Published 02 August 2024
Independent Living Charitable Trust is your friendly neighbourhood disability info centre (if your neighbourhood is Auckland). They’re not just about helping you retain your independence – they want to help you live your life your way, and they want to help get you there by setting you up with the advice and the equipment you need.
The team are there to make sure you know what you need and who can help you get it. Take it from their CEO, Karen Beard-Greer.
“Each of our stores have staff with either lived experience of disability, or specifically trained to help you get advice tailored to your personal circumstance,” she says.
How can they help?
From serious mobility aids like scooters and power chairs, to the little daily aids that take away household hassles, they have something for every situation. And they mean every situation. They’ve been supporting our disability community since the 80’s!
Many of the team in the three large Independent Living stores have walked (or rolled) in your shoes, so they know the struggles and the victories that come with disability.
Plus, their Mobile teams in Auckland can help with everything from free community presentations and scooter trials through to repairs to scooters and wheelchairs. They even have a great hire fleet of equipment, perfect for post-operative recovery or when people travel.
Independent Living also have Asian Information Consultants to support our Asian community. Navigating the sector is tough, especially with English as your second language, so they can help Mandarin and Korean speakers with relevant information. Recently, the team shared a testimonial from a couple who really needed their support.
“Mrs Ni and Mr Wang had rent payment issues with their housing provider. They had little English and couldn’t communicate with the agency.”
“They were referred to Independent Living information service by a friend, Chinese speaking staff guided them through the process talking to MSD and local housing provider and eventually the issue was resolved.”
“Big thanks to the Independent Living Team."
So, if you’re Auckland based, why not go online and check them out. Or better still, swing by one of the three Independent Living stores. They can make sure you’re getting the right advice, the best equipment for your situation, and maybe even a giggle or two. After all, they’re there to help you live “your life – your way” – and who doesn’t want that!
Find out more about Independent living at (www.ilsnz.org)
Every DIAS is different, which makes sense when our communities and the available services are different. Disability supports can come from a national pool, but there is a huge amount too that comes from local councils, community groups and even individuals with a passion for people. It’s worth taking the time to connect with your local DIAS to find out more on our Get support page.
They’re supported by Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People and the community to deliver experienced advice in-person. Each fortnight, the Firstport team are shining the spotlight on a new spot so you can see what’s available in each region.