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Video title: Welcome to Firstport

Video duration: 03:19

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Video transcript

[Background music playing]

(Beau)

If you’re not sure where to start when looking for information about disability then let us be your first port of call.

Firstport is your one stop shop when it comes to finding all the information you need about:

  • Who to speak to about access to equipment or home modifications
  • How you can get in touch with your local information centre for support, advice and practical help
  • Details of support groups across New Zealand

We understand that there is a mountain of info out there, so here are some ideas about where to start looking for the information you need.

Talk to your doctor or practice nurse.

If you or a family member need extra support because of a disability or special needs then your doctor or practice nurse will be able to help you find it.

If your disability is due to an accident then your doctor or practice nurse can refer you to ACC who can provide you with assistance.

If your disability is not due to an accident then your doctor or practice nurse can contact a needs assessment service to find out what extra support is available.

You could also contact your local disability centre.

There are 22 centres across New Zealand, all of which provide personalized, specific support to make your life easier.

Each year, the information centres collectively receive over 200,000 requests for information about anything from transport to finance, education to support groups, making these centres an invaluable resource for you and your loved ones.

You can use Firstport to find your local information centre.

Simply click on the Information centers tab in the top menu and choose ‘find an information centre’. Choose your region from the drop down box and Firstport will give you the details of all the information centres in your area. Click on the one that’s closest to you for all the details you need to get in touch with the centre.

You may find it useful to find a support group that work with people in a similar situation to yours. There are loads of support groups across the country such as Autism NZ, Cerebral Palsy Society, Carers New Zealand and Parent to Parent, and many, many more.

You and your loved ones could benefit from contacting these groups as they could help you to:

  • Learn from others’ experiences and share ideas
  • Get the latest information and research about a disability
  • Be able to apply for grants or discounts available to members

Again, Firstport can put you in touch with the group that’s right for you – simply click on ‘I need support’ – then ‘Find a service’ and search by region or type of service.

You can find all this information and more at https://firstport.co.nz.

Firstport – helping you explore, discover and live a more independent life.

[Background music fades]

Last updated on Friday, 11 February 2022

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