CCS Disability Action

CCS Disability Action is the largest pan-disability support and advocacy organisation in New Zealand. Our vision is to see every disabled person included in the life of their family and community. As well as providing direct support and advocacy, we have a wider role in shaping society’s attitudes towards people with a disability. This video explains a bit more about who we are and what we do. If you need support or would like more information, we would love to hear from you!

Ready to dive into some fun this weekend? 🏊 Good news! Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness opens today, after a beautiful dawn blessing ceremony earlier this week. The new pool was designed for universal access with features like accessible toilets, a fully adjustable changing table, a poolside hoist, and wayfinding signage throughout. Access coordinator Raewyn Hailes was part of the Community Advisory Group who "brought the heart and soul of Naenae into every decision," as Mayor Campbell Barry said. We're so glad community input was taken on board so that everyone can enjoy the awesome facilities. You can read more about the pool's accessibility features on Hutt City Council's website: https://lnkd.in/gZgEyfTS Image description: The eight person strong Community Advisory Group stand together, smiling for the camera, with the pool in the background behind them.

Jumping on the #SpotifyWrapped trend with some key numbers from this year. Did you know you can find all these and more in our national annual report? https://lnkd.in/gHxBsDfh Image description: Set of images with stats in the style of Spotify Wrapped – bold and colourful, geometric graphics in pinks and blues on a mix of black and vibrant yellow backgrounds. Each image features a number in bold, with a short description below in a smaller font.

Some more snaps from our awesome IDPD celebrations this week in Levin, Masterton, Whanganui and Christchurch. Shoutout to everyone involved in organising these events and thank you to everyone who came by, we had a great time! 🎉 Image descriptions 1: People gathered underneath a gazebo, some lining up for sausages from the barbecue to the right. In front is a sign with the event info decorated with purple tinsel. 2: People playing games inside a hall with ring toss and cones on the floor. 3: People gathered under a shade cover on a sunny deck with tables of food. 4: A woman and man preparing hotdogs at the sausage sizzle, outside beneath trees. A CCS Disability Action Te Aronui banner is to the side. 5: People gathered in a parking lot, some standing and some seated on plastic chairs. Two men are eating hotdogs beside a CCS Disability Action Te Aronui banner. Behind them, team members man the barbecue. 6: Two women stand together, smiling, in front of a whiteboard with the CCS Disability Action logo and information. One is holding a hotdog in a napkin.

This week on Books Beyond Barriers, Krissy interviews special guest Julie Woods (a.k.a. That Blind Woman), host of the My Business Star podcast and facilitator for the My Business Starter programme. The pair have a lively conversation about owning a business as a disabled person, the impact of the programme on participants, as well as Julie’s fascinating book on her experiences travelling as a blind person. Tune in to OAR FM Dunedin (105.4FM and 1575AM) at 10:30 am today to listen – this is one you won’t want to miss! New episodes of Books Beyond Barriers will be broadcast fortnightly via OAR FM Dunedin on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and replayed on Saturdays at 12:00 pm and Sundays at 11:00 pm. You can also find the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Additionally, episodes and full transcripts will be available on our website if you missed them or want to share them with others. Visit this page to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNdG3Qw6

Outdoor spaces in Aotearoa New Zealand are deeply connected to our whakapapa, culture, and recreation. But not everyone can access these important places. Through working alongside people with impairments, we know there’s a strong desire to participate in outdoor recreation spaces.   Everyone has the right to access these spaces. This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we’re issuing a wero (challenge): How can you improve accessibility in the outdoors?   If you need support to make outdoor spaces more accessible, get in touch.   Slide 1: Text: Did you know? Image: A simple black & white illustration features a mixed group, including a person in a wheelchair, someone with a crutch, a person with a prosthetic leg, a child in headphones, and a person using a cane.   Slide 2: People with impairments participate less in physical activity in outdoor locations than non-disabled people. (Active NZ, 2023) Slide 3: But we know there is a strong desire to participate. Slide 4: Everyone has the right to access outdoor recreation spaces. (UNCRPD, Articles 9 & 30) Slide 5: "The thought of getting back in the outdoors provided huge motivation following my accident, and achieving this has taken on new significance. Being in the outdoors heals me, teaches me how to move, and how to navigate my way through life in a body that operates differently than before." (Andrew Leslie, Nuku Ora Comms) Slides 5 and 7 “Recreation and access to the great outdoors is not just a luxury; it is a vital part of the well-being of every community. It fosters inclusivity, and with proper thought, provides all members—regardless of ability—opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive together. When we ensure that recreation is accessible to everyone, we create a space where disabled individuals are not just participants, but vital contributors to the fabric of community life." (Katie, CCS Disability Action) Slide 8 "For our family, the great outdoors isn't just a getaway—it's freedom. Even with wheels, we roll toward adventures that lift our spirits and nourish our souls" -(Kimberly Graham, Grab Your Wheels, Let's Travel & Access Matters) Slide 9 How can you enhance accessibility in the outdoors?

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities! We're having some wonderful celebrations across the motu, and more yet to come. Here's Christchurch service manager Matt Whiting at the branch's event. How are you celebrating today? 🎉 We love this year's theme, 'Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future' – a goal we are always striving for. This includes: -Promoting the leadership of disabled people in all areas of life. -Ensuring the inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of society. -Increasing the participation of disabled people in decision-making processes. -Raising awareness of the rights of disabled people. -Celebrating the achievements of disabled people. #IDPD #EveryoneIncluded #GlobalGoals #CRPD Image description: Matt outside the entrance to CCS Diability Action Christchurch, lined with trees on either side. He is smiling widely with his arms in the air and is using a wheelchair. Beside him is a CCS Disability Action flag and whiteboard.

Join Jane and make a difference today! Monthly donations from the Friends of CCS Disability Action help us meet the urgent demand for our services. We're so grateful for this support. 🙏 Monthly giving is convenient and easy to set up. Our Friends love it because it allows them to spread their donation across the year and is hassle-free, with no need for frequent reminders. Plus, monthly giving is flexible. You can change the day that you give or the amount of your donation anytime. 💚 Discover how you can join the Friends and make a big impact with your donation! https://lnkd.in/gV4HaeUF Image description: White speech bubble on a pale orange background containing handwritten-style text, in black: 'My donation, combined with others, lets CCS Disability Action provide practical support for individuals and families.' Below, in orange: 'Jane K, Auckland monthly donor'. Image has rounded corners, a white border, and the CCS Disability Action icon in the top left corner.

We have been approached by a journalist who is working on an in-depth article about the experiences of disabled children in education. If you are based in Christchurch, your child has additional education needs and you would be interested in potentially sharing your experience with the school system via a video interview, please send us a DM. Image description: The words 'Would you like to share your experience?' in green on a lighter green background.

The Halberg Foundation has established a new award for people whose contributions have made a lasting impact on disability sport communities in New Zealand.   The Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, named in honour of the late Olympic gold medallist, is seeking nominees who have made a positive difference in the lives of disabled young people through sport, and display the values of inclusion and empowerment that Sir Murray lived throughout his life.   For more information and details on how to nominate people visit their website: https://lnkd.in/gA7nhmgS