Designed for a Good Life

Growing Together Website Review


Episode 1 Growing Together Website Review

In this episode, we explore the Growing Together website, which focuses on restoring capacity, building knowledge and skills, and strengthening family networks for disabled individuals and their families. We highlight the importance of international collaboration and learning, showing how disabled people can claim their citizenship and create a fulfilling life by drawing on global experiences and resources. Tune in to learn how families can support one another and build a stronger foundation for a good life, grounded in shared knowledge and community.


Designed for a Good Life

Introduction to Enabling Good Lives


Episode 2 Introduction to Enabling Good Lives 

In this episode, we discuss the transformative impact of the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach in New Zealand’s disability support system. By prioritizing choice, control, and collaboration, EGL seeks to empower disabled individuals and their families to lead fulfilling lives, fully integrated into their communities. Join us as we explore how this shift is reshaping support, fostering independence, and creating opportunities for a more inclusive future for all. 

Designed for a Good Life

Focus on Early Childhood


Episode 3 Focus on Early Childhood

In this episode, we focus on the critical early childhood years, a time before children begin school but where the foundation for their future is built. While it may feel early to think about your child's future, the transition to school and adulthood happens quickly. We explore how the Charting the LifeCourse framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for supporting early childhood development. By embracing its principles and fostering collaboration between families, professionals, and communities, we can create a nurturing environment where all children can reach their full potential.



Designed for a Good Life

Focus on School Age


Episode 4 Focus on School Age

In this episode, we provide a practical guide for parents of school-aged children, especially those with disabilities, on how to support their children's growth and prepare them for adulthood. We discuss the importance of fostering opportunities for social development, community involvement, healthcare literacy, safety, and leadership skills. We also explore how parents can tap into available resources, connect with other families, and recognize that they are not alone in this journey. Tune in for valuable insights to help you empower your child's path to a fulfilling future.




Designed for a Good Life

Focus on Transition to Adulthood


Episode 5 Focus on Transition to Adulthood

In this episode, we dive into the transition from childhood to young adulthood, focusing on the critical shift from school to adult life. Transition is a time of change, growth, excitement, and often, uncertainty. We discuss the many aspects to consider and steps to take in preparing for this transformative stage, including key life experiences to explore and important questions to ask. Whether you're feeling excited or overwhelmed, this conversation offers insights and guidance to help navigate the path to adulthood with confidence.




Designed for a Good Life

Focus on Adulthood


Episode 6 Focus on Adulthood

In this episode, we focus on the journey through adulthood, the longest stage of life that begins after transitioning from school and childhood into the later years. Though the school years are behind us, adulthood offers ongoing opportunities for learning, growth, and personal development. Join us as we explore how to make the most of this dynamic life stage, embracing new experiences and challenges along the way.




Designed for a Good Life

Focus on Aging


Episode 7  Focus on Aging

In this episode, we focus on aging, a stage of life marked by slowing down and facing age-related changes. Retirement can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and the support systems we’ve relied on may shift as friends and family grow older. We discuss how the experiences and choices you make can shape a fulfilling and meaningful life during your golden years, helping you embrace this stage with purpose and joy.




Designed for a Good Life

Person-Centered Emergency Preparedness


Episode 8  Person-Centered Emergency Preparedness

In this episode, we focus on the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) framework. It is a four-step guide for people with disabilities who want to create personalized emergency plans. By encouraging people with disabilities to plan for various scenarios, the framework aims to address the challenges they often face during emergencies, including difficulties with evacuation, support network disruptions, and access to equipment and information.

Link to the Person-Centered Emergency Preparedness WORKBOOK




Designed for a Good Life

Palmerston North City Council Disability Advocacy


Special Interest Podcast Palmerston North City Council Disability Advocacy

The Palmerston North City Council, following the example of the Dunedin City Council, has unanimously voted to write a letter to the Minister of Disability Issues, requesting that she reinstate the flexible funding and allow disabled people to manage their support systems as they see fit.

Link to the council livestream here PNCC Livestream

Designed for a Good Life

Is NZ Undermining the Lives of Disabled Individuals?


Special Interest Podcast   Is NZ Undermining the Lives of Disabled Individuals?

In this episode, we tackle the growing concerns surrounding the New Zealand government’s recent changes to disability support services. Critics argue that funding cuts and shifts in service delivery are undermining the lives of disabled individuals and their families, creating an unfair and unsustainable system. Join us as we explore the impact of these changes, what they mean for the future of disability support, and the urgent need for a more equitable and sustainable approach.

Designed for a Good Life

Moral Injury to Moral Courage


Special Interest Episode  Moral Injury to Moral Courage

In this episode, we delve into the distress caused by recent changes to New Zealand’s disability support system. Have you been wondering why these changes feel so unsettling? We explore the unseen impact—how funding cuts and restrictive rules create ethical dilemmas, violating the rights of disabled individuals, families, and providers. This moral injury erodes trust, harms mental health, and makes it harder to deliver the respectful, compassionate care that everyone deserves. Tune in to uncover the deeper wounds behind these policy shifts and their far-reaching effects.