YES Disability Resource Centre

04/06/2026

Throwback to last year's Ice Bucket Challenge effort!

YES Disability Resource Centre is once again taking part in the Ice Bucket Challenge for MND Action Month!

On the 25th of June, YES staff will have ice cold water tipped all over them to raise funds to support the vital work of Motor Neurone Disease NZ. MND NZ is the only charity focused on improving quality of life, funding research and campaigning for people affected by MND in NZ.

Our goal is to raise $1000! Want to donate to support the cause? You can click here: https://www.mndactionmonth.org.nz/t/yes-disability-resource-centre-team

03/06/2026

I.Drive Blenheim:

Are you a disabled person who lives in Blenheim who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!
YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.

The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

Blenheim: 9th of June
Location: TBC

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page on the I.Lead website or email Abdulla at [email protected] to secure your spot!
https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

02/06/2026

Thank you Ministry of Youth Development - New Zealand and Shanara for visiting the I.Lead office on Monday.

We loved getting to hear more about your mahi, and thank you for presenting us with the The Federation Dianne Rangi Award for Innovation.

We're very honoured!

02/06/2026

Kia ora 👋 Disabled people, families, whānau and carers are being invited to help shape further improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS).

We want to improve services in key areas that the disability community has told us matter most to them.

We are building on what the community has told us over the past two years. This feedback has already helped shape some important changes across DSS, and we know there is more to do.

Now we want to know what good support looks like.

From 8 June to 31 July, DSS will be running a community consultation focused on key areas including:
💬 Outcomes that matter, including how supports make a difference in disabled people’s everyday lives and safety
💬 Earlier, proactive and planned support as people’s needs change over time
💬 Feedback and complaints processes that make it easier to speak up about DSS services
💬 Better options for carer respite, making it easier for family, whānau and carers to take a break
💬 More choice and control in services, including more flexibility in supports funded outside of flexible funding
💬 Improved information and advice to make supports and services easier to access

We are seeking feedback from people who receive DSS funding, and people who support or advocate for those who do.

From today, you can read the consultation documents and register for workshops ahead of the consultation officially opening on 8 June.

You can take part in a way that works for you, including online and in-person workshops, written or recorded submissions, and an online survey. Workshops will be running throughout June and July.

Your input will help shape the next improvements to services and supports.

Visit the DSS website below to read the consultation documents, learn more about the consultation, and register for upcoming workshops 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/have-your-say-on-further-improvements-to-services

This consultation is separate from the Disability Support Services Bill and is focused on improvements to DSS-funded supports and services.

The Bill is a separate Parliamentary process that sets the legal framework for DSS.

02/06/2026

Our West Auckland I.Drive workshop is this week! Are you a disabled person who lives in Auckland who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!

YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.

The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

West Auckland: 4th & 5th of June
Location: Mānutewhau Community House (West Harbour Community Hub) - 74 Oreil Avenue

South Auckland: 16th & 17th of July
Location: Mana Inc- 32 Beach Road, Pahurehure

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page on our website or email [email protected] to secure your spot!
https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

02/06/2026

YES Disability Resource Centre is taking part in the Ice Bucket Challenge for MND Action Month!

On the 25th of June, YES staff will have ice cold water tipped all over them to raise funds to support the vital work of Motor Neurone Disease NZ. MND NZ is the only charity focused on improving quality of life, funding research and campaigning for people affected by MND in NZ.

Want to donate to support the cause? Scan the QR code or click here: https://www.mndactionmonth.org.nz/t/yes-disability-resource-centre-team

01/06/2026

Our Blenheim I.Lead Showcase Day is less than a week away!

I.Lead Showcase Days are an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow our disabled youth-led movement across Aotearoa. These events are designed to introduce new members, partners, and supporters to I.Lead, while highlighting the impact, leadership, and advocacy driven by disabled young people in our communities.

Showcase Days provide a welcoming and accessible space to:
-Learn about I.Lead’s kaupapa, programmes, and regional committees
-Hear directly from disabled youth leaders about their experiences and impact
-Explore opportunities to get involved — as a member, volunteer, partner, or supporter
-Connect with like-minded young people, organisations, and decision-makers
Each Showcase Day reflects our commitment to youth leadership, inclusion, and collective action. Whether you’re a disabled young person wanting to build confidence and create change, or an organisation wanting to better engage with disabled youth, I.Lead Showcase Days are a place to start.
Come along, meet the community, and see what’s possible when disabled youth lead the way.

Our remaining showcase dates are:
Blenheim – Monday 8th June
Whangārei – Monday 15th June
Dunedin – Friday 17th July
Tauranga – Wednesday 22nd July
Invercargill – Friday 14th August
Waikato -Thursday 20 August
Manawatū – Wednesday 16th September
Wellington -Wednesday 21st October

Want to learn more or register for one of our Showcase Days? Check out this link:
https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-lead-showcase-days-2026/

30/05/2026

28/05/2026

I.Lead x VTNZ Testing Days are back!

I.Drive is partnering with VTNZ to bring their portable testing units to Albany, Auckland's North Shore.
This will allow participants the opportunity to take their learners licence test in an environment that is familiar and relaxed.

There will be readers available if needed.
When -Wednesday 24th June from 10.00am
Where - YES Disability, 3 William Laurie Place, Albany.

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Spots are limited so register your interest quick! You can visit the registration page to secure your spot: https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form

27/05/2026

Are you a disabled person who lives in Auckland who is looking to gain their Learner's Licence? I.Drive could be the program for you!

YES runs the I.Drive Licensing Program as an interactive and comprehensive theory-based workshop to support you in attaining your license.

The workshop includes:
-Going through the New Zealand Road Code in an easy-learning manner
-Participants will be given a take-home workbook
-Free pizza for lunch
-Support booking your learner's test

West Auckland: 4th & 5th of June
Location: Mānutewhau Community House (West Harbour Community Hub) - 74 Oreil Avenue

South Auckland: 9th & 10th of July
Location: Mana Inc- 32 Beach Road, Pahurehure

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED.
Interested in attending one of these I.Drive sessions? Visit the registration page on our website or email [email protected] to secure your spot!
https://www.ilead.org.nz/i-drive-2025-registration-form