I.Lead’s Showcase Days are an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow our disabled youth-led movement across Aotearoa. This roadshow of events is designed to introduce new members, partners and supporters to I.Lead, while highlighting the impact, leadership and advocacy driven by disabled young people in our communities. 

Each Showcase Day reflects our commitment to youth leadership, inclusion, and collective action. Whether you’re a disabled young person wanting to build confidence and create change, or an organisation wanting to better engage with disabled youth, I.Lead Showcase Days are a place to start. There will be 10 locations: Auckland on Thursday 14 May, Christchurch on Thursday 21 May, Blenheim on Monday 8 June, Whangārei on Monday 15 June, Dunedin on Friday 17 July, Tauranga on Wednesday 22 July, Invercargill on Friday 14 August, Waikato on Thursday 20  August, Manawatū on Wednesday 16 September, and lastly, Wellington on Wednesday 21 October.

Our Open Doors Day campaign was a huge success! On Tuesday 24 March, International Day for Achievers, YES Disability Resource Centre partnered with companies and organisations from around the country to encourage them to open their doors to a disabled employee for a day. A dozen youth signed up to gain experiences in a bunch of different industries, including IT, youth work, retail, hosting radio, mental health, design, and more! This allowed I.Lead members from across the motu the opportunity to enter an industry they are interested in, volunteering their time for a day. In return, these companies and organisations experienced the benefits of having disabled employees first-hand. With a focus on empowering both rangatahi whaikaha and businesses, Open your Doors Day (ODD) will be an annual initiative, proving that hiring disabled people does not have to be scary or odd. 

i.Power intake two is open now! At i.Power, we believe that 'transition' shouldn't be a passive process that happens to a young person. It should be an active journey directed by them. The i.Power programme is designed to empower young adults through essential life skills, community connection, and employment readiness! Find out more by emailing ipower@ilead.org.nz.

We are excited to continue growing our Te Ara Tāne: The Path of Men community. We’re creating a space where disabled men (18-30) can come together, be real, and have honest kōrero about the ups and downs of life – the stuff people don’t always talk about. Whether it’s about identity, relationships, mental health, or just everyday challenges, this is a space where you’ll be heard and understood. This group was designed by disabled men, for disabled men. Our next in-person meeting date is Tuesday 21 April. We now also offer online sessions! To learn more, please contact Abdulla: abdulla@yesdisability.org.nz.