STAR Space - Speech Therapy & Reconnection

11/04/2026

Autism Acceptance Month is not about awareness alone.

It is about creating spaces where autistic adults feel respected, heard, and valued.

In clinics, workplaces, families, and communities - acceptance is built in small, consistent ways.

We are continuing to learn from the people we work alongside.

10/04/2026

In adult rehabilitation, processing time can make a meaningful difference.

Autistic adults may process language deeply and thoughtfully. When conversations move quickly, it can feel overwhelming.

Gentle pacing, pauses, and written supports can create space for authentic responses.

Small shifts can change how safe communication feels.

09/04/2026

Support is not only about strategies. It is also about environment and respect.

Small adjustments can reduce cognitive load and increase confidence.

When participation grows and stress reduces, communication often feels more sustainable.

Acceptance in action is practical and relational at the same time.

08/04/2026

Many autistic adults describe moments when communication finally felt easier.

Sometimes it was a clinician who slowed down.
Sometimes it was a workplace that offered written instructions.
Sometimes it was simply being believed.

If it feels comfortable, we welcome reflection:
What has helped you feel understood?

07/04/2026

Strength based support does not ask someone to become someone else.

It asks:
- What environments feel safe?
- What communication tools feel natural?
- What goals feel personally meaningful?

For autistic adults, this might include written supports, clear expectations, sensory adjustments, or direct communication styles.

Support works best when it respects autonomy and lived experience.

07/04/2026

We’re sharing this opportunity from Access Advisors that we think could be really valuable for many in our community.

Digital spaces are part of how we connect, learn, and participate. But for many people - including those with communication challenges, disabilities, or anyone who finds digital tools hard to use - these spaces are not always accessible.

Access Advisors is offering a series of free community digital accessibility workshops from 22 April to 4 June 2026 across Aotearoa New Zealand, with both in-person and online options.

These workshops are designed for community organisations, NGOs, charities, and local groups who want to make their online content more accessible and inclusive.

Participants will learn practical, everyday ways to improve accessibility - from websites and social media to documents, forms, and multimedia content. The focus is on simple changes that can make a meaningful difference, along with tools and next steps you can carry into your work.

At STAR Space, we often talk about communication as something that goes beyond speech. Accessibility in digital spaces is part of that - it shapes who gets to understand, engage, and be included.

If you’re working in a community setting, this could be a meaningful opportunity to build skills that support more inclusive communication.

You can learn more and register here:
https://accessadvisors.nz/events/freecommunitytraining

Free Community Digital Accessibility Workshops

Access Advisors is delivering a nationwide series of free digital accessibility workshops from 22 April to 4 June 2026. These workshops are specifically for not-for-profit organisations, NGOs, community groups, charities, Iwi and Pasifika groups, churches, sports groups and local volunteers. Priority will be given to people working in these sectors, and all registrations made through Humanitix will be reviewed before being confirmed.

These practical workshops are designed to help community organisations create online content that works better for disabled people, older people and anyone who finds digital tools difficult to use. Participants will gain useful skills they can apply immediately, along with clear next steps, practical tools and a sustainable understanding of how to implement accessibility across their organisation.

Event Details

22 April 2026 to 4 June 2026
9:00am to 1:00pm
Locations across Aotearoa including Christchurch, Wellington, Taupō, Auckland and an online option
Cost: Free

Agenda Overview

Day 1 covers accessible websites and social media, followed by simple accessibility changes supported with hands-on activities.

Day 2 focuses on creating accessible documents and forms, followed by guidance on accessible multimedia including video, audio and interactive content.

Tea and coffee will be provided each morning.

Facilitators include Dr Chandra Harrison, Ross Harrison and Julius Charles Serrano.

This workshop series is made possible with funding support from InternetNZ

For full details and to register for tickets, visit our website:

https://accessadvisors.nz/events/freecommunitytraining

If you need support with digital accessibility in the meantime, the Access Advisors team is available to help.

06/04/2026

“I communicate in my own way.”

For some adults, spoken words feel natural. For others, written words feel clearer. Some prefer structure. Some prefer time to think before responding.

There is no single correct way to communicate.

Today we hold this affirmation gently - difference does not equal deficiency.

04/04/2026

Easter Sunday can feel hopeful, complex, or quiet.
Living with communication or swallowing changes can shape how hope is felt or expressed.
Hope does not need to be loud or perfect. Sometimes it is simply continuing, resting, or feeling understood.
Wherever today finds you, your experience matters.

04/04/2026

For many, today carries deep meaning and reflection.
It can bring up grief, memory, or emotional tiredness, especially when living with health changes.
Community does not always need conversation. Sometimes it is shared presence.
We are holding space with you.

03/04/2026

April 4 is Primary Progressive Aphasia Day.

Primary Progressive Aphasia, or PPA, is a neurological condition that gradually affects language. For many people, the first signs are subtle - more frequent pauses, difficulty finding specific words, or speech that feels more effortful than it used to.

These changes can feel confusing. Sometimes even frightening.

PPA is most often linked to brain changes seen in conditions like Frontotemporal dementia or sometimes Alzheimer's disease. Unlike stroke-related aphasia, it develops slowly over time, and language is usually the earliest and most prominent area affected.

But here is something we hold onto in our work with adults:

A person is still a person.

Their identity, relationships, preferences, and sense of humor remain. Communication may change, but connection is still possible.

On this day, we honor individuals living with PPA and the families who adapt, learn, and show up with so much patience and love.

If you have noticed gradual language changes in yourself or someone you care about, seeking early guidance can provide clarity and direction.

You are not alone in this.

03/04/2026

On days that feel heavy or reflective, slowing down can feel supportive.
Pauses, fewer words, or shared quiet moments are still communication.
Connection does not rely on speed or volume.

02/04/2026

Communication is shaped by environment, energy, and timing.
Simple adjustments can support understanding and reduce effort without drawing attention.

What helps one day may change the next, and that is okay.