Annie Rose has Down’s Syndrome and with Enabling Good Lives (EGL) she is being given the opportunity to fulfil her dreams, goals and passions, knowing she has her good friend Olivia to enjoy those moments with.
EGL connector/tuhono Rachel Jowsey says the initiative puts Annie Rose front and centre, giving her choices and control over what’s important to her.
“Enabling Good Lives is a new approach putting the disabled person and their family first. My role is going into the families and learning all about them, their aspirations, their goals, their dreams, and then trying to remove the barriers, and connecting them with the best life that they can possibly have. It means they get to choose how they live their lives.”
For Annie Rose this looks likes hitting the waves for some boogie board action, practising her swimming techniques, boxing and more.
And her support worker Olivia, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Population Health, is just the friend to help her make those things happen.
“We both really enjoy being in and around the water. The weather’s been super lovely recently so we go to Wainui Reserve or to Whale Bay because there’s a really nice opening there with grass by the water. We do some boxing and Annie Rose has really strong punch. Then we go boogie boarding, if the waves are good, or practice using fins in the water by the airfield,” Olivia says.
The pair have known each other since Raglan Kindergarten and followed each other through primary and intermediate before heading to different high schools.
“We feel so comfortable around each other. There’s been a couple of weeks where we haven’t seen each other, and I miss her and she misses me. We just feel really happy that we can spend time together.”
Being the same age helps, there’s a real genuineness to their friendship.
“We have a lot of fun together and we share a lot in common with the same music tastes. It’s just really natural and she’s just a really good friend.”
Having a support worker who is more like a friend is gold, Rachel says.
“The introduction of Olivia into Annie Rose’s life has been life changing. They are the same age and they are friends, that (making friends) can be a struggle for these kids.”
Developed in 2011 by members of the disability community, the EGL approach guides positive change for disabled people, families, communities and governance structures.
New to the connector/tuhono role, Rachel might be a familiar face having worked at Te Mata School for many years developing individualised plans for children with disabilities, including her son Max.
“When Max turned 16, I decided it was time to cut the apron strings. When he started at Hillcrest High I thought – right it’s time for me to follow my passions – which is sharing my experience and my journey of raising a high needs child.”
EGL is available to anyone with a physical, intellectual or sensory disability. Age is no barrier with the support starting at birth and continuing till they are 65.
Rachel will be based at the Raglan Community House on the last Friday of every month from 9am-4pm.
For eligibility to access Enabling Good Lives please contact 07 957 1561 or visit www.enablinggoodlives.co.nz
By Janine Jackson
