Disabilities Resource Centre

20/01/2026

We’re excited to host Aotearoa Disability Law for two important, free community workshops on Wednesday 18 February – designed for tāngta whaikaha/people with disabilities, whānau, carers, disability and community support services.
These workshops are all about empowerment through knowledge and understanding how the law can support your rights, safety, and decision-making.

💙 Completely FREE to attend
📅 Wednesday 18 February 2026
⏰ Workshop one: 10 am to 1.00 pm and Workshop two: 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
📍 Knox Presbyterian Church, Domain Road, Whakatāne
🍽️ RSVP required for catering and limited spaces

You are welcome to attend one session or both. RSVP required for catering, phone Naomi our Information Services Co-ordinator Phone: 0800 227 363 or Email: information@drct.co.nz

14/01/2026

💡 Quick Tip – Getting Ready for Health Appointments

Remember to ask for support if you need it. Your GP or specialist can refer you to services such as:

✔️ Home care support
✔️ Incontinence nurse
✔️ Disability or mobility equipment
✔️ Medical alarms

You don’t have to manage everything on your own, support is available, and referrals start with a simple conversation at your appointment.

12/01/2026

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start?

Our Information Services Co-ordinator is here to help you connect with:
• Community groups and programmes
• Funding
• How to access equipment
• Disability support services

One conversation can make things feel a whole lot easier.

Phone: 0800 227 363
Email: information@drct.co.nz
Learn more at:

09/01/2026

👀 Keep an eye out…
We’ve got some exciting workshops coming in 2026 for tāngta whaikaha/people with disabilities, whānau, carers and teachers.

Topics will cover:
• Disability rights and law
• Wellbeing & resilience
• Neurodiversity
• Navigating services

👉 Registrations will open soon through our Information Service. Phone 0800 227 363 or email information@drct.co.nz to sign up for updates.

06/01/2026

Did you know we offer Home Care Services?

Our Home Care Services are all about helping you live well, safely, and with dignity, right where you feel most comfortable.

Our amazing Support Workers can assist with:

• Personal Cares
• Household Tasks
• Day-to-day support so you can focus on living your life

Whether it’s short-term help or ongoing support, we’re here to support you.
Phone: 0800 227 363
Learn more at: www.drct.co.nz

03/01/2026

Braille = access.
Access = opportunity.
Opportunity = inclusion.

On 4th January we celebrate the birth of Louis Braille and the reading and writing system that continues to empower blind and sight impaired people globally.

Let’s keep building communities where everyone can access information in the ways that work best for them.

30/12/2025

From all of us at the Disabilities Resource Centre, here’s to a safe and happy, New Year.

Just a quick heads-up: our office doors reopen on Monday 12 January.

Behind the scenes (and out in the community), our incredible Support Workers and Home Care team are still hard at work across the holidays as support never stops.

Need Home Care support? Our friendly team is only a phone call away on 0800 227 363.

18/12/2025

👀 We have some exciting news!

At the 2025 Bev Grammer Awards in Whakatāne — an annual celebration honouring the legacy of Bev Grammer and the unsung heroes of our community — Jesse Wiltshire was recognised for excellence in the disability sector for his work with the Disabilities Resource Centre (DRC). His dedication and commitment to supporting people living with disability have made a real difference locally.

Naomi Freeman also shone brightly, receiving the Public Sector Award for her contributions through the DRC, recognising her efforts in serving and advocating for the community.

These awards highlight the incredible impact of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen inclusion, support and wellbeing across our region.

16/12/2025

We know how vital the Total Mobility scheme is for independence and connection in our communities. The Government has confirmed that everyone who relies on this service will continue to get subsidised taxi fares, but with some essential changes to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.

Key points:
• Subsidy changes from July 2026: The subsidy level will move from 75% to 65%. Fares will increase slightly, but the subsidy remains higher than it was before 2022.
• Immediate funding: $10 million is being invested now to support councils and keep the scheme operational.

Consultation is open now on proposals to strengthen the scheme. You can provide your input on our website. Consultation closes 22 March 2026.

Here is the link for more information: https://www.transport.govt.nz/consultations/proposals-to-strengthen-total-mobility?fbclid=IwY2xjawOuu8xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1SHpsRm03MXNNVUJwOGg1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmnJCeaztB26hs1enQ1YjaWjtu98SpUL2PFgZ1eNayVFkKGj_OtlUsHMXRFo_aem_VKC4dgstN7CKb_xBPo00aw

We know how vital the Total Mobility scheme is for independence and connection in our communities. The Government has confirmed that everyone who relies on this service will continue to get subsidised taxi fares, but with some essential changes to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.
Key points:
• Subsidy changes from July 2026: The subsidy level will move from 75% to 65%. Fares will increase slightly, but the subsidy remains higher than it was before 2022.
• Immediate funding: $10 million is being invested now to support councils and keep the scheme operational.
📣We also want to hear from you
Consultation is open now on proposals to strengthen the scheme. You can provide your input on our website. Consultation closes 22 March 2026.
https://www.transport.govt.nz/consultations/proposals-to-strengthen-total-mobility

15/12/2025

We are heading into holiday mode!

While our office will be closed from 4.30 pm Friday 19 December to 8am Monday 12 January, support doesn’t stop! Our frontline teams will still be working across the region.

For Home Care enquiries, call 0800 227 363.

Wishing our community a safe and restful holiday season.

11/12/2025

Need support or know someone who does?

Start with our website.
At www.drct.co.nz you can:
• Explore our home care and community services
• Access practical, trusted resources
• Connect directly with our team

Everything you need is just a click away.

09/12/2025

As the year winds down and life speeds up, make space for your Hauora. Take 5 minutes today to breathe, reset, and recharge.

💭 Breathe deeply
🚶‍♂️ Get some fresh air
☕ Check in on a friend
💧 Drink some water
📱 Take a short break from your screen
🧘‍♀️ Do some stretches