Removing barriers for tagata sa’ilimalo in Canterbury
Robert Sopoaga is a young Samoan man with Down syndrome, living in Christchurch with his parents. An active member of his local community, Robert is also part of the Jolt contemporary dance group. Advice from Vaka Tautua Canterbury helped him gain better access to the activities he loves.
Robert Sopoaga with his mother Suni and his new Hāpai Access Card.
Esala Vakamacawai, Coordinator for Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services in Canterbury, met Robert at one of Jolt’s performances earlier in the year. He said, “Watching Robert dance a traditional Taualuga during Samoan Language Week celebrations was a delight. He is a warm-hearted and well-mannered young man who clearly loves dancing.”
After meeting Robert, Esala arranged a home visit for a talanoa or conversation with the family to see if Vaka Tautua could provide any support. Suni, Robert’s mother, said, “We have contacted other services in Christchurch, but no one came back to us. It has been two years since we started seeking help with transportation, a disability parking card, and better access to public places.”
It came up during Esala’s visit that Robert loves to visit local recreational centres, but the cost of accessing these facilities was often a barrier for the family. Esala told Robert about the Hāpai Access Card, an initiative to educate businesses about the barriers disabled people face every day, and an opportunity to create a more inclusive experience.
With the information and advice he received from Esala, Robert completed an application and received his Hāpai Access Card two weeks later. The new card will give Robert access to discounted entrance fees, hot drinks, equipment hire, and free tickets for an essential companion.
Suni expressed gratitude for Esala’s help, and for Vaka Tautua’s work with tagata sa’ilimalo (Pacific disabled people, their families, and carers) in the community. She said that sometimes, all that is needed to improve mental wellbeing for Pacific people is connecting for a talanoa. Talking with Esala about church, politics, generation gaps, disability services and even giving him a short tour of her vegetable gardens, helped Suni feel less isolated in her role as Robert’s carer.
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Tagata Sa’ilimalo Disability Services