CCS Disability Action

26/09/2025

🚍 Awesome news! CCS Disability Action has received a $5,000 grant from Kinetic to help uncover the journeys disabled people don’t take – because of access barriers.

This project will help us understand transport exclusion and work with planners to build more inclusive systems for everyone.

“Thanks to Kinetic’s generous support, we can shine a light on the barriers that prevent disabled people from participating fully in their communities,” says Mary O’Brien, Access Advisor.

We’re excited to be working with Bridget Doran, a Research and Transport Engineer, to make this happen.

💙 Inclusion starts with knowledge. Thank you, Kinetic, for backing this important mahi!

Learn more: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/kinetic-grant



Image description: White speech bubble on light blue background contains the text: "Thanks to Kinetic’s generous support, we can shine a light on the barriers that prevent disabled people from participating fully in their communities" surrounded by dark blue quotation marks. Below in dark blue is the text: "Mary O'Brien, Access Advisor". Image has rounded corners, a white border, and the CCSDA icon in the top left corner.

23/09/2025

In today’s episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright explores the barriers young disabled people face in obtaining their driver's licence – and the creative solutions making it more accessible.

She’s joined by Hannah Butson, Southern Region i-LEAD Coordinator, who shares the story behind iDrive, a free, hands-on workshop designed to demystify the New Zealand road code through games, model cars, and inclusive teaching methods. They also spotlight the Driven for Success board game and the new te reo Māori version of the road code.

Tune in to learn how driving can be more than just mobility – it’s about independence, identity, and inclusion. 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: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/books-beyond-barriers


Image description: A board game on a wooden table with game pieces and a box labelled "Driven for Success." Text: Episode 28: Who's Going To Drive You Home Tonight.

23/09/2025

📢 Have your say on public transport in Greater Wellington!

Do you use buses, trains, ferries, or Total Mobility taxis – or want to, but find it difficult?

We’re working with Metlink to improve accessibility training for public transport staff, and we need your input. If you’ve faced barriers using public transport, your experience can help shape how drivers and staff are trained to support inclusive travel.

📝 Complete the survey or share it with others who might have insights: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/public-transport-accessibility-wellington

The survey is available in multiple formats, including large print, phone-in, and translated versions. To request an alternative format, email: info@BridgetDoran.nz

This research is being led by CCS Disability Action and Bridget Doran, transport engineer, on behalf of Metlink.

Let’s make public transport more inclusive – one journey at a time.

Video description: NZSL interpreter signs information about the public transport survey.

18/09/2025

This week, as we celebrate our 90th anniversary alongside Te Wiki o te Reo Māori’s 50th, we thought we'd share some information about our foundation statement: Te Hunga Hauā Mauri Mō Ngā Tāngata Katoa.

This statement forms the foundation of our identity and means that all people have Mauri, a unique life force. It was gifted to us by the late rangatira Dr Kihi Ngatai (QSM) in 2007, inspired by his whānau and his many years of work with CCS Disability Action’s Bay of Plenty Māori Unit.

Dr Ngatai was part of Te Koeke Taumata, a kaumātua and kuia collective who provided advice to the organisation at the time. He was awarded an honorary Life Membership for his services to CCS Disability Action in 2017. We miss him greatly and still feel his influence on our mana and tikanga.

The statement's meaning is derived from the Māori legend of Tāwhirimatea, which you can read about here: https://teara.govt.nz/en/tawhirimatea-the-weather

Pictured is Dr Ngatai at his Lifetime Award ceremony with our Head Trust Board Chair Dairne Kirton and former CE and current member of our Head Trust Board of Trustees, David Matthews.

17/09/2025

Books Beyond Barriers listeners, we need your help!
Which episode shall we enter in this year's OAR FM Air Awards? We'll be putting one forward for the Accessibility category ('promoting and/or exploring accessibility topics for those with accessibility needs or impairments').

We've narrowed it down to these four episodes – vote by reacting to this post with the corresponding emoji:

Love ❤️: Episode 11: Ain’t No Sunshine When You’re Gone - books about grief for children
Care 🥰: Episode 17: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother - about sibling relationships
Haha 😆: Episode 20: I Used to Be Mad at My School - about dyslexia with guest Jonathan Mackie
Wow 😮: Episode 23: For Everything You Do, I Turn to You - about motherhood with guest Michelle Clucas

You can find all these episodes and more on our website: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/books-beyond-barriers

Image description: The Books Beyond Barriers logo, an illustration of stacked books with people siting on the edges, on a light orange background. The words "Vote for your favourite episode!" are below in orange. Image has rounded corners, a white border, and the CCSDA icon in the top left corner.

16/09/2025

💬 "While one person might think they’re only using it for a few minutes while they run into a shop, this can totally derail an eligible permit user’s day. We’re giving councils the tools to ensure these spaces are available for the people who truly need them."

🚗 Read more about how we're tackling mobility parking abuse with Wilson Parking, featuring insights from Regional Access Coordinator Raewyn Hailes and Barrier Free Advisor & Educator Vivian Naylor.

Wilson Parking New Zealand is funding technology upgrade to prevent parking abuse.

15/09/2025

Join our team! We have a variety of jobs available across Aotearoa. 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 newest vacancies:
• Part-time service coordinator, Masterton
• Full-time employment & service coordinator, New Plymouth

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.

15/09/2025

Celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori starts today! If you speak NZSL and would like to participate in the waiata challenge, TuriTV has an awesome playlist: https://www.turitv.co.nz/learn-te-ao-maori-signs/waiata/tutira-mai-nga-iwi

IT'S HERE 🎊🎉🎊🎉 Hari Te Wiki o te Reo Māori e hoa mā! Now's the time to really give the 50 Wero Māori a go - challenge yourself, and uplift the reo!

In true celebration spirit, our challenge for you today is to sing a waiata Māori! 🎤🎵 Whether it's a classic or a whānau favourite, fill your space with te reo Māori today. Take a video, share it, tag us, and let's see those beautiful voices take over Aotearoa! ❤️

For Te Wiki this year, we're running 50 Wero Reo Māori - 50 Reo Māori Challenges for you to complete throughout the week. Check out www.reomaori.co.nz 🔗 for more.

Kia Kaha te Reo Māori | Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori

12/09/2025

Thanks to a generous grant from Central Lakes Trust, our Southland team can keep doing what they do best: supporting disabled people and whānau across the region.

The funding helps cover core costs and supports unfunded but essential work – like advocacy, staff development, and community outreach.

It also means we can keep running popular initiatives like cooking classes for disabled youth – and even publish a cookbook celebrating their creativity!

We’re so grateful for this support.

🔗 Link in comments to read more.

Image description: A school age boy and girl are baking in the kitchen, smiling. The Central Lakes Trust logo is at the bottom.

11/09/2025

🎥 Step back in time with this remarkable post-war Weekly Review film, capturing a day in the life of a CCS Disability Action Welfare Officer in 1948.

Look closely and you’ll spot she’s accompanying children to see Dr Alexander Gilles at his clinic at Wellington Hospital. Sir Alexander was a founding member of our organisation in 1935, later serving as Chair, President, and eventually President Emeritus of CCS Disability Action.

So much has changed since 1948 but as we celebrate our 90th anniversary, one thing remains the same: our unwavering commitment to supporting disabled people and their whānau.

https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/the-cc-society-weekly-review-no-367-1949

Video description: Old-timey, slightly grainy black and white video follows a welfare officer at work. Everyone in the video is wearing fashion reflective of the time period. There is voiceover from a man and woman with a transatlantic accents and classical music playing in the background.

Weekly Review No. 367 - Crippled Children Society - This postwar Weekly Review joins a welfare officer from the Crippled Children’s Society on her Wellington rounds: advising parents, chaperoning children to hospitals to undergo physical and speech therapy, and overseeing the supply of specialist ...

10/09/2025

Meet Thomas Coysh, a downhill ski racer, motivational speaker, and accessibility advocate. As a graduate of the My Business Starter programme, he’s now launching Allegedly Impaired – an inclusive clothing brand that features Braille in its designs and supports disabled athletes. You can read more about Thomas' journey in this blog: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/my-business-starter-blog/thomascoysh

Want to turn your own idea into a business? The final programme for 2025 starts 30 September and includes NZSL interpretation. It’s free, takes place online over nine weeks, and is open to disabled New Zealanders aged 18+. Don’t miss out!

For more information about the course or eligibility criteria, feel free to reach out to our programme coordinator for a no-obligation chat.

📧 support@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
📱 Text/call 027 213 1820

Thomas Coysh, better known as  The Blind SKiwi , is not just an aspiring downhill ski racer – he’s a force for change. Driven by a love for physical activity and a deep desire to empower others, Thomas is carving out a unique path as a full-time athlete, entrepreneur, and advocate. Facing

09/09/2025

New Episode Alert! Books Beyond Barriers Episode 27, "Welcome to the Machine" airs this morning. This episode dives into the realities of raising children with disabilities, the hidden challenges faced by neurodivergent women, and how couples can stay connected through it all.

Packed with insights, lived experiences, and practical strategies – this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about inclusion, mental health, and authentic storytelling.

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: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/books-beyond-barriers


Image description: Krissy holds two books in front of a microphone. The left book is Your Next Level Life by Karen Arrington, and the right book is Raising Kids with Hidden Disabilities by Naomi Simmons. Overlay text reads: “Episode 27: Welcome to the Machine” and “Now streaming on Books Beyond Barriers.”