Disability
Disabilities Minister criticises IHC for cancelling autistic programme
The Disabilities Minister has lashed out at an IHC-run service for autistic people, accusing it of cancelling its services with no notice, and abandoning its vulnerable clients. Audio
How I forgave my 16-year-old self
36 years ago Richard Warwick was just a teenager when a one time experiment with petrol sniffing triggered a brain bleed. Lying in a hospital bed, he was told he'd never run again. This year he… Audio
Minnie Baragwanath - the battle for accessible healthcare
Minnie Baragwanath has played a leading role in effecting social change for New Zealanders with disabilities. Audio
Deaf community petitions for visual fire alarms
The government is being asked to change the rules and make it compulsory for visual fire alarms to be installed in public buildings.
Deaths of intellectually disabled people "misreported"
Experts in New Zealand and Australia say the deaths of intellectually disabled people are being reported inaccurately - making it more difficult to prevent more deaths in future. A team from the… Audio
'They find every excuse not to do it' - disability advocates
Many public buildings are still being built without proper access for those with disabilities, an advocate says
Disability groups say new laws would boost economy
The new Access Alliance says creating better access for 1.1 million New Zealanders with physical and mental disabilities would boost the economy. Audio
Nearly $900m boost from proposed disability laws - advocates
Disability groups are calling for new laws making it easier for disabled people to work and study, saying it would boost the economy by nearly $900 million a year.
"Normal is boring!" - Josef Schovanec
Kathryn Ryan meets Dr Josef Schovanec, French writer, academic, polyglot and advocate for people with autism. He's an advisor to the French government, and travels France and the world, speaking about… Audio
I said ‘Let’s try and figure out a way that you can talk to me’
Charmeyne Te Nana-Williams' husband Peter's traumatic brain injury - and her battle to get him home with the family and well cared for - was the catalyst for her thriving home-based rehab… Audio
Mother just wants her daughter to have friends to play with
An Auckland mother has reached out on a social network to ask for friends for her 12-year-old daughter with special needs. Video, Audio
Autistic rights advocate speaks against murderous mother's sentence
An advocate for autistic rights has spoken out against a Nelson mum's four year sentence, saying it sends a message that murdering an autistic person is a viable option for desperate parents. Audio
Intellectually disabled man faces longer term
An intellectually disabled man with autism, who has already been detained for over 10 years for trespassing and smashing windows, is facing a further three years locked up in a care facility. Audio
To Have an Ordinary Life - part 4
Mike Gourley critically examines the latest government foray into disability issues - The Enabling Good Lives initiative. Audio
Anthony Hill: 'Always ask the question'
What should happen when a patient can't explicity consent to medical research being carried out on them? Health and Disability Commissioner Anthony Hill discusses the issue of informed consent in a… Audio
To Have an Ordinary Life - part 3
Mike Gourley looks at the support available for disabled people making the transition from school to further training or work. Audio
To Have an Ordinary Life - part 2
Mike Gourley explores the current state of employment options for disabled people in the aftermath of the repeal of the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion Act. Audio
Joint Jukebox - Jess Locke and Tess Stewart-Moore
Shaun D Wilson plays Joint Jukebox with a pair of friends willing to spin the tunes that define their relationship - for good or for bad. The pop pickers on this occasion are Melbourne… Audio
To Have an Ordinary Life - part 1
Mike Gourley profiles the people and issues in play at the time of the decision to close the Kimberley Centre (once a housing facility for the intellectually disabled) ten years ago this year. Audio
