Developing Life Skills

“Most adults don’t have someone making their decisions for them, why should I be any different just because I have a disability? Because I have a label attached to me?”

They have already achieved so much and have set their own goals. They learn so much by living together in a supported environment and have a lot of fun.

This is Dylan. He finished school last year and, just like many other young men, had always dreamed of moving out of home and into a flat.

“I refuse to let my disability stop me. The day I do - I’ll be dead.” …Intelligent and inspiring, but to the point, that’s how my interview with Peter McTavish started, and was the flavour of how it was to continue.

Riding along on a bike, with the wind in your hair, has got to be one of the most freeing sensations that we can experience. However, for Allan - who as well as being both severely intellectually disabled and autistic…

You might recognise Kevin from Pak’n’Save Te Awamutu. What you don’t probably know about Kevin is that he is supported by his very caring family, and ConneXu…

Sherryl and Terry Phillips can now enjoy each other's company in their retirement years, with the freedom of holidaying together when they want to….

Axel has been living in his own Tauranga flat with a ConneXu supporter for a year now. Axel was new to ConneXu when he first moved in and has always needed high levels of support.

Melissa and Gabbie used to live at home, but as many young people do when independence beckons, both longed to go flatting…

Bethany contracted meningitis when she was only a few hours old. This left her with left-sided hemiplegia, which significantly affects her memory, meaning she often can’t keep track of what she’s doing in her daily life.

Gabbie has autism and life hasn’t always been easy. She lived with her family, and although they enjoy a great relationship, living at home didn’t give her the opportunities she wanted.

Hi – I am Damian and I would like to share with you how life has been for me since I moved to receive facilitation from ConneXu.

My name is Helen. I have lived in my own home on my own for the last 16 years in Te Awamutu. I don’t know what I would have done without ConneXu.

While being supported by ConneXu over the past few years, I have learnt so many new skills to help myself to live a better life.

Toby’s association with ConneXu started badly. He had a sudden loss of confidence and left the introductory interview almost before he arrived…

Wendy Payton is on a journey of growth and self-discovery, which all started when she recently undertook a FUNOGOFI (see picture).

Soon after moving into his flat, with support from ConneXu, Corey decided he was going to learn to cook.

The Team that work with Joel decided that as he really enjoyed walking, he might like to participate in the Te Awamutu 5km Fun Walkathon.

Today I am very excited as I am going off on my holiday. After my breakfast and packing the rest of my things into the car, we said Goodbye to everyone and set off.