What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm Thursday 9am - 4:30pm Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Disability Connect

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Disability Connect

Supporting the parents and families of children and young people with disabilities.

Formerly known as the Parent and Family Resource Centre, Disability Connect Inc provides information, advice and support for disabled people, their families and whanau based in Auckland, New Zealand.

16/12/2025

This year was extra special as it marked the release of our first documentary, Sasanka’s Journey!

If you haven't seen it yet, our short film follows a young man’s path to becoming a Library Assistant at Highland Park Library.

Featuring insights from his mother and employer, it celebrates Sasanka’s unique contributions and the taonga he represents.

With music by Jeff Wragg, a parent of a neurodiverse child, the film was entered into the international 2025 Focus on Ability Film Festival.

You can watch the film on our Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1100105516

Image description: Sasanka smiling softly. He is inside the Highland Park Library, and wears glasses, a grey golf flat cap, a pink shirt, and a colourful lanyard.

12/12/2025

After a very busy year, our team will be taking a break over the holiday period to rest and spend time with whānau.

Please note we'll be closed from 12pm on Thursday 18 December.

We'll return next month on Monday 12 January.

Image description: A bright, sunny day at the beach with a clear blue sky. A lifeguard is at their stand while several people swim in the water. Text reads: “We’re taking a summer holiday!”

08/12/2025

Are there any recent experiences you’d like us to raise with MSD/WINZ?

We've heard from several families that their adult children are being reassessed for the Supported Living Payment, and this is causing significant stress.

Sometimes the reassessment is not related to the person’s diagnosis, it's simply establishing work capacity. Depending on the diagnosis, it's possible to ask for ‘Simplified Access” to Supported Living Payment.

You can find more information about this on the Work and Income website: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/main-benefits/supported-living-payment/simplified-access-to-supported-living-payment-01.html

We often hear of families having similar issues and meet with MSD/WINZ often to talk about the real issues families are facing.

Drop your thoughts in the comments - your feedback helps us push for change.

02/12/2025

Today, 3 December, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

To honour IDPWD last year, our counsellor Asoka shared her remarkable family story in an interview with Radio Rhema. She spoke about her journey - from her time as a scientist in Sri Lanka, to her current life in New Zealand as a devoted mother of two adult sons with autism. She also talked about her decision to retrain as a counsellor (and an amazing one at that!).

After the interview aired, Asoka received an encouraging message from a listener:

“I just wanted to tell Asoka what an inspiration her interview is to me. I am a parent of a 16yr old with various disabilities and I’m part way through studying to be a counsellor. Until today I was unsure of what placement to seek out, but realised Asoka has my dream job! You’ve given me a direction and I’m hugely grateful."

Asoka's story reflects the power of family support in shaping meaningful futures. It also reminds us why we’re here: to help disabled whānau pursue their passions and live their best lives.

If you haven't yet, check out the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DMSLIKxqwNg?si=0LaWAHpur3XUTwqb

Image description: a two photo collage. In the top photo, Indika, Asoka and Sasanka stand smiling next to Andrew Urquhart from Radio Rhema in their studio. There is a Christmas tree between them. In the photo below, Indika Andrew and Asoka smile together after a tour around Rhema Media.

24/11/2025

We've had enquiries from parents experiencing challenges while engaging with teachers and their children's schools, particularly around behaviour issues, learning disruption and participating in school outings and activities.

What school challenges have you navigated?

What strategies worked for you?

20/11/2025

We're incredibly honoured to be the very first recipient of the Support Organisation Award from the Auckland Down Syndrome Association (ADSA).

This recognition means a great deal to us and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting our members and the wider disability community.

Thank you, ADSA, for acknowledging the work we do. We’re proud to stand alongside so many others making a difference.

If you're not yet a member of ADSA, now's a great time to join!

Membership connects you with other families who may be on a similar journey, and gives access to social activities, support groups and community events.

Check out their website for more information: https://adsa.org.nz/about-us/adsa-membership/

Image descriptions

Image 1 - A framed award certificate. Text reads "Certificate of appreciation. ADSA Support Organisation of the Year 2025. Disability Connect. In recognition of the incredible support you provide the Down syndrome community in Auckland, and the wider disability community. You constantly go above and beyond the call of duty and set the standard for knowledgeable staff, accessible events, up to date information, clear communications and for genuinely caring. Your Transition Expo brings the disability community together in a joyful and positive way."

Image 2 - Mike Potter from Disability Connect and Paula Beguely from ADSA smile together beside a cabinet with Disability Connect’s award certificates and trophies on top, including the ADSA certificate. Mike is seated in his wheelchair and Paula is seated on a chair next to him.

Image 3 - Seven of the Disability Connect team, along with Paula from ADSA, sit around a long table enjoying a celebratory morning tea that Paula brought in. There are sandwiches, muffins, quiches and other morning tea items on the table.

17/11/2025

Many families reduce their working hours or leave employment altogether to care for their disabled children. This often leads to financial strain, isolation, and significant impacts on wellbeing.

We've been helping families rebuild confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging through our Pastoral Employment Support for Families of Disabled People.

This is a 6-12 week service led by Asoka, our qualified counsellor who brings lived experience to her work.

Between July 2024 and June this year, we supported 65 families through this service. The outcomes have been deeply encouraging; eight parents gained employment, 13 remained in work, and four enrolled in education or training. These changes not only improve family wellbeing but also open new opportunities for disabled loved ones.

We understand how tough it can be. It can feel like there are no options. Please know you're not alone.

Thank you to everyone who supports our Pastoral Care Service. Despite these wonderful outcomes, the service receives no government funding. Current policy focuses solely on the wellbeing of disabled people. While that’s important for our children, it’s inequitable for the parents who sacrifice, provide care, and face fewer choices for a good life.

We continue to lobby for the parent voice to be included in government policy, so our service can receive funding and become sustainable.

To those who give and stand with us: you are more than part of Disability Connect. Together, we are part of a movement that cares for the wellbeing of disabled people and their families.

If you know someone who needs our support, please connect them with us at admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz.

If you’d like to support our Pastoral Care Service, there’s a donate button on our website: disabilityconnect.org.nz

Image description: Asoka smiling. She has black and red hair, and is wearing a blue top with a blue Disability Connect vest.

16/11/2025

If you have 5 minutes, share your feedback with us and go into the draw to win a $200 Prezzy card!

Our annual survey closes this Wednesday, 19 November.

Your feedback will help shape what services we continue to provide or what new initiatives we bring to the community.

Complete the survey here: https://questionpro.com/t/AWke5Z7B75

Image description: A light blue graphic with dark blue text reading, "We want your feedback! Take our short survey and go in the draw to win a $200 Prezzy card!" A speakerphone icon is beside the text.

11/11/2025

A researcher from Auckland Council recently asked us a powerful question... When and where do disabled people and their families want to meet?

We know the best way to answer them is to ask you directly! This is your chance to tell us what works best for your whānau.

Your feedback helps us create spaces that truly work for you - whether that’s online, in person, or somewhere in between.

Let us know in the comments or take our 5 minute survey: https://questionpro.com/t/AWke5Z7B75

Image description: Blue graphic with white text, with the heading "When and where do you want to meet?". Text below reads, "Mornings, afternoons or evenings? Weekdays or weekends? Face-to-face, online or both? What are your thoughts?" There is a question mark icon at the top of the image, and the Disability Connect logo at the bottom.

08/11/2025

Want to find out how to navigate the system of social housing and supports? Join us for our free upcoming event with representatives from Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Kāinga Ora.

We'll cover topics such as:
• navigating MSD and Kāinga Ora for accessible social housing
• eligibility and financial supports
• new opportunities and relocating options
• how to make an application
• and priority ratings.

Registration to this online event on 18 November is essential. Please email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz for the Zoom link.

For more information, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cry1WjHFU/

Image description: A promotional event poster. Text reads "Understanding social housing. Free online event! Tuesday, 18 November 2025, 11:00am to 12:30pm." There's an image of a house in the middle. The Disability Connect logo is at the top of the poster, and the Ministry of Social Development and Kāinga Ora logos are at the bottom.

05/11/2025

We want to hear from you so we can serve you better.

Your feedback helps us to understand what's most important for you right now, and the ways we could improve to support you more.

Help shape our services by sharing your thoughts in our annual survey - and go in to win a $200 Prezzy card!

The survey will take around 5 minutes, and will close on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

We welcome everyone - disabled people, parents, whānau, support people, and professionals - to take part.

Complete the survey here: https://questionpro.com/t/AWke5Z7B75

Image description: A dark blue graphic with white and light blue text reading, "Share your thoughts and be in to win $200! Take our survey and go in the draw to win a $200 Prezzy card!" A speakerphone icon is beside the text.

01/11/2025

As we approach the end of the school year, it's the perfect time to reflect and connect. If your child will still be in school, some forward planning now can make next year much smoother for everyone.

Here are four tips from our advisors, based on their own lived experience:

1. Find out what worked well (or didn’t) this year

Talk to your child's teacher and other staff about their observations. Ask what ideas, tools, or projects worked well - and which approaches didn’t. Use these conversations to understand what your child needs to thrive in school.

2. Start planning for next year’s class

If possible, meet with the school to discuss suitable teachers and classmates for your child. Your child's current teacher can provide recommendations. Once you have confirmation, ask the new teacher if they can visit your child in their current class. You can also start helping your child get familiar with their new classroom and key spots, like the nearest bathroom and lunch area. Take photos of these places and of people they can go to for help, such as their teacher or office staff. Going over these together, in person or through photos, will help with the transition.

3. Give the new teacher a head start

Share the valuable information you've gathered so they're not starting from scratch. Ask if they can continue the approaches that worked well this year. Building on previous progress helps create consistency for your child.

4. Bring everyone together

Build a team with everyone involved in your child's education. For example, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Ministry of Education (MoE) supports like Speech-Language Therapists (SLT) or Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB). Discuss what support your child needs next year. Develop a plan with clear actions for each role so everyone is on the same page. This could include how the MoE will support the teacher, if there will be any assessments, or whether they'll use assistive technology.

Taking the time to prepare for what’s ahead will help everyone feel more confident going into the new year.

If you have any other tips that work well for your child, we'd love to hear them!

Image description: blue graphic listing the four tips. Text reads "4 tips for an easier school year transition. 1. Find out what worked well (or didn’t). 2. Start planning for next year’s class. 3. Give the new teacher a head start. 4. Bring everyone together."

Address

3B Olive Road, Penrose
Auckland
1061

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9am - 4:30pm
Friday	9am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.disabilityconnect.org.nz/

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Our Story

Disability Connect is a small vigorous community resource centre for the families and whanau of disabled children and young people.