All of our projects and programs have been co-created and co-delivered with young people with disabilities and learning differences to ensure we are creating the right environment to develop personally and professionally, ultimately allowing them to lead purposeful, independent and thriving lives.
Below are some of the exciting programs and workshops we offer. For full information on upcoming programs and events, please visit our What’s Happening page.
Gaining your Driver’s License is one of the biggest starter milestones in starting you on your journey towards independence.
YES runs a two-day course for young people with disabilities to learn the NZ Road Code in a different, interactive and innovative way, supporting them to gain their Learner’s, Restricted and Full Drivers License (theory-based). Best of all, the course is completely free of charge, and covers your material costs, license costs and refreshments.
By having our very own in-house facilitator and specialist, we are able to cater each class to meet our student’s learning needs.
Course dates for 2025
Restricted Licence (North Shore – YES Disability): Tuesday 28th January
Learners License (North Shore – Shore Junction): Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th February
Learners License (South Auckland – PHAB Pasifika): Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th March
Learners License (West Auckland – The D*List): Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd April
Learners License (North Shore – Shore Junction): Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th May
Learners License (South Auckland – PHAB Pasifika): Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th June
Learners License (West Auckland – The D*List): Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd July
Learners License (North Shore – Shore Junction): Tuesday 5th & Wednesday 6th August
Learners License (South Auckland – PHAB Pasifika): Tuesday 2nd & Wednesday 3rd September
Learners License (West Auckland – The D*List): Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th October
Learners License (North Shore – Shore Junction): Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th November
Restricted: Please contact Abdulla for course dates
Can’t make it to these areas? Please let us know and we will aim to bring the course to a venue near you!
Any inquiries or to learn more about I.Drive, please contact Abdulla: abdulla@yesdisability.org.nz
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I.Lead Has Created A Space On Facebook For Disabled Youth To Connect.
The past couple of years have been really tough for everyone, especially disabled young people. Between COVID, lockdowns, rising costs of living and the climate crisis, it’s no surprise that many disabled youth are feeling isolated and alone. That’s why I.Connect was created – by young people, for young people! It’s a safe space on Facebook where you can meet like-minded people, play games and chat about anything and everything. The platform is facilitated by I.Lead, so you know you’re in good hands. Whether you want to talk about your interests, share your experiences, or just hang out, make new friends and play games. I.Connect is the perfect place to do it. You don’t have to feel alone anymore – come and join our community today!
I.Lead has teamed up with the William Pike Challenge to empower disabled youth to explore the outdoors and stay active! I.Lead will be the trailblazing disabled youth group to take on this exciting challenge.
The William Pike Challenge is all about three awesome elements:
**Outdoor Adventures**
Get ready for some serious fun! Outdoor activities push you to try new things, make friends, and boost your confidence. Plus, they remind us of the incredible landscapes right here in New Zealand that are waiting to be explored!
**Community Connections**
Giving back feels amazing! By getting involved in community service, you’ll discover empathy, kindness, and the power of making a difference. It’s also a great way to sharpen your communication skills and build stronger bonds with your community, friends, and family.
**Passion Projects**
What’s your passion? Whether it’s a new sport or hobby, passion projects are all about diving into something you love and watching yourself grow. They help you build self-belief, work ethic, and resilience while having a blast along the way!
I.Lead and the William Pike Challenge are here to help you unlock your full potential and have a blast doing it!
Empowering Inclusive Education
With the Teaching Council now having a far stronger focus on inclusive education, YES is helping raise disability awareness by ‘teaching the teachers’.
During a 3-day programme at Massey University, over 300 experienced teachers from across New Zealand participated in panel discussions and “I Am Not A Tickbox” workshops facilitated by I.Lead.
Feedback from the Masters students was that the stories and strategies shared by the I.Lead team should be part of the Initial Teacher Education programme, and we are excited to announce plans to take Disability Awareness 101 into universities as part of their Inclusive Education paper later this year.
So What Next?
I.Lead has partnered with AUT’s School of Education to facilitate panel and Q&A sessions for over 200 of their Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching & Learning students, as part of the Inclusive Education paper.
For more information, please contact us at: ilead@yesdisability.org.nz
