Pacific Disability Services helping create community connections
Misi Maea Kaifa had struggled for a long time with accessing transport for his son Samuela, who was diagnosed with an intellectual disability from birth. With advice and support from Vaka Tautua’s Disability Services team, Samuela is now more connected and engaged with his community.
Samuela Kaifa (far left), Misi Maea Kaifa (2nd from right) and their family.
Misi was seeking better access to suitable transport so Samuela could take part in activities outside of the home. Public transport wasn’t a viable option, so Samuela often missed out on participating fully in community, church, and wider family life.
In need of support, Misi reached out to Lolomanaia Filiai, a Coordinator for Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services in Auckland. Lolo was able to give him advice and information about potential funding from Lottery Individuals with Disabilities, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Armed with the relevant information, Misi submitted a grant request to the Lottery Grants Board Committee. When Misi and his family learned that the application was successful, providing funding towards purchasing a vehicle suitable for transporting Samuela, they felt that God had heard their prayers.
Now, Misi is looking forward to the further easing of lockdown restrictions in Auckland so he can drive Samuela to activities and help him engage with his community even more.
Ruta Tai, Vaka Tautua Team Leader for Disability Services, said, “The Vaka Tautua Disability Services team is grateful for any opportunity to serve Pacific disabled people and their families.”
Misi and his family are so grateful to the Lottery Grants Board, to Vaka Tautua, and to Lolo for his professionalism, hard work and kindness in providing information and advice. Seeing the smile on Samuela’s face every time he can join in with their community activities means the world to them all.
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services.