Time heals and empowers
Ella discovered disability supports after high school and is now thriving alongsidse family support.
Ella is a sparking 22-year-old woman living in Rodney, where she shares a flat with her sister and some flatmates. Ella works hard to say independent. She balances work, study, and social activities with a positive outlook and with the strong support from her family.
Ella is Autistic, and her journey hasn’t been easy. High school was a mixed experience. She found it difficult to understand social cues and fit into friend groups. But she discovered joy and a sense of accomplishment in practical subjects like Hospitality, Photography, Dance, and Drama. Despite struggling with reading and writing, Ella’s hard work paid off as she earned all her NCEA levels, a testament to her dedication.
What really stands out about Ella is how she manages to stay positive and bubbly. You wouldn’t know from her bright demeanour just how hard she’s worked to get to where she is today. Her mom, has been a rock for Ella, helping her navigate the tough spots and celebrate the wins. Together, they’ve turned what could have been hurdles into stepping stones, all with a great sense of humour.
Finding Kaikaranga
At 20, she and her family discovered Kaikaranga. They hadn’t known that disability support was available before, but it soon became a cornerstone of their journey. They underwent a needs assessment with us, and based on the kōrero, they felt that Supported Indpenent Living was the best option for them because it aligned perfectly with their plan for Ella to become more independent. Supported Independent Living means she’ll have someone to help her achieve these goals, providing tailored guidance as she works towards being more self-reliant. A support worker comes in weekly to help Ella plan her week, organise her meals, and give gentle prompts. The supported routine give her the confidence to handle things on her own.
The guiding light of family
Alongside her support worker, Ella’s mum continues to guide her. Another goal is to help her develop skills to navigate the world safely. Her family works hard to ensure Ella understands how to protect herself, particularly from those who might take advantage of her.
Ella works part-time at their family business, handling various cleaning tasks. It’s a job that keeps her connected to her family while allowing her to contribute meaningfully.
Reaching for independence
Since attending Unitec, Ella has blossomed. She goes out and about with ease, either on her electric bike or public transport. Socially, Ella is keen to make new friends. She’s looking for a social group that aligns with her interests and fits into her busy schedule. It’s a process of trial and error, but Ella is hopeful she’ll find the right fit soon.
Like anyone, Ella has hopes and ambitions. She’s working hard to improve her numeracy and literacy skills, with the help of her grandmother. One of her current goals is to get better at telling time and managing her schedule. Ella has a history of being early—sometimes two hours early!—because she’s so determined not to be late.
Money management is another area Ella is focusing on. Right now, her mum helps her with her finances, making sure her bills are paid and that she has money left over for the things she enjoys. However, Ella is eager to take more control over her budget and perhaps even save for something big, like a car.
Ella talks about being focused on getting her restricted license. She’s already checking the requirements, practicing the road code, and looking into driving lessons. It’s a goal that will give her even more independence and open up new opportunities.
Ella’s journey is a testament to her family’s unwavering love and her determination to keep learning. She’s come a long way and is excited about what the future holds. With her goals clearly in sight and the right support, they are optimistic she’ll achieve many of the things she sets her mind to.