New Zealand Rehabilitation Association

13/05/2026

11/05/2026

We’re marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day by hosting the Government Digital Accessibility Forum.

When: 21 May 2026, 10am–12pm
Where: Online (link will be provided after you’ve registered).

Our Chief Executive Paula Tesoriero will be opening the forum, and our Deputy Chief Executive Ginny Baddeley will be speaking about "How Whaikaha makes accessibility work”.

This free event will highlight accessibility work across government, with speakers sharing what’s working well and what’s making a difference. While the focus is on government, anyone with an interest in digital accessibility is welcome to join.

Live captions and NZSL interpreters will be provided.

Register using the link in the comments to secure your spot 🔗

Image description: A yellow graphic with purple writing that says: Event. Register for the Government Digital Accessibility Forum. 21 May, 10am – 12pm. To the left of the text has a faded tohu design, a series of parallel lines with intersecting curved elements.

08/05/2026

A powerful panel with consumer voices sharing the realities of advocating for their children following hypoxic birth injuries. Important conversations about systems, support, and lived experience

08/05/2026

Hard at work at the Utilising the Meihana Model in Neuropsychological practice Workshop with Prof Suzanne Pitama

08/05/2026

Full house today for A/Prof Noah Silverberg's Psychology of Concussion Workshop at ASSBI/NZSIGN 2026 Conference!

05/05/2026

The grants build on the legacy of the Ageing Well National Science Challenge, continuing its vision to sustain health and wellbeing into the later years of life.

05/05/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month 🧠

This is an important time to help educate, support, and empower our community with the knowledge to prevent stroke and recognise the signs early.

Our focus is on turning awareness into action.

Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting key prevention steps, sharing recovery stories, and encouraging everyone to take part in the Road to Recovery challenge.

You can help make a difference:
✔ Learn the signs of stroke
✔ Take steps to reduce your risk
✔ Share this message with friends and whānau

For resources, posters, and more information, visit: stroke.org.nz/stroke-awareness-month

Let’s work together to reduce the impact of stroke in our communities 💪

05/05/2026

This May, for Stroke Awareness Month, the NZRA would like to highlight the Road to Recovery challenge with Stroke Aotearoa – an initiative led alongside physiotherapist Mark Adams (a very good friend of NZRA!).

Mark is based at Burwood Hospital and works closely with stroke survivors in rehabilitation. This challenge reflects something he sees every day: the sheer physical effort, persistence, and determination that recovery requires.

The Road to Recovery challenge invites all of us to step into that space – even briefly.

Throughout May, participants can record their activity in whatever way works for them:
• Kilometres cycled
• Minutes spent walking or moving
• Any form of meaningful activity

You can take part individually or as a team – whether that’s your workplace, a group of friends, or a community club.

Beyond raising funds, this challenge makes visible the often-unseen work of stroke recovery. It connects everyday movement with a deeper understanding of what rehabilitation involves – and why sustained support matters.

Funds raised will go toward the work of Stroke Aotearoa, including:
• A free helpline for people affected by stroke
• Community education around stroke prevention
• Ongoing support for survivors and whānau

If you’re looking for something practical, collective, and purposeful this month, this is a great place to start.

Find out more or sign up here: https://www.stroke.org.nz/events/the-road-to-recovery/

The Road to Recovery

28/04/2026

A shout out to all Our Occupational Therapy Colleagues!

Happy last week of occupational therapy month! 🫶🏼
As an OT:
💡You bridge the gap between medical recovery and real life. It’s one thing to regain strength; it’s another to button a shirt, safely shower, or return to a job.
💡You meet people at vulnerable moments. After a stroke, injury, illness, or decline, you step in when independence feels lost—and help rebuild it piece by piece.
💡You individualize everything. No two patients are the same. Therapy is shaped around what matters most to that person, not just a diagnosis.
💡You give people control back. Regaining even small skills can restore dignity, confidence, and identity.
💡You impact more than the patient. Families, caregivers, and entire routines improve when someone becomes more independent!