As the frost has melted away, I.Lead has been using the better weather as an opportunity to engage with the wider community.

In early September, members of I.Lead attended both the Transition Expo and Power in the Park. Auckland’s Transition Expo helps young people (14-30 years old) and their families navigate the shift from school to adulthood by showcasing the range of opportunities available after student life. Power in the Park (hosted at Eden Park) was an engaging community open day that showcased different elements of disability including mobility aids, support services, accessible sports, and more. The Auckland I.Lead members enjoyed attending both these events and connecting with the community,

With I.Lead’s regional committees in full swing, a new national I.Lead committee has been established. The national committee will meet a minimum of ?? times a year, enabling members from across the country to collaborate on nationwide I.Lead projects.

The national committee contains nominated members from the Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, and Dunedin regional committees. Our regional I.Lead committees enable members aged 16-30, who identify as disabled, to facilitate projects within their area, develop programmes and initiatives for local I.Lead members; and attend expos and conferences. Currently, we are working to establish additional committees in regions including Hawkes Bay, Blenheim, Christchurch, and Whangarei. If you are interested in becoming a regional committee member, reach out via social media or email us at ilead@yesdisability.org.nz.

September brought with it I.Lead’s second-ever William Pike Challenge. The participants walked the Opanuku Twin Streams Path, totalling eight kilometres. Over the next six months, the I.Lead WPC participants (all with various ability levels) will be encouraged to get inspired by the outdoors; building their resilience, wellbeing, confidence, and skills through outdoor adventures, community service, and passion projects. Disabled youth are often used to feeling left out of exciting opportunities and adventures, making this programme a game-changer. Participants, no matter their abilities or skill level, will have the opportunity to go sailing, rock climbing, nature-walking, and more.

After the success of our first Dunedin I.Drive workshop, we hosted our second Dunedin I.Drive workshop in September. Originating in the North Shore of Auckland, I.Drive now hosts courses in Auckland’s North Shore, South Auckland, and Dunedin; with the first Hamilton workshop coming in October, and Wellington I.Drive in the works! I.Drive is well on its journey of expanding throughout the country. This will allow I.Drive the opportunity to reach more young disabled people in need of our support in attaining their licences.

For more information about our programmes and upcoming events, check out our websites and social media.