When travelling internationally there is now a service offered by Air New Zealand if you need some extra help. It is called International Airline Concierge and there is no extra charge. They say:

Imagine having someone to help you out with a little local knowledge when you need it - like where to find a good vegan restaurant in Downtown San Francisco, or the perfect latte in Auckland.
Someone who knows exactly where you're going,what you need and how to get it.
Air New Zealand is proud to offer our personalised International Airline Concierge service that is as unique as the country we call home.
On hand at the departure gate prior to boarding, during your flight, and upon arrival in your destination, an International Airline Concierge is available to ensure your travel needs are met right throughout your Air New Zealand journey.

Our friendly team of Airline Concierges can provide you with advice on:
•    Itinerary planning to catch those must-see sights
•    The amazing activities on offer at the destination
•    Airline processes and help with ongoing travel arrangements
•    A wide range of accommodation and rental car recommendations
•    Local restaurants to check out and the best shopping locations

Our International Airline Concierge service is offered on our long haul international flights throughout our Pacific Economy, Pacific Premium Economy and Business Premier cabins.

So how can an International Airline Concierge help you?
Please email Concierge@airnz.co.nz with your flight details if you have any questions or requirements for your international travel.

If you have any questions or requirements for travel on domestic, trans-Tasman or Pacific Island flights, please call Air New Zealand’s customer team on 0800 737 000 who will be able to discuss your requirements and add details to your booking for your day of travel.

Springfree Trampolines

“The Springfree Trampolines are the world’s safest trampolines, designed at Canterbury University by Doctor Keith Alexander. Doctor Alexander wanted to get a trampoline for his children, but after mentioning this idea to his wife got the response “trampolines are too dangerous and I don’t want one of those things in my back yard!” Keith having grown up with trampolines, still wanted a trampoline for his kids, but after looking into some injury reports due to his wife’s comments, could not agree more with the comment “trampolines are too dangerous”, the reports proved they were. The main causes (83%) of injuries on trampolines where from:

Falling off the trampoline
Impacting the steel frame
Falling through the spring system

The remaining 17% if injuries result from incorrect use of the trampoline, the majority being more than one person jumping at a time and colliding, and a very small %age from doing flips and summersaults.

Still believing trampolines were a fun and exciting piece of equipment to have in the back yard, Doctor Alexander wondered if he could make trampolines safer. After looking at the very basic principles of trampolines and many years of prototyping the Springfree trampoline was borne. The Springfree design has basically eliminated equipment induced injuries as there are:

No steel springs at the jumping surface, no way to fall through the springs
No steel frame at the jumping surface, no hard surfaces to impact
No way to fall off the trampoline, and no rigid enclosure poles to impact

The Springfree safety features result in a trampoline that is 83% safer than any other trampoline on the market and if the rules “one at a time and no flips” are applied the risk of the jumper being injured is virtually eliminated. The Springfree design has revolutionized the trampoline, parents and users now have the confidence that if there is a loss of control while jumping, the consequences will be minimal if nonexistent.

Springfree would like to offer all Autism New Zealand members a very exclusive $200 off any Springfree Trampoline model. You can see the different models we have at www.springfree.co.nz or at one of the many display locations throughout New Zealand. To place your order please call 0800 586 772 and mention to our friendly staff that you are an Autism New Zealand member.

Springfree New Zealand contact details;

PO Box 80117 Riccarton Christchurch
125 Blenheim Rd Riccarton Christchurch
0800 586 772
www.spingfree.co.nz
sales@springfree.co.nz

13 July 2010

Voice Advocacy Trust

A new and free advocacy service to the Rotorua area! To view the brochue click here. For further information please contact:
Mary Barnett
Advocate
1372 Hinemoa Street
P O Box 728, Rotorua 3040
Phone: 07 349 8566
Mobile: 027 558 6565
Fax: 07 349 0530
Email: mary@imaginebetter.co.nz

Guideline Supplementary Paper May 2010

New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline Supplementary Evidence on Applied Behaviour Analysis to view the paper click here to be directed to the link.

29 June 2010

Ironman for Cam

Follow the progress of a father looking to complete his first ironman to raise awareness of Autism. To view the site click on the link http://www.ironmanforcam.blogspot.com/

24 June 2010

Supporting students with Asperger's Syndrome at University? – a free online resource!

A free online resource pack has been released to help educators working in Higher Education support students with Asperger's Syndrome. Designed to be flexible, it consists of a series of help guides tailored to staff roles, a resource booklet with advice/ideas and a video interview with a former university student (who has Asperger's Syndrome) talking about his experience of university life. To access the free resource, please see:
http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/physsci/home/pedagogicthemes/accessibility/aspergerssyndrome
Although the resource is published by the UK Physical Sciences Centre and is aimed at those working in Higher Education in the UK, much of it should be useful for those teaching in other subjects. The printed version is currently only available to those working at UK universities, but the online version (which contains electronic versions of all the material) is freely available at the above web page for anyone who is interested.

22 June 2010

3 News TV - Britain bans doctor who linked autism to vaccine

The doctor whose research linking autism and the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella influenced millions of parents to refuse the shot for their children has been banned from practicing medicine in his native Britain. To view the story click on the link http://www.3news.co.nz/World/Story/tabid/417/articleID/157415/Default.aspx

8 June 2010

CHRISTCHURCH – Mary Moody Respite Care (aged 5+)

For more information contact Carla on (03) 338 0252 (mobile)-021 252 3516 or visit their website on www.marymoodierespite.co.nz

June 2010

No One Alone Conference 20th – 22nd September 2010

Standard Plus "No One Alone Conference"

When: 20th – 22nd September 2010

Where: Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Auckland, New Zealand

The conference is seeking to address the issues of isolation and loneliness as major disabling factors in the lives of people with disabilities.

Registrations for this conference are now open. A PDF copy of the conference programme and registration form can be downloaded directly from their website. To find out more information on this conference check out their website. http://www.imaginebetter.co.nz/noa_reg.php

9 June 2010

CHRISTCHURCH 2nd Generation Workshop 8 - 10th Oct 2010

This workshop is specially designed for adult siblings who are interested in being an important part of the support and guidance of their disabled brother or sister.

To register your interest, please download the Expression of Interest form or if you have any questions please call toll free 0508 236236 or email national@parent2parent.org.nz

3 June 2010

Open Door: Autism Documentary

The Open Door: Autism documentary is now available online - anyone can now watch it for free on the NZ On Screen website.

Open Door is a community-based TV series where groups or individuals make a documentary about an issue that concerns them. This episode on Autism features interviews with parents of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The parents talk about how their children were diagnosed, how best to help them, how to be fair to their siblings, working with the school system, and dealing with public attitudes to Autism. There are currently around 40,000 New Zealanders diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Click on the link to view the show http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/open-door---autism-2009

3 June 2010

CCS Disability Action - 'Make a mother's day' Campaign

CCS Disability Action has launched a TV campaign called ‘Make a mother’s day’ which will run until the end of July. The commercial features a real kiwi mum going about a typical hectic day with her disabled son and sibling. While many mums get a bit of a break on Mother’s Day, the campaign highlights there are thousands of mums caring for disabled children who need emotional and practical support all year round.

To make a donation and to hear more from Andrea, the mother from the TV commercial, along with other stories from New Zealand families who face the challenges of caring for a child with a disability, visit the campaign www.makeamothersday.org.nz

3 June 2010

Making it Work Discussion Forum

This new forum is part of the Journey to Work project initiated by CCS Disability Action and Workbridge. The online discussion forum is to provide a place for people with disabilities to discuss their experiences of education and employment. Click here to download a word document with more of an explanation and an invitation to participate.

20 May 2010

Touch Compass Dance Trust

Touch Compass Dance Trust will perform in the Concert Chamber at the Auckland Town Hall from 18-21 August, 2010. The show has an equal number of disabled and non-disabled professional dancers. The show is funded from Creative New Zealand and ongoing fundraising to meet production costs.

Touch Compass is a charitable trust that has been operating for 12 years, pioneering inclusive professional dance in New Zealand. The company has 4 trustees and 2 full time employees and has disabled and non disabled dancers. Touch Compass aims to challenge audiences' perceptions about what is dance and who can dance. The company produces professional, memorable and spectacular aerial performances, as well as community, youth and tutor training workshops.

Watch Touch Compass on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/touchcompass. To receive information about the schools performance please see www.touchcompass.org.nz or contact Catherine on catherine@touchcompass.org.nz or ph. (09) 550 6464

20 May 2010

Autism Spectrum Quarterly Magazine

The Autism Spectrum Quarterly delivers well written, practical articles on everyday issues.

Your subscribtion will bring what you'd expect from a professional journal aimed at parents and professionals, with:

• Articles by, for, and about individuals with ASD

• Focus on families and family issues

• Reviews of books and resource materials

• A spotlight on best practices: Each issue will feature an educator, clinician, or paraprofessional whose work on behalf of those with ASD has been exemplary.

• Tips and practical strategies for dealing with a variety of situations

• Internationally renowned advisory board ensures that the information conveyed is of the highest quality

Your subscription of this worthwhile magazine can be purchased at $NZ 70.00 a year.
To order this subscription online click here or email: info@autismnz.org.nz or Phone: 0800 AUTISM (288 476) for more details.

2010

Play Behaviour Survey for PhD student

Karen O’Brien who spoke at our conference last year has her research project underway.
Karen is now working on her PhD on autism in Brisbane, and she is planning to come back to NZ to test some participants. If you would like to assist Karen with this project your help would be greatly appreciated.

The initial survey here http://surveys.psy.uq.edu.au/asdplaybehaviour.survey will be included on our website.

Anyone with a child 4-12 with ASD can fill it in, they do not need to participate in any future research.

Karen O'Brien BSc, BA, PGDipSci, MSc
PhD Candidate
School of Psychology
The University of Queensland

Telephone: (07) 3346 7326
Fax: (07) 3365 4466
Email: k.obrien@psy.uq.edu.au
Web: www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=1356

28 Apr 2008

Free information on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Here's a FREE resource that may be useful to many people on the autism spectrum, as well as for parents, relatives, spouses, caregivers, and friends of people on the spectrum.

Midnight In Chicago, a tourism and cultural initiative that raises funds and awareness for autism, has produced a series of FREE informative podcasts designed to provide factually correct information to the public on ASDs.

http://mic.mypodcast.com/

Topics to date have included:

Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders

AS and ASD Web Resources and Forum Communities

Special Feature Interview with Lewis Schofield (Thomas D. Taylor and Elyse Bruce talk with Lewis Schofield about Asperger Syndrome and more. This enchanting and enlightening interview covers a number of topics from his recent interview with world renown autistic author, Donna Williams to his views on life in general and quite a bit in between)

Asperger's Syndrome New Zealand - ASNZ

ASNZ is a small not-for-profit organisation run by and for Autistic people, specifically those with Asperger's Syndrome. The organisation is currently involved in representation, advocacy, information, listening, advice, referral, publicity and education from a consumer lived-experience perspective.
Website: www.asnz.exofire.net

20 May 2010

The University of Auckland and Carers New Zealand C.A.N. Study

The University of Auckland in conjuntion with Carers New Zealand conducted a study called C.A.N. (Carers Assessment of Needs). The aim of this study was to assess the areas which will assist the carers; Reduce the number of people entering residential facilities because of carer stress; Improve the satisfaction of people living at home.

To view the report from this study please click here to download the Word Document.

Dr Diane Jörgensen,
School of Nursing,
The University of Auckland,
PO Box 92019, Auckland
Email: d.jorgensen@auckland.ac.nz

1 June2010

The Couch

The Families Commission set up The Couch to hear the views of New Zealanders on issues relating to families.

It is part of our wider community engagement programme in which we regularly seek feedback from families, as well as community groups and organisations, through forums and meetings.

The responses from our polls and questionnaires will help us in our advocacy work to improve services and support for families, and improve our advice on proposed government policies.

The Families Commission is an advocate for the interests of New Zealand families. We are unique because we are legislated to focus on families generally, rather than individual families or cases. Our role is to promote the interests of all families and promote a better understanding of family issues and needs amongst government agencies and the wider community. To do this, we need to understand the issues affecting families. We listen to families, and organisations involved with them, to hear their views.

We also promote, commission and publish research into family issues, and contribute to the government’s policy development processes on family-related issues.

Go to: www.thecouch.org.nz

9 Jan 2008

Cloud 9 - Wellington

Cloud 9 Children's Foundation occasionally have a meet-up for Coffee and a Chat to discuss Childhood and Asperger's syndrome. Friendly ear guaranteed! Bring any info and ideas you have to share!

Call Bill on 04 232-4795 or email foundation@entercloud9.com for further information and dates. Office located at Tawa Community Centre.

Cloud 9
P O Box 51 176
Tawa, Wellington 5249
Website: http://www.withyoueverystepoftheway.com/

3 June 2010

Halberg Trust Activity Fund

Kerri has explained how we can apply for Halberg Trust funding, all the forms are there etc...
I have accepted her offer to come and speak to us all at a Support meeting earlier next year as I know there will be a lot of interest....needn't be just swimming, could be any sport...so this could be a great step forward if we start to avail our children of this support, as they often need a long time to gain skills and this can be costly over time.

If people already know of Instructors or coaches who have the skills and patience for our children, then please let me know as I can collate them and spread the info to everyone. Sometimes it is just too daunting to explore it all on your own and even if someone is listed in, say the Yellow Pages, or even school teachers. they may not have a clue about Autism!!!!

So lets get active!!!!

Contact Jo (Hawkes Bay) for more details: jo.b@slingshot.co.nz

29 Oct 2007

Who wants to go sailing then!!!? (Hawkes Bay)

Katy, who used to help on our Holiday Programme and works at Fairhaven:

"My partner Mark and I both sail and Mark has been involved in instructing before and is qualified to drive a rescue boat. There are sailing courses held regularly over 10 weeks, may be able to look into the possibility of having one/both of us as an extra support person especially for one of two of 'our' kids as part of a group, or doing a smaller group for just 'our kids'. the instructors are volunteers so there would be no extra cost there, there would be the standard course cost to cover and the small extra cost of taking out an extra rescue/coach boat.

If you think there could be an interest we will speak with the relevant people at the sailing club and see what possibilities are. Could be very exciting. I would love the oppertunity to get some of our kids out on the water."

Contact Jo for more details: jo.b@slingshot.co.nz

29 Oct 2007

Bullies undermining educational rights

LANE NICHOLS - The Dominion Post | Thursday, 10 May 2007

Children's rights to a quality education are being undermined by bullying, harassment and under-achievement, according to a new report on human rights.

The Human Rights Commission reviewed how New Zealand schools fared at safeguarding children's universal right to education.

It found significant problems with bullying, discrimination and harassment, a lack of systematic human rights education, cost barriers, and disproportionate participation and success rates.

A coalition including the commission, Amnesty International and the children's commissioner is now calling on the Government to rewrite national education guidelines governing schools to ensure children's educational opportunities meet international rights standards.

A report released this week recommends amending the guidelines so New Zealand's obligation are made clearer.

The guidelines dictate what schools must provide for education basics like pupil-learning programmes, literacy and numeracy, and physical activity.

The report says schools and preschools should become "human rights communities" that help young people know their rights and responsibilities, respect the rights of others and learn to value diversity.
It calls for principles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be made explicit in the country's education laws and policies.
Ministry chief executive Karen Sewell said she was yet to read the document. There were no plans to amend the guidelines.
Amnesty International executive director Ced Simpson said New Zealand fared well internationally on its human rights record and school achievement results. But an under-achieving "tail" were not getting the education they needed or deserved.

The recommendations, if implemented, would ensure educational rights and aspirations were made clear for pupils, schools and communities.
"Human rights are generally well respected in New Zealand. But if you just sort of accept that at face value, we ignore the human rights issues that do exist. For many New Zealand kids, there's poor access to an education that meets their needs."

A visiting British children's services official addressed yesterday's Education and Science select committee about a Hampshire schools' project that incorporates human rights principles into learning.

John Clarke said children as young as four were being taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It had resulted in less disruption and bullying, and improved academic results, he said.
"It's about teaching them that we all have rights, and because we have rights, we have responsibilities to respect the rights of others."

11 May 2007

ASD Guidelines

New resources on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are now available to help health and education practitioners recognise signs and symptoms of possible ASD, and decide what action to take. The information on this interactive website comes from the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline (NZ ASD Guideline). These free resources can be viewed or downloaded at www.asdguideline.com

27 May 2010

Featured Web-sites

A KIWI SITE FOR PEOPLE WITH ASPERGER'S
http://www.asplanet.info

A KIWI SITE FOR NEWS-STORIES-INFO-LINKS
http://www.humans.org.nz

27 May 2010

Free pictures you can use to make visual schedules

This website: www.do2learn.com offers free picture cards, games, activities and a wealth of educational information tailored to special needs families and educators. If you are looking for pictures for instruction visuals - you can print them straight off the web!! The company offers some items available for purchase but it is well worth a look.

Kathy Gerard has contacted us and she has offered to send fliers to you may share within your support groups, schools or elsewhere. Her son is eleven years old with special needs and they live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Email her at kathy@do2learn.com if you would like her to send fliers or more information.

30 Oct 2006

Otago based ASD Adult group for Aspies

Karen O'Brien has started an ASD Adult group online please click on the link below to join.

Try this one:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OtagoAspies/

10 May 2006

“A.S.K.” (Autism Spectrum Kiwis)

“A.S.K.” (Autism Spectrum Kiwis) Trust is a New Zealand support group, with international links, run by and for adults on the autism spectrum. It is a charitable trust, whose prime role is as a support group, providing members with newsletters, a library service, opportunities to meet, and a resource of “insider perspectives”. For further information contact A.S.K. Trust, Box 4206, Christchurch, email info@asknz.net or view our new website, www.asknz.net

22 Feb 2010

Training opportunity to help people with disabilty access information and communication technologies

Are you working in a paid or unpaid (volunteer) capacity in a whanau, hapu or community project which provides people with the opportunity to learn how to use information and communication technology?

The Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation (UPLIFT) is part of a worldwide Microsoft Unlimited Potential Grant Scheme, which aims to increase computer literacy amongst under served communities. This will be achieved by a series of free courses with the course content adapted to the specific needs of each community. In addition, Microsoft New Zealand has donated a large sum towards the provision of their software to non-profit organisations.

Applications from projects serving people with disability are considered one of the priority areas. This initiative has the potential to provide real opportunities for the disability community to develop information and communication projects and businesses initiatives.

Courses are available around the country. The application deadline for the first course in Auckland is 28 February 2006.

For eligibility criteria, application pack, course locations and dates, contact:
UPLIFT Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Private Bag 50910, PORIRUA.
Freephone 0800 944 847.
Email UPLIFT@whitireia.ac.nz
Website:
http://www.microsoft.com/nz/citizenship/giving/up/default.mspx#upgetinvolved

24 Jan 2006

No Bully website

Bullying is all too often part of the way young people interact in our society and in our schools. Every school must recognise its extent and impact and take steps to stop bullying from happening. When bullying is ignored or downplayed, pupils suffer ongoing torment and harassment. Bullying can cause life long damage to victims. A school's failure to deal with bullying endangers the safety of all its pupils by allowing a hostile environment to interfere with learning. There is clear, unambiguous evidence that school action can dramatically reduce the incidence of bullying.

Telecom and the New Zealand Police have teamed up in New Zealand to provide information to parents/ caregivers, teachers and children about bullying. The website: www.nobully.org.nz contains useful information about the characteristics of bullies and their victims, and provides resources links to other related information. There is a 4 Teachers/Grown-ups section of the website aimed at teachers, parents and other caregivers.

Kia Kaha is a whole school approach to eliminate bullying. It aims to help schools create environments where everyone feels safe, respected and valued, and where bullying cannot flourish. This intervention consists of an Implementation Book Kia Kaha in Your School — a working booklet, (one for primary and one for secondary) which gives a step-by-step guide to putting the whole school approach in place, and four curriculum programmes.

The General Objectives of Kia Kaha are:

1. Students, parents, caregivers and teachers recognise that bullying and harassment are unacceptable and will take steps to see that it does not occur in their school.
2. Students, parents, caregivers and teachers will work together to create a safe learning environment, based on mutual respect, tolerance and a respect for diversity.

Schools should create a 'telling environment'. Every member of the school community must expect that bullying will be reported, and that it is safe to tell. Once a report has been made this must be acted on, in the way outlined in the school policy.

Bullying is never the victim's fault.
Nobody deserves to be bullied.

www.nobully.org.nz

11 Aug 2005

Training Programmes

Autism New Zealand runs various training programmes for families, carers and professionals. Please see the training and conferences page for details on future training programmes.

20 May 2010

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