What Connectors can do

Kaitūhono/Connectors are allies for disabled people and whānau, and they can:

Build relationships by:

• taking the time to build a trusting relationship with you
• supporting you to explore the options to build connections with the community.

Support self-determination by:

• recognising that you are the expert in your life
• supporting the disabled person’s perspective as the main view, while valuing and considering other people’s views, like the family and whānau.

Support ordinary life outcomes by:

• assisting you to have a vision that focuses on what’s important to you
• supporting you to explore a range of life opportunities
• supporting you to make choices and decisions
• supporting you to apply for funding.

Begin early by:

• taking the initiative to build a trusting relationship with you
• looking ahead and supporting you to plan for changes, like starting school, or moving into a flat.

Take a person-directed approach by:

• acknowledging all parts of your life are important, including your family and whānau
• considering all the different things that make up your well-being
• taking a holistic approach in supporting you to think about what you want in your life.

Be mana enhancing in the way they work by:

• recognising your strengths and supporting you to think about what you can contribute to your community
• tailoring their approach to suit your identity and preferences.

Help to identify universal and community-based options:

• encouraging you to look at community-based options to support you to do the things you want to do
• assisting you to access the supports available from government agencies.

Connectors cannot, and will not:

• make decisions for you
• be your friend
• be your support worker
• intervene in family issues
• take over your natural authority over your life, your choices and your decision
• make decisions about your funding
• have a vested interest in decisions and choices you make
• think they know what’s best for you and your life.

Choosing a Connector

There are three options for choosing a Connector.

Find out your options for working with a Connector

Meeting a Connector for the first time

We also have some information about your first meeting with a Connector.

Read about the first meeting with your Connector