WellAble

02/06/2026

Finding Common Ground - Declaration of Disabled People's Rights Survey

Across Aotearoa, disabled people, d/Deaf people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau and carers are coming together to build something bigger than any one organisation alone: a shared Declaration of Disabled People's Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This kaupapa is called Finding Common Ground. You can learn more about it here https://www.dpa.org.nz/dpa-projects/finding-common-ground/

As part of this they have launched their first public survey to gather ideas about what the declaration should include. If you would like to shared your ideas please take a few minutes to complete the survey would can be found here
https://www.dpa.org.nz/dpa-projects/finding-common-ground/finding-common-ground/

Finding Common Ground survey

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Kia ora 👋 Disabled people, families, whānau and carers are being invited to help shape further improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS).

We want to improve services in key areas that the disability community has told us matter most to them.

We are building on what the community has told us over the past two years. This feedback has already helped shape some important changes across DSS, and we know there is more to do.

Now we want to know what good support looks like.

From 8 June to 31 July, DSS will be running a community consultation focused on key areas including:
💬 Outcomes that matter, including how supports make a difference in disabled people’s everyday lives and safety
💬 Earlier, proactive and planned support as people’s needs change over time
💬 Feedback and complaints processes that make it easier to speak up about DSS services
💬 Better options for carer respite, making it easier for family, whānau and carers to take a break
💬 More choice and control in services, including more flexibility in supports funded outside of flexible funding
💬 Improved information and advice to make supports and services easier to access

We are seeking feedback from people who receive DSS funding, and people who support or advocate for those who do.

From today, you can read the consultation documents and register for workshops ahead of the consultation officially opening on 8 June.

You can take part in a way that works for you, including online and in-person workshops, written or recorded submissions, and an online survey. Workshops will be running throughout June and July.

Your input will help shape the next improvements to services and supports.

Visit the DSS website below to read the consultation documents, learn more about the consultation, and register for upcoming workshops 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/have-your-say-on-further-improvements-to-services

This consultation is separate from the Disability Support Services Bill and is focused on improvements to DSS-funded supports and services.

The Bill is a separate Parliamentary process that sets the legal framework for DSS.

29/05/2026

We hope you all have a wonderful long weekend!

Our Centre is now closed and will open again at 9am on Tuesday 2nd June. While we are closed you can always check out our website - www.well-able.org.nz

25/05/2026

Dr Huhana Hickey

25/05/2026

Kapiti Special Olympics ⚽⚽

This one is for any football players out there! The Kapiti Special Olympics Football Team meet 5-6pm every Tuesday at Raumati South Memorial Hall, 16 Tennis Court Road. They move to Matthews Park in the summer months, while the weather is warm and the sun is shining.

Anyone who is interested in coming along and checking it out, please email [email protected]

Alt text:
Promotional poster for a Special Olympics football team with the heading “Come Join Our Football Team” in large black text. The design features red circles and several photos of football players, including a team huddle, players kicking footballs, and a training scene. Text on the poster says: “Learn the game, build confidence, and most importantly have fun and make friends,” “Tuesday evenings from 5–6 PM,” and “Get in touch at: [email protected].” The Special Olympics logo and the slogan “Be Part of Something Special” appear at the bottom.

22/05/2026

Share Your Experiences of National Park Accessibility 🌳

Massey University researchers are inviting people to take part in a survey about the accessibility of national parks in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The survey explores people’s experiences of visiting parks, including barriers they may face and what helps make parks more accessible and enjoyable.

The survey is open to disabled people and support people, and takes around 10–15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, you can skip any question, and responses are confidential.

If you prefer, you can request a paper copy or complete the survey over the phone.

Complete the survey: https://massey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nWBQFws88UnJGJ

For more information, contact researcher Karen Jillings at [email protected]

Alt text:
A wide river valley surrounded by steep green mountains under a bright blue sky. Clear turquoise water flows around large rocks in the foreground, with dry riverbeds and grassy plains stretching into the distance. The landscape appears peaceful and remote, with sunlight highlighting the rugged natural scenery.

21/05/2026

👏👏👏

21/05/2026

Need information about the Disability Support Services Bill? https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/dss-bill/frequently-asked-questions

21/05/2026

Disability Support Services Bill

The Government has introduced a Disability Support Services Bill to Parliament. The Bill is now going through the parliamentary process.

For more information about the Bill and the parliamentary process, view the factsheet here:
https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/dss-bill/factsheet

Please note there are currently no changes to:
• supports for disabled people, whānau and carers
• funding allocations
• eligibility for disability support services

People should continue to access support as they currently do.

The Bill builds on what disabled people, families, whānau, and carers have told us, and work already done to stabilise DSS.