CCS Disability Action

29/07/2025

Ever felt like the world could use a little more kindness?

In celebration of the International Day of Friendship, this week’s Books Beyond Barriers episode dives into the power of friendship and how it helps us find peace – within ourselves and with others. Host Krissy Wright explores several books on friendship for all ages, from heartfelt children’s stories to practical guides for building connections.

Tune in for thoughtful reflections, practical tips, and a celebration of kindness and connection. Listen on OAR FM Dunedin (105.4FM and 1575AM) at 10:30 today, or stream via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the CCS Disability Action website.

New episodes of Books Beyond Barriers will be broadcast fortnightly via OAR FM Dunedin on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and replayed on Saturdays at 12:00 pm and Sundays at 11:00 pm. The full episode catalogue and transcripts are also available on this page:

Listen to the Books Beyond Barriers podcast – a show exploring the wonders of books, resources, research and insights all about the disability community.

29/07/2025

Make sure your enrolment details are correct so you can vote in the upcoming local elections. You can find out more at vote.nz with accessible formats, now including Easy Read, available here: https://vote.nz/local-elections/resources/information-in-alternate-formats

Every Friday we share facts about New Zealand’s democracy and electoral system ℹ️

This week’s Friday Fact is: If your address is not up to date by 1 August, you may need to cast a special vote in the local elections.

Councils use the information on the electoral rolls as they are at 1 August to send out voting papers. If your address is wrong on that date, then you won’t get your voting papers in the mail and may need to cast a special vote.

You can check and update your details here: vote.nz/enrol

Your local council can give you information about how to cast a special vote. Find your local council here: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/local-government-in-nz/councils-in-aotearoa/council-websites-and-maps/

25/07/2025

📣 Outdoor education survey for parents 🌲

Want to play a part in making outdoor activities more accessible?

A Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Education student is seeking parents to fill out this survey as part of a research project. She is exploring how we can make outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive for young people with diverse needs. Your lived experience would help improve understanding of the current barriers and opportunities, to eventually turn this vision into a reality – how awesome would this be?

You can take the survey here:

This form is being used for a research business project. Answers that are provided will be used for presenting data, however your name and identity will remain confidential. If you have more than one child with a disability, please do a seperate form for each child. Some questions ask for your child...

24/07/2025

A legacy of leadership 🙌

As we celebrate 90 years of CCS Disability Action, we’re shining a light on the extraordinary contribution of Sir Charles Norwood.

A driving force behind the formation of the organisation in 1935, Sir Charles was the inaugural vice-president. He played a key role in securing a £50,000 donation from Lord Nuffield – a generous gift that helped the organisation grow nationwide.

Sir Charles then became President in 1939 and led the organisation for over two decades, stepping down in 1965 at the age of 94.

Ngā mihi nui Sir Charles for your dedication, leadership and support.



Image description: A black and white photograph of Sir Charles Norwood. He is wearing a dark suit, white shirt and striped tie. 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.

21/07/2025

Join our team! We have a variety of jobs available. 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 vacancies:
• Casual support worker, Southland
• Full-time service coordinator, Hamilton
• Part-time support worker, Manawatū
• Casual administrator, Hamilton

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.

17/07/2025

🤍 Generations of generosity 🤍

This beautiful photograph shows two young boys from Rotorua collecting donations on behalf of CCS Disability Action in the mid 1980s. It’s a timely reminder that fundraising has always been an important part of our journey.

Today, we still rely on donations and grants. Every gift, little or large, makes a difference in supporting 5,000 disabled people and their whānau around the motu.

As we reflect on the last 90 years, we’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the growth of our organisation over the decades. Ngā mihi nui. 🙏



Image description: A black and white photo features two young, smiling boys standing side by side, dressed in winter clothing. One of the boys is holding up two circular fundraising badges that say ‘Official Collector’. 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.

16/07/2025

*** Time is running out - just over a week left to register! ***

Dreaming of being your own boss? My Business Starter kicks off 29 July!

This is a free, supportive course for disabled people and tāngata whaikaha who are ready to explore self-employment. Led by people who get it, you will get real, practical support in a safe and empowering (online) space.

Don't forget, NZSL interpretation is also available for this intake.

Register now and start building your future career:

Dreaming of being self-employed? Do you have an idea for a business but not quite sure if it will fly? Easy Read information (Word)Easy Read information (PDF) Graduate Success Stories Featured Jun 10, 2025 Graduate Profile: Nazrana Ali Jun 10, 2025 Read More → Jun 10, 2025 May 29, 2019 Comments an...

15/07/2025

New on Books Beyond Barriers: this week, Krissy turns the page on a topic too often overlooked: the experiences of disabled parents.

She reviews a powerful book that highlights the voices, challenges, and joys of parenting while disabled, and has a moving conversation with Michelle Clucas, Disability Leadership Advisor at CCS Disability Action. Michelle shares candidly about her journey as a disabled parent – navigating assumptions and embracing the strength that comes from lived experience.

Whether you're a parent, an ally, or simply curious, this episode is full of insight, empathy, and truth. Tune in to OAR FM Dunedin (105.4FM and 1575AM) at 10:30 am to listen.

New episodes of Books Beyond Barriers will be broadcast fortnightly via OAR FM Dunedin on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and replayed on Saturdays at 12:00 pm and Sundays at 11:00 pm. You can also find the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Additionally, episodes and full transcripts will be available on our website if you missed them or want to share them with others. Visit this page to learn more:

Listen to the Books Beyond Barriers podcast – a show exploring the wonders of books, resources, research and insights all about the disability community.

14/07/2025

So grateful for Nikau Foundation's support!

For many years, organisations like CCS Disability Action and People First Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi have delivered people-centered, mana-enhancing support to people with disability. Nikau Foundation is proud to support this important mahi, providing transformative opportunities for people with disabilit...

10/07/2025

🚗 Driving change since 1977 🚗

In 1977, Operation Mobility was launched at the Beehive. It was a game-changing moment in accessibility history. In this photo, Ross Goldsbury – then manager of CCS Hawke’s Bay – proudly displays one of the early Operation Mobility cards.

Fast forward to 2025, and there are now over 180,000 mobility parking permit holders across the country – managed by our dedicated team in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

As we celebrate 90 years of CCS Disability Action, we’re proud to reflect on the milestones that have helped shape a more inclusive New Zealand.

Here’s to 90 years of access, advocacy, and action! 🎉



Image description: A black and white photo shows Ross Goldsbury standing outside the Hawke’s Bay office of CCS Disability Action, holding up one of the early Operation Mobility cards. 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.

09/07/2025

👀 Coming soon on Books Beyond Barriers...
What happens when society questions your ability to parent, simply because you're disabled? Next week’s episode opens up a conversation we don’t hear often enough, with insights that might surprise you, and stories that definitely need to be heard.

Krissy talks parenting, disability and pushing back against the noise. And she’s joined by a guest who knows this journey firsthand – CCS Disability Action disability leadership advisor Michelle Clucas.

Stay tuned for the episode drop on 16 July – it’s a powerful one.

Visit our website to learn more and listen to past episodes:

Listen to the Books Beyond Barriers podcast – a show exploring the wonders of books, resources, research and insights all about the disability community.