Personal stories
He kōrero whaiaro
SAFEGUARDING / WHAKAHAUMARUTIA
Through these safeguarding stories, VisAble has included factual safeguarding experiences - with people’s names and places changed to maintain their privacy. We’ve called this section He Kōrero Whaiaro – meaning ‘actual experiences’.
The safeguarding stories provided here are about real people and their real situations of concern. In sharing these stories, VisAble has sought to honour the mana and courage of these disabled people. We thank them for allowing their stories to be told.
Eva’s Story / He kōrero whaiaro: Freedom from Fear and Control
Eva’s Story / Kōrero pono: Freedom from Fear and Control:
Aged 40, Eva lived overseas with her mum and was loved and respected. Eva had learning disabilities and autism. She took longer to process information and reach decisions, but she was very capable of making her own choices. Life was good!
Keira’s Story / He kōrero whaiaro: A Safer Future, One Step at a Time
Keira’s Story: A Safer Future, One Step at a Time
Keira is a 21-year-old woman with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and an intellectual disability. She’s navigating life on her own in Kāinga Ora housing, while also dealing with ongoing family violence
Mary’s Story / He kōrero whaiaro: Being Heard, Being Valued
Mary’s Story: Being Heard, Being Valued
Mary is a 21-year-old Pākehā woman who lights up when talking about sports. She lives in a residential care home and uses sounds and personalised signs to communicate. Raised in Oranga Tamariki care, Mary lost contact with her whānau, and by the time she reached adulthood, there was no one outside her paid supports to stand with her or speak up for her.
Nikau’s Story / He kōrero whaiaro: Finding His Way Back
Nikau’s Story: Finding His Way Back
Nikau is a disabled man in his 30s. One year before VisAble was contacted, he had been uplifted by Police and placed in a private hospital. It was meant to be a place of safety — but it wasn’t right for his needs. He was far from home, isolated, and the placement was on the verge of breaking down.