People First NZ advocate for inclusion during learning disability workshop at NZSE

NZSE College was delighted to host a People First disability workshop recently in our Koru Room for our future-support workers studying healthcare.

People First New Zealand is a Disabled People’s Organisation which is run for and by people with learning disabilities. They have a range of services and groups that encourage a more inclusive society. Sarah and Roz from People First NZ visited NZSE and introduced our learners to the “Enabling Good Lives” approach, which advocates for community inclusion for all disabled people.

The bricks of New Zealand’s historical institutions that saw disabilities as a flaw may be gone, but that attitude still lingers today, said Sarah and Roz during their workshop. To combat this mindset, People First is all about self-advocacy and the right to living an ordinary life.

During an interactive workshop, Sarah and Roz used a fantastic analogy to explain the importance of autonomy — four students acted out a car journey, with two bossy back-seat passengers, and a front-seat passenger with a map. They all have ideas on where the driver should go, they even have resources, but the journey is ultimately up to the driver. This physical demonstration of self-determination was extremely effective at stressing the importance of respect and dignity in support roles.

Our students were very engaged in the discussions and walked away with a better understanding on fostering respectful, inclusive environments for people of all ability. It’s always a pleasure to host meaningful workshops like this, which equip our students with the practical tools and compassionate perspectives they’ll carry into their future careers.

Find out more about People First NZ here.