West Coast Disability Resource Service

29/09/2026

Find out about elections and accessible voting options.

27/09/2026

According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world’s population experiences significant disability, or 1 in 6 of us.
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Not all disabilities can be seen. Invisible disabilities—like chronic pain, mental health conditions, or neurological differences—can limit or challenge a person’s daily life even if they aren’t visible from the outside.⁠
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That’s why true inclusion at work means going beyond what you can see:⁠
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✅ Listening when someone share their needs⁠
✅ Providing accommodations without judgment⁠
✅ Building cultures of trust and respect

23/09/2026

Today is International Day of Sign Languages, so why not start learning some New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)?

Whether you want to get involved in NSZL classes or learn at your own pace in your own time, we can point you in the right direction.

You can find links to online resources and NZSL classes at https://firstport.co.nz/about-disability/learn-nzsl.

21/08/2026

If you've been diagnosed with a disability or had a disabling injury, it's natural to experience grief and the feelings that come with it: denial, anger, helplessness, fear, and wishing you could go back in time.

It's a massive challenge to adjust to your new normal, but there are many things you can do to help you cope with the grief. That could be opening up to family and friends, joining a support group, or expressing your feelings creatively, to name a few.

Everyone has their own ways to deal with grief so explore what works best for you.

You can find more advice at the link below
https://firstport.co.nz/get-support/wellbeing/hinengaro/understanding-disability-grief

19/08/2026

What a fantastic day at The Vine Community Outreach event today.

If you have a hidden disability and missed out on a sunflower lanyard, get in touch with us 03 755 8700 as we have a few spare.

Thanks to the community for coming along and hearing about our programmes and services and to the other organisations, it was so great to connect with you!

18/08/2026

🌟 Have you seen our new signage at AA Greymouth? 🌟

We're proud to be promoting our Neuro-Affirming and Dyslexia Friendly sessions, available every Wednesday from 10:00am to 12:00pm at AA Greymouth.

We believe everyone deserves access to services in an environment where they feel comfortable, supported, and understood.

During these dedicated sessions, we can provide sensory adjustments and additional support, including:
✅ Reduced distractions
✅ Noise-cancelling earmuffs
✅ Reader/writer support
✅ Adjustable lighting

If you would benefit from these supports, we encourage you to book an appointment by:

📧 Emailing [email protected]
📞 Calling WestREAP on 03 755 8700

We're committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for our West Coast community. 💙

18/08/2026

Pop in and see us at The Vine Community Outreach Event tomorrow/Wednesday at the Greymouth Regent Theatre!

Guess how many Lego pieces are in the jar competition with two great prizes.

18/08/2026

Contact CCS (details at bottom of poster) if you are interested in more information.

12/08/2026

It's an understatement to say that being a full-time carer for disabled loved one is hard work.

If you've recently found yourself in this position and feeling overwhelmed, things you can look into include:

- the financial support options that are available
- support that's available for you to take breaks
- great organisations like Carers NZ and Care Matters NZ that provide information and advice.

Find out about all of this at the link below 👇
https://firstport.co.nz/get-support/people-and-organisations/support-carers/carer-support-in-new-zealand

16/05/2026

Please contact our lovely Disability Resource Service Information Consultant Erica if you would like to register for this Touch Tour.

What a fantastic opportunity for blind and low-vision audience members and other community members that would benefit from exploring the set, feeling the costumes and meeting the cast and director prior to the matinee show.

If you may need a ride, please let Erica know shen you register and we will see what we can organise.

Everyone deserves access to theatre, the blind and low-vision community included!

SuperBrain Productionz are once again hosting a touch tour for their show Next To Normal on Saturday the 23rd of May, with support from the Grey District Youth Trust and the Disability Resource Service, to allow blind and low vision people to explore the set, props and costumes up close, and meet the cast and director before the matinee show.

Surtitles will also be available for the 2pm show on May 23rd, which you can use with your own device and headphones.

To register for the event please email [email protected]