Weekly update: 21 February 2025
Kia ora tatou,
Hello to all of us,
This week it really is all about us! I absolutely love “Nobody Left Behind”, however my personal response to “Nothing about us without us” leaves me feeling a bit like I’ve been popped in the back seat. Here are some of the ways you can make a difference for yourselves with your contribution and your learning and sharing, and our wider deafblind community, our whānau, and our stakeholders so you are in your driving seat and we travel together.
Email me with your interest in attending Conference 2025, 26 to 29 Junue 2025 in Te Wanganui a-Tara/Wellington. Theme: "Deafblind At the Centre: Empowering Deafblind through Inclusive Design".
Apply to be part of the New Zealand Disability Strategy refresh, details below, noting Expressions of Interest close 3 March.
Attend one of our peer-to-peer support gatherings. Our next ones are tomorrow 15 February in Lower Hutt - there is still time to let me know - 1 March in south Auckland, 11 March in Nelson, and further dates will be posted.😊 Personally I love it when I can be present with you, although that is not as often as we can manage, because something new always pops up for discussion and sharing and support of each other and I always learn something new from you.😊 Thanks to the Palmerston North group for a rich and nourishing gathering yesterday!
I received an newsletter from a company called Powrsuit, and while this is created for women, the following little excerpt from Rochelle Moffitt resonated with me this week and applies to us all. (We link to the newsletter in our newsletters section below.)
“Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor."
I say let’s dance!
The Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha: Seeking expressions of interest for potential Working Groups, paid positions
From Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is calling for expressions of interest to join Working Groups we are setting up to help with the refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
We are seeking interest from disabled people, Deaf, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau hauā, Turi Māori, Pacific people and families to be selected to be on five Working Groups to help develop the outcome areas and actions for the new strategy.
The proposed Working Groups will develop actions within the following outcome areas (subject to Cabinet approval in March 2025):
health
education
employment
housing
justice.
How to apply
If you, or someone you know, has knowledge, experience or subject matter expertise in any of the five areas listed above, please visit our website for more information on the proposed Working Groups and how to apply (including in alternate formats). Please share this information with your networks.
Expressions of Interest are due by 3 March 2025.
If you have any questions, please email disabilitystrategy@whaikaha.govt.nz.
You will find more information on our website on the process and timelines for developing the new Disability Strategy.
Please note we will provide further information on broader consultation opportunities on the Disability Strategy, with the disability community, as this becomes available.
Submission opportunity to influence more content in audio description and captioning
From Blind Citizens NZ.
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has released a discussion document (large print version attached) on "modernising regulation and content funding arrangements for New Zealanders". Part of this includes increasing captioning and audio description.
More information, and the full paper (Ministry of Culture and Heritage)
Blind Citizens NZ will be making a submission. Any thoughts you care to share will be very much appreciated.
While this is a great opportunity to push for legislation for stronger accessibility on video-on-demand platforms in NZ, and to increase captioning and audio description in general, there are risks if it’s not done well. This approach also relates directly to a specific outcome of the 2022 Concluding Observations from the International Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In particular, the Minister for Culture and Heritage are responsible for progressing Concluding Observation 44c which states: "Adopt legislation to ensure captioning and audio description is provided on television channels with funding security. Refer to UNCRPD Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information (art. 21)".
The Ministry is exploring several initiatives, along with five specific proposals as follows (these are taken the discussion paper).
Ensuring accessibility of local media platforms: Require TV manufacturers to ensure local media services are prominent and visible on devices such as smart TVs so they can be easily found by audiences (Page 11).
Increasing investment into and discoverability of local content: Require streaming platforms and TV broadcasters to invest in local content and implement measures to ensure it is more ‘discoverable’ on their platforms, supporting the production of and engagement with New Zealand stories (Page 15).
Increasing captioning and audio description: Require more captioning and audio description on content that is broadcast or streamed to ensure access for disabled New Zealanders (Page 19).
Modernising professional media regulation: Revise the broadcasting standards regime (including the Broadcasting Standards Authority) with platform-neutral and system-level regulation of professional media (Page 22).
Streamlining Crown content funders: Consolidate NZ On Air and the Film Commission into a single entity, supporting efficient administration of government funding for local content and industry development (Page 27).
Submissions close 11:59pm on 23 March 2025.
Survey about online safety for young disabled people
From All is for All.
Last year, we did some work that identified a gap in young disabled people’s understanding of how to use the internet and social media safely, especially for those with learning disabilities and neurodivergence. We found this gap not only impacts young disabled people directly, but also their support people and whānau / family, making the digital landscape a potential risk for many in our community.
We have been receiving support from InternetNZ to develop resources and tools to help the community learn more about online and social media safety. Last year, we ran a pilot workshop for young disabled people about online safety and content creation.
We would like to invite you, you whānau, and support workers (if applicable) to participate in a survey about your experiences navigating online and social media spaces and to learn about the types of training and learning opportunities you would like to see delivered to support young disabled people and their support networks with learning about online and social media safety.
The survey is short and should only take 10 minutes to complete. We value your input and perspective, and your participation in the survey would be greatly appreciated.
Online safety and social media survey (All is for All)
If you have any questions or feedback about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact Natalie Robinson by emailing natalie@allisforall.com.
Research about the education and employment of deafblind people in low / middle-resource countries
From the Université de Montréal.
Deafblind International’s Global Research Initiative coincides with a research project on the education and employment of individuals living with deafblindness around the world.
We are currently looking for persons living with early-onset deafblindness (while being a child or youth) to participate in interviews about their experience growing up deafblind. The goal of the project is to tell the stories of persons living with deafblindness, and to learn from the experiences, so we can do better.
Eligibility criteria:
you grew up and live in a low/middle-resource country
you live with deafblindness (any type, any severity)
you are 18 years old or older
your deafblindness began early in your life, while you were a child or youth
you have access to the internet or phone
you have access to communication support (if needed) to participate in an interview with our team (in English or French). In case you require a professional communication support, our research team will cover this cost.
All participants will receive $50 CAN for their participation (usually transferred by Western Union).
If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please reach out to Walter Wittich at walter.wittich@umontreal.ca or Shirley Dumassais at shirley.dumassais@umontreal.ca.
We will confirm your eligibility, and set up your interview. We thank you in advance for your support and participation. In case you would like to know more about the project, you and also access a video and its transcription in the description below.
Recruitment of deafblind participants - Global South and low / middle income countries (YouTube)
This study has received ethics approval by the Université de Montreal, Canada, and is funded by the DbI Research Network, and the Canadian Hearing Services.
Call for Nominations – WBU Women’s Empowerment Award 2025
From the World Blind Union (WBU).
The World Blind Union’s Womens Committee is now accepting nominations for the Women’s Empowerment Award, an esteemed recognition granted to a woman who is blind or partially sighted and has made a significant impact in empowering other women. This award will be presented at the WBU General Assembly in 2025 and includes a monetary prize of $1,000 USD.
Nomination deadline: 1 April 2025.
More information about eligibility and how to send in your nomination (WBU)
Alexa update
Blind Low Vision NZ have launched their update to Alexa, so people go to the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) Catalogue and access over 99,500 DAISY books.
The document below has an overview, step by step instructions, and a sample transcript of Margaret accessing The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe from the ABC Catalogue.
Blind Low Vision NZ Alexa ABC update, Feb 2025 (.DOCX 35 KB)
ABC Catalogue (Blind Low Vision NZ)
New events
Te Matatini - audio described finals day
From Audio Described Aotearoa.
Audio Described Aotearoa are extremely excited to be offering live audio description of the finals day (1 March 2025) of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 finals day!
Audio description will be available to everyone, everywhere via the Te Matatini app and the Haka Translate service, whether you're there in person or watching the live stream from home.
To access the live stream, download the Te Matatini app, available from the App Store (iPhone) and the Play Store (Android).
On the finals day, select the Haka Translate service from the app's homepage and then select 'Audio Description'.
The event will be broadcast live on Whakaata Māori and TVNZ 2 and live streamed online at Māori+ and TVNZ+.
About Te Matatini
The biennal Te Matatini Festival is the largest celebration of traditional Māori performing arts excellence in the world. It encapsulates the power and beauty of Kapa Haka at the most elite level as groups from Aotearoa and Ahitereiria compete for the coveted title of National Champion.
The competition began in 1972, originally as the New Zealand Polynesian Festival involving 17 groups performing in front of 5,000 spectators.
Tickets are still available if you'd like to attend in person. Tickets are $53.50 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors.
Book your Te Matatini tickets (Ticketspace)
Remember to bring your own headphones and smart phone to access the audio description via the app in the venue.
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DbI Youth Network Event 2025
Youth Network Event: Efteling Theme Park Resort - 28 to 29 October 2025.
First meeting: 25 February UK time (26 February NZ time).
The DbI Youth Network is hosting their first meeting to discuss hotel options, theme park entry, travel and park accessibility.
The meeting will take place on Zoom on Tuesday, 25 February 2025 at 1pm UK time, 2pm CET time. (26 February 2am NZ time).
They're looking forward to answering your questions about this exciting opportunity.
Please email simon.allison@sense.org.uk to receive the Zoom link.
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Auckland Council Disability Advisory Panel - first meeting of the year
3 March 2025.
Auckland Council's Disability Advisory Panel have agreed to make their first 2025 meeting open - it will be recorded and published to Council's website. Members of the public can also attend and observe in person or online.
For more information, you can contact the Disability Advisory Panel at Disability.AdvisoryPanel@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Event reminders
Retina Research symposium
From Paul Glover President of Retina NZ (and Usher Syndrome Ambassador).
On 21 and 22 February, Retina NZ is running its symposium, "Advances in Retina Research Australasia". It's aimed at eye professionals, researchers, members, blind low vision, other professionals, and interested public.
The event is in person in Auckland, and there will also be live streams and recordings available.
You can find out more, including the venue, agenda, audience and how to register, on our calendar (events) page.
Calendar / events (Deafblind Association NZ)
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Other event reminders
Check out 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)
Other newsletters
Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) Information Exchange: 19 February 2025
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Carers New Zealand update: February 2025
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Powrsuit newsletter: 19 February 2025
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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're soliciting your bad advice, plus Outward Bound with autism and an opportunity for more accessible media.
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.
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Be Seen be Heard be Connected weekly update, and mailing list
You can find our weekly Seen Be Heard Be Connected updates (ie our newsletter) on our website, at the following link.
Our weekly updates (Deafblind Association New Zealand)
You can also sign up for our weekly newsletter, and / or our mailing list DBANZ Discuss, at the links below. Please feel free to spread the word 😊
Ngā mihi mahana,
Warm regards,
Amanda
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