The first I.LEAD Conference took place in September 2019 at Grand Hall, Parliament Building, Wellington.
The Conference provides a safe, stable platform that allows young people with disabilities to have their voices heard and influence positive change in policy. It was a great opportunity for young people with disabilities from across New Zealand to come together, connect and share their experiences. They discussed and identified key barriers they faced in relation to accessibility and equality as a young person living with a disability in Aotearoa.
On top of our bi-annual Conferences, we also provide workshops, programmes and opportunities for youth to gain skills and experience in networking, communications and other essential skills that prepare them for further employment opportunities, either with us, or into their areas of interest.
We held our SECOND conference completely virtually on the 21st and 22nd February 2022, and it was a huge success! Our guest speakers included Honourable Carmel Sepuloni, Minister for Disability Issues; Cam Calkoen – Inspirational International Speaker, Paula Tesoriero MNZM – Human Rights Commissioner for Disability Issues and Jade Farrar – Chair of the Enabling Good Lives Committee.
Over two days, our attendees developed 16 recommendations that were delivered to government officials. These were put together as report cards and sent out to all government agencies. We can’t wait to see how our recommendations shape the future of NZ for all young people.
If you want to hear more, you can sign up to be part of the movement: https://www.ilead.org.nz/confrence-interest/