Video stories
These videos feature stories about living with a disability and the difference getting support can make.
Accessibility support
If you'd like to view these videos with an audio prompt menu, captioning, in New Zealand Sign Language, Māori, Cook Island, Samoan or Tongan languages, please call 0800 373 664 or email disability@moh.govt.nz.
Susan
Susan Caldwell, a Department of Conservation ranger on Mana Island, has a hearing loss. She talks about how getting funding for specialised equipment has helped her as a new mum.
“I think the birth of my son – in terms of my disability – I quickly realised that being able to hear him and able to communicate with him was fairly important.”
Download video: Living with hearing loss (MP4, 26.4MB - Time 4:26)
Michelle
Michelle Onekawa, who in 2000 did a Bachelor of Arts at Massey University, has cerebral palsy. She talks about being a student, a parent, and getting around.
“NASC is a body that is able to help people with disabilities. Without them, I think I wouldn’t be able to be where I am today.”
Download video: Living well in a wheelchair (MP4, 49.3MB - Time 4:56) | Transcript
Fiona and Grant
Fiona and Grant Shanahan are the adoptive parents of a child with Down’s Syndrome. They talk about getting support when Fiona was ill with a pregnancy.
“Ask for help – and it is there – and don’t feel ashamed.”
Download video: Loving Kathlyn: Caring for a disabled child (MP4, 38.5 MB - Time 3:51) | Transcript
Stuart and Alan
Alan Jones and Stuart Nicholls are both blind. Alan takes Stuart on outings and helps him learn how to get around – this gives Stuart’s parents a break, and enriches Stuart’s life.
Alan: “As a blind person I think it’s really important to know that help is there, and that the NASC and other agencies will provide this help.”
Download video: Finding their own way: Living with visual impairment (MP4, 53.7 MB - Time 5:23)
Graham
Graham has an intellectual disability and lives on his own. One of his passions is gardening. Jeff Cosser is his community support worker.
Jeff: “My role, as I see it, is to support guys like Graham with things that they want to do in their lives.”
Graham: “It gives me someone to talk to, something to look forward to. It gives me help with things that I cannot quite do on my own.”
Download video: Proud to be independent: Living with an intellectual disability (MPG, 39.5 MB – Time 3:55)
Page last updated: 23 April 2012
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