Video Library

This video tells the story of Alison, who experienced a traumatic childhood and spent 50 years in New Zealand institutions. Citizen advocacy played a crucial role in her life, helping her secure her own home [07:32] and supporting her transition to independent living [08:16]. Her advocate helped her take responsibility for getting the life she wanted [08:41], and they continue to meet regularly as friends [11:04]. After leaving the institutions, Alison fought for her rights and eventually received an apology and compensation for her mistreatment. The video highlights her journey towards a better life and her advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities.

A video explains that trained volunteers called citizen advocates offer individual support to help people get information and have their voices heard on important issues. This support can happen through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings.

This video discusses how being involved in the community helps people with intellectual disabilities feel good about themselves and more confident. It explains that when society has low expectations, it can hold people back, but when we have higher expectations and offer opportunities, people with intellectual disabilities can grow and feel proud

This workshop introduces Social Role Valorisation (SRV), which focuses on improving the lives of individuals who experience social exclusion by helping them feel valued and included in society. The workshop aims to provide a clear vision and practical strategies for creating positive change, offering a sense of direction for those affected by these issues

This video highlights the challenges and discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities in New Zealand. It emphasizes the need for equal rights, respect, and inclusion for disabled people in all aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and community participation. The video calls for collective action from the government, local services, families, and all New Zealanders to ensure that disabled people have a good life and their needs are met.

Jane Sherwin discusses Social Role Valorization. She asks the audience if they are involved in the life of someone who is marginalized or vulnerable. The video highlights the importance of understanding the impacts of social devaluation. It emphasizes that people in valued roles are more likely to have access to the good things in life and touches on various aspects to consider in assisting people to be in valued roles, such as skill development and creating positive environments.

This video explains citizen advocacy, where a vulnerable person is paired with a dedicated advocate from the community to support and defend their interests. These relationships are often long-lasting and built on trust. Citizen advocacy can achieve things that paid work cannot, and it brings together someone with a disability who needs support with a community member willing to commit to being their supporter.

This video discusses how an advocate can positively impact the life of a vulnerable person with a disability. The presence of an advocate can deter abuse, ensure the person’s interests are represented, and help them move from a devalued to a valued position in society. Advocates offer protection, especially for those without family support.

This video discusses how advocacy involves preventative measures, not just reacting to negative situations. Advocates should anticipate potential risks and be aware of vulnerabilities. An advocate’s primary loyalty is to the person they represent. Independence is crucial, as it allows the advocate to act vigorously and take necessary actions to resolve issues. Other parties recognize the advocate’s independence and potential to escalate the issue if needed. Having an advocate with divided loyalty can undermine the effectiveness of the advocacy.

This video discusses the various roles advocates play in supporting vulnerable individuals with disabilities. These roles can range from practical assistance, such as securing housing or better services, to providing emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. The video highlights the unique and valuable aspects of unpaid advocacy, emphasizing the importance of freely given commitment, friendship, and the potential for long-term, supportive relationships that paid staff cannot fully replicate. These advocacy relationships aim to reduce the dependence on service systems and integrate individuals into naturally occurring social and community roles.

This video powerfully illustrates how low expectations and assumptions can limit the opportunities and achievements of individuals, specifically highlighting examples related to people with Down syndrome. It emphasizes the importance of challenging preconceived notions and recognizing the inherent potential within everyone. By assuming capability and providing opportunities, society can empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to lead fuller, more independent, and more meaningful lives.

This video highlights how the “Enabling Good Lives” program has positively impacted the lives of individuals with disabilities. It features testimonials from people with disabilities and their families, who share how the program has provided them with more flexibility, freedom, and control over their lives. The program has helped them to achieve their goals, participate in activities they enjoy, and live more fulfilling lives. The video also emphasizes the importance of everyone having access to this type of support system.

The video explains the principles of Enabling Good Lives. These principles include self-determination, starting early, being person-centered, focusing on ordinary life outcomes, prioritizing mainstream options, enhancing mana (dignity), ensuring ease of use, and building relationships.

The video explains the core ideas behind the “Key Messages” and is delivered in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).