Local Branches: Wanganui
Address: Postal 141A Ikitara Road, Wanganui
Phone: (06) 343 2082
Fax: (06) 343 8253
Email: Wanganui@autismnz.org.nz
Welcome to the web page for the Wanganui Branch of Autism NZ Inc. We are a small group of parents and caregivers who work on a voluntary basis offering support and information to parents, caregivers, relatives, friends, teaching professionals and any other persons interested in, and concerned for, children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder within the Wanganui District.
If you would like to make contact with the branch, please ring any of the numbers listed, leave a message if necessary, and we will get back to you.
CURRENT WANGANUI BRANCH COMMITTEE:
Raewyn Sharrock
Co-chairperson/Librarian
Ph 343 6665
Peter Smith
Co-chairperson/Newsletter Co-ordinator
Ph 343 8263
Clare Isted
Secretary
Ph 343 2082
Stewart Mead
Treasurer
Kathryn Barnes
Grants/Funding Co-ordinator
Nic Welch
Committee
Sandor Chernoff
Committee
Our next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 August 2008 at 7pm at 141A Ikitara Road, Wanganui. Any of our members are welcome to attend.
Some of the services we provide are:
LIBRARY:
Our branch has an excellent library of books, as well as some videos, DVDs and audio tapes. For a list, or to view the library, please contact Raewyn on the number above.
PARENT SUPPORT MEETINGS:
We hold regular get-togethers for parents/caregivers and any other interested persons. The dates for these are advertised in our newsletter and check further details below. Those attending find the opportunity of sharing experiences, strategies etc very useful as we all have something to offer each other in support of our family member(s) on the Autism Spectrum.
NEWSLETTERS:
We produce a newsletter bi-monthly informing members of branch activities and training opportunities, personal stories of interest, articles regarding other organisations or courses attended, updates regarding the library, and in addition, other relevant meetings/ activities happening in the area. Members are welcome to submit contributions. If you would like to be placed on this mailing list, please contact Peter Smith on the number above.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITY FOR THE CHILDREN:
Each school holidays, usually once a week, or other suitable times during the term, our branch hires out the Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club and we hold a fun session for our children. It is mostly free play and some structured games for those who want to join in. There is no cost to the families who attend these sessions. Parents/caregivers need to stay during the session as there is no paid staff. It is a great opportunity to interact and have a fun time with your child/ren. Siblings are welcome to join in also.
Our next sessions for this will be held on:
Wednesday 9 & 16 July 2008 between 3pm - 4.30pm
For more details contact the branch.
EVENTS COMING UP:
Family Swim – Sunday 27 July at 2.00pm
at Oasis Motor Lodge, 181 Great North Road, Wanganui
Bring the children and come along for a swim in a nice well-heated indoor pool. There is no problem here with having to chase after your children to ensure their safety, it is a small pool area, all enclosed, and you can keep an eye on your children easily. There is no changing area however, so come along with your togs on under your clothes. We will pay your entry into the pool, so come straight to the pool area when you arrive. There will be some pool toys to play with, but bring some along as well if you would like to.
If you need any information about any of these activities,
feel free to give Raewyn a ring on the number above.
WANGANUI DIRECTORY OF INFORMATION & SERVICES
How to Get a Diagnosis:
Contact your local GP for referral to a Paediatrician. If the young person is over 12 years of age, obtain a referral to Child, Adolescent and Family Services.
Who to Contact when you get a Diagnosis:
- Autism NZ Wanganui Branch for support.
- WINZ (Work & Income NZ): contact your local office.
You may be entitled to a Child Disability Allowance (a fortnightly payment of approx $71.50 non-taxable & not means tested). From age 16 years check entitlement to Invalids Benefit. Also check entitlement to a Community Services Card and Disability Allowance (means tested) for medical costs related to the disability.
Needs Assessment Agency:
Sommerville Centre
45 Campbell Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 345-0566
They provide a "needs assessment" to assist people identify their support needs and design an individual package to meet those needs including funding. They may provide funding towards the costs of Respite Care Services/ Carer Relief, so that you can have someone look after the person with ASD to give you a break.
Ministry of Education Services:
Group Special Education
249 Victoria Ave, Wanganui
Tel 06 345 5224
They provide services in the Early Childhood Sector and Schools providing help and support for children, parents and teachers when a child has learning difficulties.
Services available include: RTLB teachers, speech language therapists and an early childhood team.
Special Education Facilitator
Tel 06 349 6300
Assists students/parents/schools with communication issues that occur from time to time between home & school.
Employment/Work Assistance:
Workbridge Inc
373 Victoria Ave, Wanganui
Tel 06 348 0352
Sommerville Abilities Centre
45 Campbell Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 345 0566
Provides a specialist job placement service and has career planning and assistance with training opportunities to anyone with a disability.
Residential/Supported Independent Living Services:
IDEA Services (IHC)
46 Alma Road, Wanganui
Tel 06 348 7060
E-mail Wanganui@ihc.org.nz
They offer a variety of residential choices as well as vocational services aimed at maximising people's participation in society. Provides foster care, contract board, respite care, home support, shared care, vocational and day activities, residential homes, behaviour support and supported living and employment.
NZ Care Group
Tel Toll free 0800 692273
A division of HealthCare NZ. They provide residential services with the aim to give client's as much autonomy and control in living their day to day lives as possible. They also provide activity programmes and offer Supported Independent Living services.
Legal Issues:
Community Legal Advice Whanganui (CLAW)
72A Guyton Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 348 8288
E-mail claw@claw.co.nz
Free legal advice
Other Services/Useful Information:
Sommerville Abilities Centre
45 Campbell Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 345 0566
Website www.sommerville.org.nz
E-mail special@sommerville.org.nz
Services the centre provides includes:
- Family Support
- Carer Co-ordination
- Early childhood
- Abilities Centre. Vocational/Life Skills
- Information Service
- Disability Awareness Programmes
- Total Mobility
- Disability Parking Identification Cards
- After school computer and dance programmes
- School Holiday programme
Whanganui Disability Resource Centre
P O Box 102, 28 Churton Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 347 1176
E-mail: wdrc@whanganuidrc.org.nz
- Disability information (benefits, agencies, mobility, leisure, education, disabilities, services, legislation, access, health, employment, literature, professional, practice, therapeutics, equipment)
- Supported Employment (training and education opportunities)
Tautoko Services:
Tel (06) 368 2611 and fax (06) 368 2612
Website www.tautoko.org.nz
E-mail tautoko2@xtra.co.nz
Tautoko is a service available to support children or adults with an intellectual disability whose behaviour is challenging. They support people on the Autistic Spectrum. After referral you will be allocated a co-ordinator who will work with you and your support network to:
« Assess your needs and circumstances and develop an individual behavioural support plan
« Provide individual support and consultation
« Advise and assist in service planning and development
« Provide training
« Assist in the access of resources
Tautoko Services also run training courses and workshops in Challenging Behaviours, Social Skills, Effective Teaching, Sexual Issues etc. The nearest venue would be Palmerston North, and training information, dates etc can be obtained from the website.
Disabled Persons Assembly - National Office
P O Box 27524, Level 4, 173 Victoria Street, Wellington
Tel 04 801 9100
DPA is an umbrella organisation representing people with all types of impairments - physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and neurological, acquired at any stage of life. DPA is concerned with the systemic issues affecting all people with disabilities. DPA's role is to lobby for change and the rights of the disabled people.
Disabled Persons Assembly - Wanganui
Room 207, Community House, 53a Ridgway Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 347 1176
Advocacy Network Services
59 Ridgway Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 348 0074
Provides an advocacy service for health and disability issues, and will refer on to relevant agency if necessary.
Cloud 9 Children's Foundation (Asperger Syndrome)
Website: www.withyoueverystepoftheway.com
Parent to Parent
Contact AJ Weston, 6 Karaka Street, Wanganui
Tel 06 344 8161
E-mail adrianweston@xtra.co.nz
Provides information and support network for parents of children with special needs.
Illusions Multi Sensory Room
1 Moore Avenue, Wanganui
Contact Rachael Phillips Tel 06 347 9736 or 027 310 7824
E-mail windsong@ihug.co.nz
The centre offers sensory assessments and behavioural support programmes in a specially designed environment.
Founders Care Trust Board
P O Box 4236, Wanganui
Tel 06 345 5663
E-mail founderscare@xtra.co.nz
Residential care for people with learning disabilities.
Health Alternatives
Gluten & casein free diets see www.autismdiet.com or www.doctorgluten.com
Whanganui District Health Board - Continence Nurse
For support with continence issues, and supplies of nappies. Obtain referral from your GP or Paediatrician.
Sport/Recreation:
Riding For the Disabled/Therapeutic riding
Contact Trudy Tel 06 347 1542
Provides horse-riding opportunities to facilitate the training and rehabilitation of disabled persons whose physical and mental health is likely to benefit from such participation.
Halberg Trust
Sport and Recreation Wanganui, 40 Maria Place Ext, Wanganui
Tel 06 348 1440
Refer for financial contribution towards individual training/participation in sport i.e. swimming lessons, tennis etc.
Swimming
Swimming lessons for children and young people with ASD. Can access individual 1:1 lessons at the Splash Centre.
Tel 06 349 0113
Autism Wanganui Support Group:
For details of meetings contact Raewyn Tel 06 343 6665
or check out details on our website www.autismnz.org.nz
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