Unlock opportunities for disabled New Zealanders like Ayaan
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You can help build an Aotearoa where disabled people thrive
Support Spectrum Foundation now, and you'll help provide opportunities for disabled New Zealanders like Ayaan.
Ayaan was born very premature. For mum Nirishma, it meant his opportunities for education were completely unknown.
"Initially he was nonverbal and had physical challenges. I wasn't sure whether he could attend a mainstream school at all."
But thanks to Parent to Parent's education access workshops, funded by Spectrum Foundation, Nirishma learned Ayaan could attend his local school. Not only that, she discovered how to most effectively advocate for his ongoing inclusion.
"I learned what he was entitled to, what his rights were, but also how to create an Individual Education Plan with his teachers. I learned everything I needed to know so he could attend school close to home."
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YOU are the key to unlocking disabled New Zealanders' potential
The numbers are stark.
Disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed as their non-disabled peers.
They have significantly higher rates of homelessness.
And as recent events proved, the funding and support they rely on can be taken away in an instant.
But our community is resilient, and ambitious.
We have dreams. We have goals. And we're more than willing to make the most of any opportunity we get.
That's why Spectrum Foundation funds projects to support the disabled community...to help create choices and options that aren't funded by the government.
Ayaan is happily integrated at school, and enjoys a range of subjects. "I like reading, writing, and maths", he says confidently.
In 2023, 185 other parents like Nirishma attended Parent to Parent's education access workshops, funded by Spectrum Foundation.
Give now to Spectrum Foundation, and help ensure more disabled children and adults have access to the choices and opportunities they deserve.
Give $50 and you could help children and families like Ayaan and Nirishman benefit from education access workshops.
Your $100 gift could help children and adults access free equipment repair, like the service provided by Independent Living Trust.
Your $250 gift could help disabled people access social events after dark, through initiatives like Spectrum Care's 'Gig Buddies' programme.