Everyday people, everyday places,
everyday things, everyday times
23 May 2022
Kia Ora
Welcome to this week's edition of the
Disability Information and Advisory Service Newsletter
Did you know that the very first episode of Shortland Street went to air on 25 May 1992, 30 years ago this week. I wonder how many of us saw that episode :-)
Just a friendly reminder that the Disability Resource Centre (HB) Trust’s Community Connector service is ready and available to support people with disabilities or significant health conditions (and their family/whānau) who are self-isolating as the result of COVID-19, and who are living in the Hawke’s Bay area.
Read more about the services being offered and how to access them further down in the newsletter.
Have a great week!
In This Week's Edition
COVID Connector Service
Mobile Outreach Service - Flu and COVID 19 Vaccinations
Message from Blanche at Parent to Parent
Can you help Napier Riding for the Disabled?
All Wheels Adaptive Sessions
Sensory Yoga for Kids
Brain Injury Hastings Peer Support Group
Stroke Central CHB Support Group
Microsoft Unveils Adaptive Accessories
2022 Disability Services Contacts Booklet
We are looking forward to continuing to bring you news about inclusive events and happenings in the Bay, so if you have something to share, please let us know. information@drchb.org.nz
DRC living life connected
Do you follow the DRC living life connected Facebook page?
Check out some of the cool stuff that
DRC living life connected is involved in here.
COVID Connector Service
Supporting the Disability Community
Speedway Car Parking and 50/50 Raffle
are you available to help?
We're looking for helpers to assist with weekend Race Nights to help staff the car park and/or sell tickets for the 50/50 Raffle.
The car parking job is from 2pm - 4:30pm and involves collecting parking money at the gate, and directing traffic to car parks as they arrive, and you're welcome to head on in and watch the racing when you're done!
Or if you're interested in helping with our 50/50 Raffle, we sell raffle tickets to the members of the public around the grandstands and viewing areas between 4pm - 6pm. While racing is on we'll take a seat so as not to block anyone's view - and is a great opportunity for you to watch some racing too!
If this sounds like something you could lend a hand with please do let us know - we'd love your help!
Stroke Clubs improve the lives of those affected by stroke every community.
There are varied and innovative activity programmes delivered by dedicated organisers and volunteers, the Stroke Clubs make a huge difference to the quality of life for local stroke people. At the same time, it offers carers respite time knowing their loved ones are in a safe and comfortable environment.
All the Stroke Clubs in the region are affiliated with Stroke Central New Zealand Inc. They are run by local volunteers. These are people with a heart for the community and often have a personal relation with Stroke.
Members are encouraged to participate in detailing programmes for the clubs and assist in their operation.
There are a number of new groups in our community and we are always lookingfor new ideas. If you would like to be involved or set up a new group, please contact us and we can help.
Microsoft Unveils Adaptive Accessories for Disability Access
Microsoft is introducing a collection of adaptive devices aimed at making it easier for people with disabilities to use computers.
The company said this week at its annual Microsoft Ability Summit that it plans to roll out an “ecosystem of adaptive accessories.”
The latest innovations include an adaptive mouse, adaptive hub and adaptive buttons, all of which are fully customizable.
“A traditional mouse and keyboard may pose obstacles for someone with (limited) mobility,” wrote Dave Dame, director of accessibility for Microsoft, in a company blog post. “These adaptive accessories can perform a variety of functions, thereby alleviating a pain point for those who find it challenging to get the most out of their PC.”
The adaptive mouse can be outfitted with 3D printed tails and other modifications to be truly personalized while the adaptive hub and buttons can replace or augment a traditional keyboard, Microsoft said. What’s more, the adaptive buttons can be topped with a d-pad, joystick, dual button or something unique that’s 3D printed.
The new accessories build on Microsoft’s work to develop the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which was released in 2018.
Microsoft said it worked with the disability community to create the new accessories. They are expected to be available this spring.
Local Disability Services
Contacts Booklet
The 2022 Edition of the Disability Services Contacts Booklet for the Bay is now available in pdf form here
Every effort has been made to ensure that these contact details are up to date and accurate.
If you spot an error or think we have missed a contact, please let us know by emailing information@drchb.org.nz
We are pleased to be able to send out this information and to keep the community informed about what’s going on. Please continue to send us your flyers, and any information you have about cool stuff happening here. Don't forget to add your contact details for readers who want further information about your event.
We also appreciate any feedback you have about this newsletter. Tell us what we got right, got wrong or just let us know what you want to see.
Friendly reminder
To ensure your notices, news items and information gets into the update, please have details into us by this Friday 12pm midday at the latest. The update gets sent out weekly on a Monday.
DRC receives information from our many networks which we pass on in this update. Feel free to share and use this information.