Enliven Disability | Discovering YOU
Strength, not deficit: Everyone can contribute to our region, we need to acknowledge disabled people for their capabilities, not their limitations.
In New Zealand and the world, disabled people are defined by limitations. The real issue is that our society, systems, and environments are not set up for a lot of people. This is the heart of the social model of disability: it’s not a person’s impairment that disables them, but the barriers and attitudes around us. When spaces are designed without accessibility, and when assumptions and prejudices shape how people get treated, that’s what creates disability in Hawke’s Bay.
In many cultures, disability isn’t seen as less, but as a difference woven into the fabric of the community. Everybody has a place, and all of our gifts are needed. There is no deficit, only diversity.
In ‘mainstream’ society, disabled people are often underestimated and undervalued. Many people engage only if it’s comfortable, or they dismiss or avoid fellow citizens entirely. What’s always missed is the immense potential disabled people bring to our communities, and the lessons they can teach us all.
The truth
At Enliven Disability, we don’t serve disheartened people. We’re privileged to journey alongside some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest locals who possess qualities to revere. The people we see are strong, valuable, and worthy of your respect. We see a person, not a label or diagnosis. We celebrate character traits that many aspire to have such as patience, joy, and resilience. Our clients speak their minds, show their emotions openly, and have the freedom not to present themselves in a particular way. They light up a room, are sociable, and bring a realness to every interaction. They’re determined and committed, proving others wrong when told they cannot do something.
These are locals with strong values, who are adventurous, brave, and at times hilariously funny. They’re humble, and are more understanding of others than most.
Feedback from anyone who’s met the people we serve is consistent: people tell us they feel they’re better humans for knowing them. They’ve learned to slow down, notice and enjoy the simple, joyful things, be much more accepting and judge less. We’ve seen Enliven Disability flatters and students teach others to practice gratitude and appreciate individuality and accept themselves. They change lives and perspectives, and ensure societies are reminded that all people are worthy.
Lessons if you’re willing to look
Discovering people reminds us that giving your full presence is a luxury in a busy world. The people we serve show us the power of forgiveness, grace, and love. Some are gardening gurus, others excel at crafts, and many are well known for their friendliness.
Some of the construction team at Rowan Apartments said the best part of their day was being greeted by flatters in the morning!
A lot of disabled people don’t like to be seen as inspiring, especially for everyday activities, but some people are proud to inspire others with their academic and advocacy achievements. Many have made big sacrifices for their families, are committed and loving partners, and, despite daily challenges, show patience to others. These evolved human qualities are who a person is and are often developed further from enduring disappointment, restriction, exclusion, and a fight to be seen in environments that have not been designed for many people’s needs.
Rethink and relate
So, here’s a gentle challenge. Learn from people you see this week, anyone, pause to consider their full story. Discover what’s behind what you think you know. What are their dreams, talents, and desires? What do they care deeply about? What practical skills do they enjoy sharing? What is their history, heritage, and identity? These gifts are unlimited, and sometimes need to be gently uncovered and carefully shared. Get to know a person’s heart, mind, spirit. When we invest time in really getting to know people, we help each other build a picture of ourselves as a whole person. This is a lifelong process for all of us.
See the strength in humanity
At Enliven Disability, we work alongside remarkable people, we help individuals, staff, and supporters to explore and experience their good life.
When you donate, you help to remove barriers, enable participation, and make independence possible for valuable locals. Your support says, ‘You are worthy of the vision and work behind our services.’
If you help to make our region a better place for disabled people, a place where every citizen is seen and equally valued, then you also help make it a better place for everyone.
To learn more or donate, visit enlivendisability.org.nz
