YES Disability Resource Centre

YES Disability Resource Centre Here at YES Disability Resource Centre, we move past 'no' to get to 'yes'. Yes models the New Zealand Disability Schedule.

YES a not-for-profit organisation, working to ensure disabled youth and those with learning differences are represented equitably in governance, planning and employment. The YES Disability Resource Centre (YES) is a non-profit organisation working to ensure young people with disabilities are represented in governance, planning and staffing. It offers community-based resources young people need to build themselves meaningful lives. Our members include youth with disabilities, older people, their family / whanau, support people and health professionals. It is a central access point for information, support and innovation for all people living with a disability and their families in Aotearoa. Each year YES receives over 30,000 enquiries from people needing specialised information, services and support. YES currently offers a number of programmes to support the inclusion of youth with disabilities and learning differences in the wider community.


• Pacific Education Support Program
• I.Drive Licensing Program
• The Empowered Program
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award / Hillary Award Aotearoa NZ Program
• Empowering Inclusive Education
• Yes I Can Leadership Program
• Re-Imagine
• Self Defence Course for Young Women with disabilities

I.Drive Upper North Island: Are you a disabled person who lives in Auckland or Hamilton who is looking to gain their Lea...
16/02/2026

I.Drive Upper North Island:

Are you a disabled person who lives in Auckland or Hamilton who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!
YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.

The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

Auckland North Shore: 17th & 18th of February
Location: Shore Junction - 19 Northcote Road, Takapuna

West Auckland: 3rd & 4th of March
Location TBC

Hamilton: 13th of March
Location: TBD

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page to secure your spot! https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

Te Ara Tāne: The Path of MenWe’re creating a space where disabled men (18-30) can come together, be real, and have hones...
12/02/2026

Te Ara Tāne: The Path of Men

We’re creating a space where disabled men (18-30) can come together, be real, and have honest kōrero about the ups and downs of life — the stuff people don’t always talk about. Whether it’s about identity, relationships, mental health, or just everyday challenges, this is a space where you’ll be heard and understood.

This group was designed by disabled men, for disabled men — no pressure, no judgement, just a chance to connect, listen, and be yourself.
Come along. Your story matters. Your voice belongs here.

Our first meeting date for 2026 is: February 17th
Click here to register for ‘Te Ara Tāne – The Path of Men': https://www.ilead.org.nz/te-ara-tane/

💃 Accessible Zumba at PHAB 💃Tuesdays | Term time📍 PHAB – Takapuna, North Shore💰 $10 Koha per sessionWe’re thrilled to b...
11/02/2026

💃 Accessible Zumba at PHAB 💃

Tuesdays | Term time
📍 PHAB – Takapuna, North Shore
💰 $10 Koha per session
We’re thrilled to be introducing Accessible Zumba with Gizzy, a fun, inclusive, and welcoming dance-based movement session designed for disabled people of all abilities.
✨ What to expect:
• Inclusive, accessible Zumba-style movement
• A supportive, judgement-free space
• Options to dance standing or seated
• Great music, good vibes, and community connection
• Led by the wonderful Gizzy, who brings energy, warmth, and adaptability to every session
These sessions are designed to support movement, confidence, and enjoyment — no prior dance experience needed.
👯 Who it’s for:
• All Ages - All Welcome
• People looking for an accessible, social way to move
• Anyone who wants to dance at their own pace in a safe space
We’d love for you to share this opportunity with your community, newsletters, noticeboards, or social channels. If you’d like more details, posters, or referral info, feel free to get in touch.

I.Drive South Island: Are you a disabled person who lives in Christchurch or Dunedin who is looking to gain their Learne...
11/02/2026

I.Drive South Island:

Are you a disabled person who lives in Christchurch or Dunedin who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!
YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.

The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

Christchurch: 26th of February
Location: Youth Hub Christchurch: 109 Salisbury Street, Central Christchurch

Dunedin: 9th of April
Location: Your Way | Kia Roha: Ground Floor, Burns House, 10 George Street, Central Dunedin

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page to secure your spot! https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

From mid-February 2026, DSS will be improving the way disabled people’s needs are assessed and supports are allocated. T...
10/02/2026

From mid-February 2026, DSS will be improving the way disabled people’s needs are assessed and supports are allocated. This will make assessments more consistent across New Zealand. Families’ and carers’ needs may also be included where their support is important to the disabled person’s needs and wellbeing.
We know this has been a challenging period for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that earlier changes created uncertainty for many. We’ll share more information ahead of the upcoming changes about how flexible funding budgets will be set in April. You don’t need to do anything right now, your current services and supports continue.
In September last year, we shared that improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS) were coming. These changes were informed by what the disability community told us through consultation, including that the system has felt confusing and inconsistent.
These February changes are the first stage of those improvements, focused on making the assessment and allocation system fairer and more consistent.
You’ll experience these February changes if you are applying for DSS for the first time, or when you have your next reassessment. If you’re already receiving support, nothing changes for you right now.
From mid-February:
👉 Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisations (NASCs) and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites will begin assessing needs and allocating supports in the same way, no matter where you live
👉 You’ll receive clearer information before your assessment, so you know what to expect
👉 Families, whānau and carers can be included in assessments where their support is important to the disabled person’s needs and wellbeing
👉 After your assessment, you’ll have a clear plan focused on your needs and the purpose of your package of supports
From April, there will be changes to flexible funding. This includes more choice and control, the removal of purchasing rules, and a clear budget so people know how much they can spend. There will be support if people need help to manage their budget. We will share more information soon on how budgets will be set and communicated ahead of April.
Again, you don’t need to do anything now. Your NASC, EGL site or host will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.
Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements 💚
You can find out more below 👇
https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/first-stage-of-improvements-begin-for-dss-funded-supports?fbclid=IwY2xjawP4dlpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHZkw3VEhGSk9OMDJsTFpMc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtZjKf9K2N0il8iwD2I1KvL-laAglan2vABiMt5XM83PQ7RzuvE8W3mXRt3J_aem_t3lbxBTD7m1jNQEJ_jic3Q

I.Drive Lower North Island: Are you a disabled person who lives in Manawatū or Wellington who is looking to gain their L...
10/02/2026

I.Drive Lower North Island:

Are you a disabled person who lives in Manawatū or Wellington who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!
YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.

The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

Wellington: 9th & 10th of March
Location: TBC

Manawatū: 20th of March
Location: TBC

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page to secure your spot! https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

08/02/2026

🗓️ Total Mobility online public consultation session times are now available 🗓️

• Thursday 19 February 2026, 12:30–2pm (90 minutes)
• Thursday 26 February 2026, 5–6:30pm (90 minutes)

In the sessions we’ll explain the proposals to strengthen the Total Mobility scheme, and you’ll be able to ask questions and share your thoughts.

👉 Read the material and register for a session here:
https://www.transport.govt.nz/consultations/proposals-to-strengthen-total-mobility

📄 Consultation information is available in a range of alternate formats, including Easy Read, Large Print, New Zealand Sign Language, Braille and audio.

The consultation is open now and closes on 22 March 2026. Please feel free to share this with others who may want to be involved.

🌟 Registrations Now Open for I.Power 2026 🌟Not everyone’s pathway is the same — and that’s okay.I.Power is a dynamic pro...
08/02/2026

🌟 Registrations Now Open for I.Power 2026 🌟
Not everyone’s pathway is the same — and that’s okay.
I.Power is a dynamic program designed to support young adults who have left school early and are looking for direction, confidence, and real-world skills to thrive independently.
✅ Build essential life and work skills
✅ Gain confidence and self-belief
✅ Explore pathways into training, work, or further education
✅ Connect with mentors, peers, and opportunities
20 week course starting 4th Feb, meeting every Wednesday
📅 2026 intake – register your interest now
Get in touch with Rebecca – rebecca@ilead.org.nz
| 027 630 7517

Waitangi Day is recognised as New Zealand’s national day, as it is the most important marker in the country’s history.On...
05/02/2026

Waitangi Day is recognised as New Zealand’s national day, as it is the most important marker in the country’s history.
Ongoing recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi as the nation’s founding documents will continue to keep this acknowledgement alive, as the Treaty continues to live as part of New Zealand’s past, present and future.
Every 6th of February we reflect and pay respect to Aotearoa's history.

I.Drive South Island: Are you a disabled person who lives in Christchurch or Dunedin who is looking to gain their Learne...
04/02/2026

I.Drive South Island:
Are you a disabled person who lives in Christchurch or Dunedin who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!

YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.
The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

Christchurch: 26th of February
Location: Youth Hub Christchurch: 109 Salisbury Street, Central Christchurch

Dunedin: 9th of April
Location: Your Way | Kia Roha: Ground Floor, Burns House, 10 George Street, Central Dunedin

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page to secure your spot! https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

I.Drive Lower North Island: Are you a disabled person who lives in Manawatū or Wellington who is looking to gain their L...
03/02/2026

I.Drive Lower North Island:
Are you a disabled person who lives in Manawatū or Wellington who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!
YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.
The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

Wellington: 9th & 10th of March
Location: TBC

Manawatū: 20th of March
Location: TBC

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page to secure your spot! https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

Address

3 William Laurie Place, Albany
Auckland

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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