This project isn't only about identifying problems.

We also want to understand what's already working well.

We want to hear about the activities, groups, places, services and connections that people value, and what helps disabled and neurodivergent people feel part of their community.

We also want to understand what people would like to do or be involved in but currently can't, and what might be getting in the way.

Another part of the conversation is about having a voice. We want to understand whether disabled and neurodivergent people have enough opportunities to contribute to local decisions that affect them, and what better involvement could look like.

We aren't starting with a particular model or solution. We want to hear people's ideas first.

The survey is only one part of this engagement.

We will also be listening through:

• Community Kōrero;
• one-to-one conversations;
• conversations with disabled and neurodivergent young people where appropriate; and
• interviews with organisations and services.

We'll bring together what we hear across all of these conversations when developing the recommendations.

This is important because we want to hear from people in different ways, including people who may not already be connected with disability services or organisations.

We haven't decided what the recommendations from this project will be. We want to listen and learn first.

What people tell us will help us build a clearer picture of what matters to disabled and neurodivergent people and their whānau across the Timaru District.

We'll bring together what we hear and use it to develop clear, practical recommendations for making community life more inclusive. We'll then look at who we can work with to put those recommendations into action, and what funding or other support might be needed.

Disabled and neurodivergent people and their whānau will help shape what we recommend and what happens next. This reflects the principle of "Nothing about us, without us."

We want people to be able to participate in a way that works for them.

You can complete the survey yourself or with someone you trust, attend a Community Kōrero with a support person, or talk with us directly.

Easy Read information about the project is also available.

If you need the information in another format, or need another way to participate, please contact the Community Partnerships team.

Community Partnerships
Timaru District Council
jessica.hurst@timdc.govt.nz

Once the engagement is complete, we'll bring together what we've heard through the survey, Community Kōrero, one-to-one conversations and discussions with organisations and services.

We'll look for common themes, strengths, barriers, gaps and opportunities.

From there, we'll develop practical recommendations and look at:

• what could be done locally;
• where Council may have a role;
• where we can work with community organisations, services or other agencies;
• where advocacy may be needed; and
• whether funding or other support may help turn recommendations into action.

Most importantly, we'll report back on what we heard, what we recommend and what happens next. This matches the approach you settled on for the survey, where this is one part of a wider conversation rather than a standalone Council consultation.