“It varies from day to day. We usually just touch base and see how Caroline is doing. It is a very unassuming role but is really important to help them be independent. I just treat her with the respect and dignity she should be treated with.”
CCS provides a range of support for disabled people. From early childhood education to vocational, mobility and supported-living services.
As part of being in supported independent living, CCS helps Caroline connect with others, and provides financial and support in meetings too.
Heather says there is never a dull moment with Caroline around.
“There is some discrimination. People don’t realise how challenging it can be to have a disability, when it comes to accessing buildings and things like that. It is not always easy.”
Caroline really enjoys her independence. She has done the 40-hour famine for decades and she and Heather recently completed the Kaiti Hill Challenge.
She says having people like Heather come around is a big help.
“Sometimes it is a brisk walk, or a visit to the plant shop. It is good, it gets me out to do stuff instead of just doing my TV Guides.”
Aidan and AlAll people have abilities, some more special than others, this is the mantra of the Toiora whanau, an adult special abilities service.
Aidan Wesche is a member of the Toiora, run by Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga a Hauiti.
While Aidan faces some challenges like others who are a part of Toiora, he has been encouraged and supported to look to his strengths to cope with daily life — learning to make a cup of tea, how to greet people, and using current events to teach understanding.
Al Hutchinson is one of two Toiora supervisors who focus on turning everyday situations into learning experiences.
“We focus on home economics, like basic cooking skills and teaching clients how to be independent,” says Al.
As an example of real life-based teaching the group attended a tangi on a marae this year.
“For that we taught protocol and they learned how to act on a marae and what happens when you are welcomed on.
“It is about behaviour in the community and what is acceptable.”
The group also did lots of activities around the Rugby World Cup and Matariki, to teach them about what is happening in the world around them.
Even the building they operate out of serves as a learning process.
“They each have a role to play when we get there each day,” says Al.
Aidan holds the keys so it is his job to open up.
“He has quite an important leadership role in the group — he is always reminding people of what they should be doing and getting them organised.”
Some clients are based up the East Coast while others are in Gisborne. Al drives the town-based participants to Ruatoria on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the programme.
“Even the ride there is educational. We teach them about the environment and the role it plays.”
Aidan is on the committee for the upcoming ball and says he is excited.
“It is good. It will be nice to go to the ball.”
Patsy, Harry and VickiPatsy and Harry Matete first met “back before Wattie’s was knocked down” and they celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary this year.
The Matetes both have developmental delays but that does not stop them living life to the fullest.
They share a house where they are visited by a carer each day. Patsy likes to garden, Harry is busy with his job doing a pamphlet run and they have both just returned from Hawke’s Bay where they competed in a regional Special Olympics event.
Patsy says it is important to them to have carers in their lives.
“Sometimes it is hard and sometimes it is easy. I need help with little things sometimes, like if I do not know how to cook tea properly.”
Harry agrees.
“If we think of something we want done or we need help with, then we ask our staff for help.”
One of the staff the pair can call on, is carer Vicki Le Bas from IDEA Services.
She says her job is about seeing a need and taking care of it.
“It could be helping clean when it gets a bit much, helping out with budgeting or just being a friend,” says Vicki.
IDEA Services is part of IHC New Zealand.
The organisation advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community.
“An important part of it is supporting them through the decision-making processes and making sure they have all the information they need.”
Vicki has been present for many of the Matetes’ milestones — she attended their wedding and was happy to see their new Special Olympic ribbons.
They both placed second and third in Bocce team events, a cross between lawn bowls and petanque.
“To me they are just Patsy and Harry with no label.”
