A two-day course on self-advocacy was offered to adults with a learning disability In April 2025. The course was developed and run by People First, was sponsored by the Masterton Trust Lands Trust, and co-facilitated by People First and Good Lives Wairarapa.
The Speaking Up Course aims to assist people with learning disability to strengthen their confidence; develop their personal skills and understanding of relationships; explore their lives within their families, community and residential and vocational services.
The course places a strong emphasis on interactive learning and the students learn how speaking-up can be maintained in their daily lives. The courses can also help them to appreciate and value their own abilities. The course is tailored to the needs of the students
A variety of visual aids, easy read, teaching tools, and creative experiential processes were used to explore the following topics:
- The meaning of ‘self-advocacy’
- Choices and responsibilities
- Friendships
- Participation in the community
- The fundamental laws and rights we all have as New Zealanders
- The UN Convention for the rights of people with disability
- And specific to this course, the upcoming local body elections with Bella McClymont, senior communications advisor, Masterton District Council