Strong Voices

IHC now has some powerful support in its long-running legal battle to protect disabled children’s rights to a proper education in mainstream schools.

The Human Rights Review Tribunal and IHC are collecting evidence about the experiences of disabled children in the education system from parents, educators and community groups, ahead of a hearing in that tribunal.

'Poppy' – starring Libby Hunsdale and Ari Boyland 
Writer and director – Linda Niccol

'Poppy' reached the big screen in May and struck a chord with young women refusing to be defined by their disabilities. Ella Davenport from Lower Hutt and Ava Saba from Gladstone reviewed the movie. 

By Ella Davenport (with some help from mum) 

I went to see the movie 'Poppy' with my mum. It’s a story about Poppy’s life. She lives with her older brother and she pretty much takes care of the house. 

Most IDEA Services frontline support workers have now received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.

IDEA Services has been busy ensuring staff and the people we support have the crucial information they need about the vaccination, communicating directly with the Ministry of Health and, at a local level, district health boards.

“We’ve been engaging with the newly appointed Disability Equity Leads, whose job it is to coordinate vaccinations for the disability sector,” says IDEA Services Director of Nursing Prudence Lennox.

There’s a huge gap at Hirepool in Lower Hutt where Colin Bailey used to work. He’s retired from the Hutt Road branch after more than 30 years on the job.

Colin’s farewell barbeque was an emotional day for everyone as Hirepool staff from across Wellington, along with Regional Manager Stuart Drew from Hawke’s Bay, came to say goodbye.

“He does leave a gap here – 100 percent,” Stuart says. “He swept the yard, kept it clean. No-one did it as well as he did. His work here was exceptional. He brought an excellent work ethic, a great sense of humour, a cheekiness.”