WellAble

19/02/2026

19/02/2026

GOOD NEWS FOR BOOK LOVERS

The National Library’s Print Disabilities Service has added six new audiobooks by Aotearoa authors, expanding access for readers who can’t use standard print.

The service provides audiobooks, eBooks and eAudiobooks for blind and low vision readers, people with physical disabilities, and those with learning disabilities.

FIND OUT MORE -

Search Print Disabilities Collection.

18/02/2026

Applications are now open for National Foundation for Deaf & Hard of Hearing grants and scholarships.

The NFD Trust offers funding to assist with the cost of education, training, and hearing aids. There are also grants to support projects that directly benefit people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Applications close 31 March, so get in fast.

Find more info at https://bit.ly/4cySYhv

18/02/2026

A big group of skilled, motivated New Zealanders are missing from many workplaces.

1 in 6 New Zealanders are disabled, and many who want to work still face barriers to employment.

Today we launched One in Six, a new website to help businesses feel confident hiring and supporting disabled people.

Created with the New Zealand Disability Employers Network, it brings together simple tools, practical tips and real stories from workplaces across the country.

One in Six shows how small changes in how you hire – and how you support people on the job – can open the door to a wider, motivated talent pool.

Discover practical tips and employer stories at OneinSix.nz

Image description: a wheelchair user moves through a well-lit foyer. Sunlight comes in from outside, and there are large green plants in tall pots. A handrail and ramp are visible, showing an accessible entrance. The “1 in 6” logo is in the top right.

18/02/2026

NAVIGATING THE 3G SHUTDOWN

Aotearoa’s 3G networks are shutting down, with all services ending by March 2026. Devices that rely on 3G may stop working suddenly, including the ability to call 111.

The Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) warns that disabled people may be disproportionately affected, as many rely on older devices, have limited income, or lack alternatives such as broadband or in‑person services.

To check whether a device will function after the shutdown, text 3G to 550. This nationwide checker is operated by Spark, One NZ and 2degrees, and replies come from each user’s own provider.

If a device supports 4G or 5G, users may need help switching settings; libraries, telcos and community organisations can assist. Once on 4G, users can test whether they still have coverage in their usual locations and report any gaps.

If people cannot afford upgrades, telcos may offer assistance, particularly where safety or 111 calling is affected.

Medical alarms may rely on 3G; users should contact the device supplier to confirm whether it will continue to work and what replacement options exist.

Read more -

Find out how the 3G network shutdown in Aotearoa may affect you, what steps to take and where to get support.

17/02/2026

DEMENTIA TALK ON SELF-ADVOCACY

Dementia New Zealand's first Dementia Talk of 2026 will be an online session focused on building confidence in self‑advocacy.

Health and Disability Advocate Emma Cooper‑Williams will share practical tools for speaking up: whether making a phone call, writing an email, or advocating in meetings.

Hosted by Winifred Henderson, this webinar supports people living with dementia mate wareware and their whānau to navigate care systems and understand their rights.

DATE: Friday 27 February 2026
TIME: 10.30am to 11.30am
PLATFORM: Zoom (recording available to registrants)
REGISTRATION: online through Dementia New Zealand -

Join us for our first Dementia Talk of 2026: Health and Disability Self-advocacy. This educational webinar will be presented by Emma Cooper-Williams, Health

16/02/2026

REMINDER: February changes to Disability Supports

The new assessment tool for funding will be effective from Monday 23 February.

The first stage of system changes will be introduced this month. These affect new applicants and people due for reassessment, including updated assessment processes and clearer planning information.

Current support remains unchanged until reassessment.

READ MORE (inc alt formats) on the Disability Support Services (DSS) website - https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/first-stage-of-improvements-begin-for-dss-funded-supports?

WATCH A VIDEO (audio, text and NZSL) on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Yu012Vy8I

We are delivering the first stage of improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS) funded supports for disabled people, families, whānau and carers.  

15/02/2026

INQUIRY INTO THE 2025 LOCAL ELECTIONS - feedback invited

Parliament's Justice Committee is asking for people's feedback on last year's local elections as part of their Inquiry into the 2025 Local Elections.

A parliamentary inquiry is run after every local election.

This year, feedback is being sought on the following topics:

* Use of telephone dictation voting for voters who are blind, vision-impaired or physically unable to mark their voting paper
* People's experiences if they have been wrongly removed from electoral rolls.
* How special votes are counted.
* How easy was it to access mobile voting booths, orange voting bins and post boxes for voting
* Electoral integrity, including disinformation or misinformation people encountered
* How councils handled the voting process.

Submissions close at 11.59pm, on Friday 27 February.

READ MORE - https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCJUST_SCF_0073EC30-328F-4732-B45E-08DE17494B72/inquiry-into-the-2025-local-elections

ANY QUERIES - email ju@parliament.govt.nz

Public submissions are now being invited on this Inquiries

13/02/2026

Disability Sports Day - Wairarapa

Some information about an upcoming Sports Day in Wairarapa

🏉🏈🏀⚽⚾

Poster Reads:
d Sport
Disability Sports Day
Wairarapa
Saturday 28 March
1pm - 3pm
Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, Masterton
Ages 5 - 18 (siblings welcome)
FREE BBQ
This event is open to those with physical impairments

11/02/2026

💙💚🧡 Partnership Announcement 🧡💚💙
We are delighted to announce our latest partnership with award winning Easyswim Swim School This term we have subsidised adaptive one on one swimming lessons for 8 weeks, for 4 children. You have the flexibility to choose a venue that best suits you whether that's at Plimmerton, Johnsonville, Tawa, Rewa Rewa Newtown or Khandallah School Pools, you can also select a time that best fits in with .
If you would like to find out more about this opportunity email book@easyswim.co.nz.

10/02/2026

DISABILITY SUPPORT IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN

Today the Minister for Disability Issues Hon Louise Upston announced that a new nationally consistent approach will begin to benefit disabled people, families, whānau and carers who use supports funded by Disability Support Services (DSS).

Minister Upston says the new approach is significant and confirms the first tranche of the changes announced in September 2025.

Read more - https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/disability-support-improvements-begin

The latest DSS Community update video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Yu012Vy8I

From this week, a new nationally consistent approach will begin to benefit disabled people, families and carers who use supports funded by Disability Support Services (DSS).

09/02/2026

Online Consultations on Total Mobility Proposals

The Ministry of Transport is inviting disabled people, whānau, and sector organisations to take part in online public consultation sessions on proposals to strengthen the Total Mobility scheme. These sessions will outline the proposed changes, explain how they may affect access to transport, and provide space for questions. Ministry of Transport staff will lead the discussion, with Whaikaha – Ministry for Disabled People attending as observers. Both sessions will run on Microsoft Teams and will be recorded.

If you cannot attend, you can still submit feedback before 22 March through the online forms at: transport.govt.nz/consultations/proposals-to-strengthen-total-mobility. Alternative formats are available, including NZSL, voice recording, and Easy Read.

Session 1
Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
Time: 12.30pm to 2pm (90 minutes)

Session 2
Date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Time: 5pm to 6.30pm (90 minutes)

Registration: By email TotalMobilityReview@transport.govt.nz

The Total Mobility scheme helps people with long-term impairments travel when they cannot use public transport on their own. It pays part of the cost for taxis and sometimes other transport, making it easier for users to meet daily needs and take part in their community.