Let Talk

Me kōrero tāua

Your needs assessment

A needs assessment is like a kōrero, a talanoa, a relaxed and open conversation between us. We’ll listen to you as you tell us how your disability impacts you, your loved ones and whānau.

Talking about your life can feel strange, and it’s okay to feel a little unsure at first. Our warm and respectful team will help put you at ease – sticking to the details that will help us create the best possible support package for you.

How it works

We can have our kōrero over the phone, in person, or by video conference. We can capture your information using the standard needs assessment form, or an illustration and pictures-based method called Path Planning. Let us know in advance which you’d prefer.

How long it takes

Our kōrero can take around 1.5 hours. This is our chance to really get to know you, so we don’t want it to feel rushed. After we talk, our team member can read the assessment back to you, or show you the draft Path Plan.

Who can join you

A family member, advocate, social worker, or anyone else you trust can join the kōrero.

Language and cultural matching

If you need language assistance, let us know ahead of time. You can also ask for a team member who’s familiar with your culture, and we’ll do our best to match you up with the right person. For a head-start on the kinds of topics our conversation will cover, see preparing for your kōrero.

Working with you

We’ll always do our best to make you feel at ease during your needs assessment or kōrero – and that includes respecting your beliefs and values. Our teams are experienced in gathering just the right amount of information needed to create supports personalised to your needs and goals. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unhappy during your kōrero with us, you have the right to pause or end it. And if you think your needs assessment form doesn’t fully represent your needs, you’re under no obligation to sign it.

Next steps

We’ll send you a written copy of your needs assessment for you to check and approve. If there’s anything you’d like to change, you can always make a request. Once you’re happy with it, we can move on to the next step – creating your support package.

Preparing for your kōrero

Here are some things for you (or your family and carer) to think about to help get ready for our kōrero.

    • Think about what you do each day, like getting dressed, making meals, or heading to school.
    • Also, think about what you enjoy doing and the places you like to go.
    • Talk to us about tasks or activities you feel confident doing on your own.
    • Reflect on something you’ve accomplished recently that you’re proud of and feel is going well.
    • Who are the people or groups who help you – like family, friends, or caregivers.
    • What does each person do to help.
    • How would you like to be supported.
    • Who would you like to be supported by.
    • Would you like any of these people to come with you to your kōrero.
    • What do you want to achieve in the short term and in the future.
    • What do you want to improve and what do you want to do more.
    • Consider which goals matter most to you.
    • Try breaking these bigger goals into smaller steps.
    • What does living your best life mean to you.
    • When do you feel happiest and most fulfilled.
    • What steps do you need to take to reach your goals and dreams.