Happy 20th birthday to Yes Disability! Twenty years ago, Yes Disability Resource Centre (then known as North Shore Life Centre) opened its doors. Two decades later, thousands of families have been supported, and numerous organisations have been housed in our affordable and accessible office spaces. Over 1000 youth have participated in and developed initiatives such as I.Lead, I.Drive, I.Employ, I.Power, I.Pride, and I.Empower.

To celebrate, an event was hosted to acknowledge the funders, volunteers, board members, staff, and the many other generous supporters who have made this milestone possible. This event was also used as an opportunity to launch our endowment fund, designed to protect the Legacy of Yes and Shore Junction by providing a predictable and sustainable income during times of uncertainty.
"Our ultimate dream is a future where centres like ours are no longer necessary because disabled people are fully included in society and equity is a given. But, until that day, Yes will remain – driven by disabled people, partnered with non-disabled champions, and making a lasting difference." (Sonia, Yes CEO.)

Jaden, deputy chair of the national and Auckland committees, was invited to present at the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability in Hawaii on behalf of I.Lead. Jaden presented on the importance of youth-led leadership, especially within the disability sector. Jaden's presentation sparked conversations surrounding how few disability initiatives internationally are genuinely driven by disabled young people, with New Zealand and I.Lead leading the way.

I.Lead's 2026 Showcase Days are on a roll! So far, we have hosted showcases in Auckland, Christchurch, Blenheim, and Whangārei. Ngā mihi to everyone who came along to learn more about our mahi and how to get involved. We have further upcoming Showcase Days in Dunedin, Tauranga, Invercargill, Waikato, Manawatū, and Wellington. I.Lead’s Showcase Days are an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow our disabled youth-led movement across Aotearoa. This roadshow of events is designed to introduce new members, partners, and supporters to I.Lead, while highlighting the impact, leadership, and advocacy driven by disabled young people in our communities. Want to know more about our Showcase Days? You can learn more via the I.Lead website. 

Congratulations to everyone who passed their learners' tests at our VTNZ Mobile Testing Unit Day! I.Drive brought VTNZ to Yes Disability Albany so that our I.Drive participants could take their learners' tests in an environment that was familiar and comfortable for them. This event was a huge success, and we are looking into having another one again soon! Jaden, a previous testing day attendee, stated, “I wouldn’t do the test any other way. I think doing the test in a relaxed environment gave me the space to be around people I know, in a place that I’m familiar with. Definitely reduced the nerves quite a lot, and they were really accessible in terms of disability, and I think the partnership is fantastic!”

For more information about our programmes and upcoming events, check out our websites and social media. 
Website: ilead.org.nz
Facebook - facebook.com/ileadconferencenz 
Instagram - instagram.com/i.leadnz/
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@i.lead
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/i-lead-org