CCS Disability Action

28/11/2025

Recently, members of our National Disabled Staff Group and Mana Tū Tahi met in Napier for a day and a half of connecting, professional development, and reflecting on the past year. It was a great opportunity to plan for the year ahead and acknowledge those members whose terms are ending.

National Disability Leadership Coordinator Debbie Ward was delighted to present certificates of participation to the new Mana Tū Tahi group members: Jacqui Carlson, Hamidah Hashim-Branson, and Sheryl Brightwell. These recognise their commitment, engagement, and contributions to our fledgling group.

Thank you to everyone who shared their time, energy, and ideas. Your leadership, collaboration, and dedication play a vital role in supporting and growing disabled leadership across all levels of our organisation.

Image descriptions (all taken inside the office)
1: Jacqui and Hamidah proudly holding up their certificates.
2: Nathan, Jocelyn, and Jacqui seated at a table, chatting and taking notes.
3: Kylie and Hamidah seated with notebooks, in conversation.
4: Rachel, Liz, and Katie taking notes together.
5: Steve and Michelle chatting at a table with noteboks and pens.

27/11/2025

This gorgeous photo from 1973 takes us back to a CCS Disability Action kindergarten in Masterton, where tamariki played, learned, and built friendships that lasted well beyond the playground.

While our kindys are no longer around, they were a big part of our story – creating inclusive spaces for young children long before it was the norm.

As we celebrate 90 years, we’re proud to remember the places where it all began.



Image description: A black and white photo shows a group of young children playing around a table in the garden of a kindergarten. A green square icon, with rounded corners, on the top right-hand-corner of the image contains white text that reads: 90 years. The ‘0’ in the 90 has a sparkle placed on the top of it.

26/11/2025

Beau has loved cars since he was a toddler. Now 22, he’s living his dream – working as a car groomer at Harrow Collision Repairs in South Dunedin and saving up to visit his brother in the UK.

His journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many disabled young people, Beau faced a lack of clear pathways after school. But with the support of his whānau, CCS Disability Action, and the amazing team at Harrow Collision Repairs, Beau found a way forward that was truly his own.

From studying automotive engineering to knocking on doors with his CV, Beau has shown what’s possible when disabled people are supported to lead their own journeys – and when families, educators, employers and advocates work together to make inclusion real.

We were thrilled – and so was Beau – to see his story celebrated on the front page of the Otago Daily Times recently!

If you or someone you love is looking for disability support, advocacy or information, get in touch with your local CCS Disability Action branch or your NASC. We’d love to support you to find your top gear.

Read Beau's full story at the link in the comments.

📸 Photo credit: Stephen Jaquiery / Otago Daily Times
Image description: Beau smiling mid car groom, shammy in hand, in front of a graffiti covered wall.

25/11/2025

Congratulations Books Beyond Barriers!

We’re thrilled to share that Books Beyond Barriers has won the Accessibility Category at the OAR FM Air Awards 2025!

Hosted by our National Librarian, Krissy Wright, the show continues to shine a light on powerful stories and voices from across the disability community. The winning episode – Episode 23: For Everything You Do, I Turn to You – features a moving kōrero with Michelle Clucas, Disability Leadership Advisor at CCS Disability Action, who speaks about her experiences as a disabled parent.

This recognition shines a spotlight on the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying disabled voices. Ka pai, Krissy, and thank you to everyone who has tuned in and contributed to the show’s success!

If you’d like to check out the winning episode, you can view the full catalogue for seasons 1 and 2 here: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/books-beyond-barriers

Image descriptions
1: Krissy receiving the award on stage at the awards night.
2: Krissy and the OAR FM team in front of a blue sequin backdrop, all smiling. Krissy holds up the certificate and award while some of the team members point at it.
3: Closeup of the certificate and award, a silver microphone shaped trophy.

24/11/2025

We're hiring! Have you always wanted a job where you can make a real difference? Learn all about what it's like to work with CCS Disability Action on our website: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/join-our-team

Check out our latest listings:
• Part-time Speech-Language Therapist, Auckland
• Part-time Community Support Worker, Manawatū

We look forward to receiving your application!

Check out CCS Disability Action's job vacancies, employee benefits, why dedicated professionals working to support disabled people in New Zealand choose to work for CCS Disability Action.

21/11/2025

Shoutout to care and support workers 💚

The CCS Disability Action Waikato Branch team recently celebrated International Day of Care and Support with a gift basket prize draw. Support staff entered the draw by writing a few words on what they love about the mahi.

The words from this year’s winner, Marion, were: “It’s a wonderful thing to be alongside someone who knows you’re there for them, as they grow in confidence, move through challenges and share their joyful times.”

We couldn't agree more! Congratulations and thank you for all you do, Marion. We hope you enjoy your well deserved prize.

Image description: Marion and Service Manager Kathy stand together holding the gift basket, smiling, outdoors.

20/11/2025

The celebrations continue! 🎉
We're well over halfway through our 90th anniversary events now, as we head towards the end of the year. Here are some snapshots from Northland, Auckland, North Taranaki, South and Central Taranaki, and Nelson. Once again we can't say thank you enough to all the people made the magic happen.

Video description: Slideshow of photos from the above events, featuring people celebrating, eating food, amazing cakes, banners with photos from each decade, and pieces of history laid out on display.

18/11/2025

The season finale of Books Beyond Barriers is here! 🎉

Host Krissy Wright closes the second season by taking listeners on a journey through powerful reads that spark calm, amplify disabled voices, celebrate indigenous women, protect children’s boundaries, and inspire resilience in challenging times.

From Alice Wong’s Disability Visibility to Qiane Matata-Sipu’s Nuku, Elizabeth Cole’s Body Boundaries Make Me Stronger, and Rebecca Lipp’s How to Stay Sane in This Crazy World – this finale is a reminder that stories can change how we see ourselves and each other.

Tune in on OAR FM Dunedin (105.4FM and 1575AM) at 10:30 today, or stream via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the CCS Disability Action website (full transcripts included): https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/books-beyond-barriers

Thank you to our incredible listenership for being part of this journey – keep an eye out for a fresh season coming in 2026!


Image description: Podcast host Krissy Wright smiles and waves while holding a book in front of a microphone. Text reads “Episode 32: Never Can Say Goodbye – Season finale now streaming on Books Beyond Barriers.”

17/11/2025

We're hiring! Have you always wanted a job where you can make a real difference? Learn all about what it's like to work with CCS Disability Action on our website: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/join-our-team

Check out our current listings:
• Full-time Family Support Coordinator, Christchurch
• Part-time Respite & Community Support Workers, Whangārei
• Casual/part-time Community Support Worker, Otago
• Part-time Branch Administrator, Tauranga

We look forward to receiving your application!

Check out CCS Disability Action's job vacancies, employee benefits, why dedicated professionals working to support disabled people in New Zealand choose to work for CCS Disability Action.

14/11/2025

🔥 Warm thanks to The Lion Foundation
We’re delighted to acknowledge a generous grant from The Lion Foundation, which funded a much-needed heating upgrade at our Wellington national office.

This upgrade has made our space more comfortable and welcoming – not just for our hardworking team, but for the many groups we host throughout the year.

Our national office supports the mahi of 17 offices across the motu and coordinates national services and advocacy.

Thank you to the Lion Foundation for investing in the wellbeing of the people who make this work happen. Your support helps us continue our mission to see every disabled person woven into the lives of their whānau and community. 💛

Image description: Side-by-side photos of national office team members Irene and Kate, each at their desk, smiling. The Lion Foundation logo is at the bottom.

13/11/2025

A relay to remember: 1985 🏃
This photo captures the Ashburton Territorials running into town after a six-hour relay in support of CCS Disability Action.

It’s one of many moments from our history that reflect the dedication of everyday New Zealanders helping to build a more inclusive society.

Now, on our 90th anniversary, we’re still moving forward – thanks to the incredible communities and allies who’ve always had our back.



Image description: A black and white photo shows a group of Ashburton Territorials running in formation with two young people in wheelchairs out in front. A green square icon, with rounded corners, on the top right-hand-corner of the image contains white text that reads: 90 years. The ‘0’ in the 90 has a sparkle placed on the top of it.