DEC
18
2020
ALL ARTICLES
Celebrating the Achievements of the TalkLink Trust whānau
As 2020 draws to a close, what better way to finish this crazy year than on a high, celebrating some of the achievements of people who access AAC tools and strategies.
TalkLink was delighted to be referenced in the TV One report about the awesome students at Kōwhai Special School who turned their talker group into Movie Stars. It was a great way to see AAC being integrated into the production, which will provide some amazing memories! If you haven’t seen the report here is the link https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/breaking-barriers-hastings-school-makes-movie-students-rely-technology-communicate
You may have noticed that the reporter mentioned that the AAC devices are funded by ACC and Ministry of Education, not quite correct, the devices are funded by the Ministry of Health or ACC. TalkLink waiting lists effect clients who are funded by the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless this report has created a lot of interest around New Zealand about the difference that AAC can make to student participation.
We were also delighted to learn that Lusi Faiva who has been very much part of the TalkLink whānau from the beginning was honoured in this year’s Attitude TV awards, receiving the Spirit of Attitude award. Lusi said that she “didn’t prepare a speech so I improvised it with my friend on the stage”, so we are super impressed with her improvisation skills. Here is the link to the full coverage of the awards https://www.attitudeawards.org/2020-winners
Not only did Lusi dancing inspire the judges of the Attitude TV awards, she also won a Pacific Toa Artist Award, which “recognises the contribution of a Pasifika artist with the lived experience of disability to the standing, and standard, of Pacific arts nationally or globally”. Read about her contribution here: https://www.creativenz.govt.nz/news/celebrating-pasifika-excellence-creative-new-zealand-arts-pasifika-awards-2020-recipients-announced
Amazing Lusi!
As 2020 draws to a close, what better way to finish this crazy year than on a high, celebrating some of the achievements of people who access AAC tools and strategies.
TalkLink was delighted to be referenced in the TV One report about the awesome students at Kōwhai Special School who turned their talker group into Movie Stars. It was a great way to see AAC being integrated into the production, which will provide some amazing memories! If you haven’t seen the report here is the link https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/breaking-barriers-hastings-school-makes-movie-students-rely-technology-communicate
You may have noticed that the reporter mentioned that the AAC devices are funded by ACC and Ministry of Education, not quite correct, the devices are funded by the Ministry of Health or ACC. TalkLink waiting lists effect clients who are funded by the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless this report has created a lot of interest around New Zealand about the difference that AAC can make to student participation.
We were also delighted to learn that Lusi Faiva who has been very much part of the TalkLink whānau from the beginning was honoured in this year’s Attitude TV awards, receiving the Spirit of Attitude award. Lusi said that she “didn’t prepare a speech so I improvised it with my friend on the stage”, so we are super impressed with her improvisation skills. Here is the link to the full coverage of the awards https://www.attitudeawards.org/2020-winners
Not only did Lusi dancing inspire the judges of the Attitude TV awards, she also won a Pacific Toa Artist Award, which “recognises the contribution of a Pasifika artist with the lived experience of disability to the standing, and standard, of Pacific arts nationally or globally”. Read about her contribution here: https://www.creativenz.govt.nz/news/celebrating-pasifika-excellence-creative-new-zealand-arts-pasifika-awards-2020-recipients-announced
Amazing Lusi!