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.
One day, Mary came to school with bruises and shared that a support worker had hurt her. The school reached out to VisAble. We investigated the situation — and while it turned out the bruises were caused by a seizure, we uncovered other serious concerns. Mary had no transition plan for life after her school years were over, and a health request she made — to have a catheter — had been ignored.
We called a hui and brought everyone together: Mary, her support staff, her service provider, Whaikaha (Ministry of Disabled People), school representatives, and a Kaiwhakamana (advocates) from VOYCE Whakarongo Mai. It was a chance for Mary to be heard, and for everyone to stop and really listen. From that hui, things began to shift.. It was a chance for Mary to be heard, and for everyone to stop and really listen. From that hui, things began to shift.
Mary’s request for a catheter led to a medical referral — and revealed something deeper. Mary had noticed people with catheters getting more one-on-one care and wanted the same kind of connection. Her provider responded by assigning her a consistent support person, someone who could take the time to get to know her and build trust. They also supported her with a new wheelchair and began properly planning for her transition out of school.
The biggest risk for Mary had always been the absence of an independent advocate. But things changed when a senior school leader stepped forward, offering to become Mary’s welfare guardian after she left school. We supported the legal process to make that happen. Now, Mary has someone by her side who understands her communication and is committed to advocating for her needs.
VisAble also trained Mary’s service provider in safeguarding to make sure the learnings from her journey ripple outward — so other disabled people don’t face the same gaps.
Mary’s story is a powerful reminder: every disabled person deserves to be heard, to be believed, and to have people around them who will take action. When we centre their voices, real change is possible.