Strong Voices

My Voice is a new feature in Strong Voices where we get to know some of the people in our community.

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Dianne Pelvin, from Ōtautahi Christchurch, is a member of the Chief Executive’s Advisory Group. She is also a member of IDEA Services Christchurch/North Canterbury Kapa Haka rōpū and is a National Student Volunteer Army (SVA) Ambassador.

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What’s your ideal Saturday?

My ideal Saturday, depends on the weather; if it is nice and sunny I like to get out and about, catching up with friends and family, and a wee bit of gardening or a nice walk. If the weather isn’t so great, I stay home and watch a movie on Netflix with my flatmates. I like to bake and enjoy doing diamond art and jigsaw puzzles.

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What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you lately?

Going to a place I had never been. I got to go to Nelson as part of my role as SVA Ambassador. I had never been there. Beautiful weather and lovely views, I really liked being in Nelson, and I would like to go back. The accommodation where we stayed had the comfiest bed, I loved it. Then we went to Blenheim. I haven’t been there since I was little and it has changed heaps.

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What does New Zealand need to do better for people with intellectual disabilities?

The funding cuts have been hard, especially with the cost of living at the moment, so this needs urgent attention.

More paid work opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

More partnerships with businesses and other community groups to support employment and volunteering.

Better accessibility in the community for wheelchair users, such as accommodation that has wet floor bathrooms, access ramps and wide doorways. Sometimes we can’t perform kapa haka in venues due to accessibility.

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You’re on the Chief Executive’s Advisory Group. Tell us why this is important.

It’s really important for me to express my feelings and point of view to Andrew as a representative of people with disabilities. It is important that the right information is getting to Andrew about what life is like for us, some of the barriers we face and things that we think need fixing.

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What do you want to achieve?

I want people to have the right support and to be able make their own decisions and choices. If I can help towards making that happen that would be achievement.

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Who are some of your favourite people?

My family, especially people that I haven’t had much of a relationship with and we are connecting now, which is really good. The staff that work with me in my home are some of my favourite people. The team at IDEA Services, Service Managers, Area Manager and Admin always make time for me and listen.

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What are you most proud of?

I have come a long way in my health and wellbeing since coming back into Residential Services. I have had lots of great opportunities offered to me which I have taken, and my life is very busy now.

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Caption: Dianne Pelvin