Strong Voices

In May around 50 people from the autism community gathered for a special hui in Hamilton to discuss a recent incident in which a young autistic girl was misidentified and handcuffed by police and taken to Waikato hospital.

In 2019, a new pathway opened for postgraduate psychology students in New Zealand – a chance to gain supervised clinical experience in the forensic disability sector through the Professional Practice Placement Psychology programme.

Six-year-old Marlee is full of sunshine. “She’s always smiling, always happy and so curious about everything,” says her mum Christina.

Eighteen-year-old Xervier Doney made waves – literally and figuratively – when he won two world titles at the 2025 Para Sailing International Championships in Sydney in February of this year.

“Having a good home really matters but so does being part of a strong community. We believe in an ‘and and’ approach,” says Lisa Mackinnon, National Lead of the Inclusive Communities team at Accessible Properties.

After years of disciplined training and with the support of an inclusive dojo, Downright Dragons Jevon and Dan have earned their karate black belts.

New research shows people with an intellectual disability are more likely to experience deep and lasting poverty – and families are carrying the burden.

Eliza is the author and illustrator of A Different Kind of Parenting, published in October 2024. She’s written it especially for parents who feel overwhelmed by advice - as if they’re constantly being told to “fix” things and yet who sometimes feel like they’re not doing enough.

Since 2011 the IHC Library has given a free book to every parent or primary caregiver who registers to join.

It’s been a record-breaking year for the IHC Art Awards, with more than 500 entries pouring in from across the country — each one a testament to the creativity and talent of the artists.