Strong Voices

A large old house in Christchurch has been redeveloped into a new style of studio living for a group of IDEA Services residents.

Heartfelt tributes from the disability community flowed following the news that Sir Robert Martin, a lifetime champion for people with intellectual disabilities, had died in Whanganui in May.

Shocking statistics reveal a stark contrast in health outcomes for people with disabilities compared to the general population.

Greg Orchard, Accessible Properties Chief Executive, is keeping a promise he made to himself several jobs ago; that he would work fewer hours. Greg has resigned and leaves his role at the end of June.

Ray Urlich has reached Southeast Asia on his motorcycle journey across the world, but he and his darling Draga had to part company in Perth.

Stand Tall made the finals for the prestigious Best Hi-Tech Solution for the Public Good Award announced in May. Stand Tall is a free budgeting game that teaches young people with intellectual disability how to manage money.

Sandra Dunning, a former IHC Pukekohe Op Shop volunteer, dropped off some Christmas biscuits to volunteers in the shop a week before Christmas. On Boxing Day she died in a house fire.

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Young people are lining up to join cooking classes at Comcol North Canterbury thanks to a partnership between Comcol and the IHC North Canterbury Association.

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Riding for the Disabled Coach Sharon Aldersley is saddling up for her role as Roving Coach. This year she will share her expertise with 20 Riding for the Disabled groups throughout the country, thanks to a grant from the IHC Foundation.

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In a series of nationwide meetings, family carers are being encouraged to talk about the pressures of supporting disabled family members and what would make a difference to them.

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