Workshop 2 - Needs Assessments in a Time of Change
Your needs assessment is one of the most important conversations you'll have in the disability system. This session covers how the process is meant to work, how to prepare, and some helpful strategies if things aren't going smoothly. You'll leave this session with a clear understanding of how to get the most out of the needs assessment conversations to ensure you get the best outcome. View Workshop 2 on YouTube here
Workshop 3 - Making the Most of Individualised Funding
Individualised Funding (IF) gives you more choice and control, but it can also feel overwhelming. This session explains what IF is, how it works, what a Host organisation does, and what recent changes mean for you. We'll work through real scenarios and talk about helpful strategies to keep things moving. View Workshop 3 on YouTube here
How it works
Each session runs for one hour, with a presentation until about 40 minutes in, then open discussion and questions for the rest of the time.
The presentation portion of each session will be recorded and made available on YouTube, so even if you can't join live, you can still watch it later.
Who is this for?
These workshops are for disabled people and their whānau and professionals. Everyone is welcome. Whether you're brand new to disability supports or have been navigating them for years, there will be something useful here, especially given how much is changing right now
Also coming to Te Tai Tokerau
We are also running workshops in Whangārei and Kaitaia. These will be a one hour session that combines the key parts of all three workshops.
Tuesday 1st September - 4.30pm at Blomfield School, Whangarei
Wednesday 2nd September - 11am and 4.30pm at Far North REAP, Kaitaia
To enrol in our in person sessions please email hello@flyingkites.org.nz with the session you would like to attend.
We are grateful to Foundation North for funding these workshops for people in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau.