When Tautoko Services and Options merged in 2014 we had a shared vision that whatever we did as an organisation should be driven by the aspirations of the people we support. Our presentation is based on our journey of translating our vision into practice.
This is an interactive workshop presented by a team of people representing different views of person centred thinking, from service users to the service CEO. We talk about the experience of using a number of person centred approaches and tools across the different elements of an organisation, from the way we recruit to the way we work in partnership with people every day. Learning together as people take control of and direct their own lives and resources that support them.

Jessie and Gareth share their experiences of being part of the presentation team.

My Experience at the Conference.

Jessie Dewar.

On Wednesday I went to a conference in Wellington with Sara, Karolynne, Jan, Carol and Gareth.

The conference was held at Te Papa and it was all day. I spoke about myself and my one page profile, I explained how it makes it easier to work with new people because they can understand more about me and my likes and dislikes.

I was excited and nervous to be talking in front of a crowd but it was cool to be able to share my own experiences with being a person who is supported.

I found it very cool when I was shown talk link, it helps people who can\t speak communicate with those around them.

Overall, since it was my first time going to a conference I found it very interesting and I enjoyed my day very much.

My Experience of the Conference.

Gareth McKwen.

During the conference I talked about my one-page profile and how it benefits me and what it is like being a person who is supported in a flatting situation with flatmates who are also being supported.

By talking about my life I felt very helpful and happy that I was given the chance to show that there is another way of living that is more independent.

It was the first time I have been to a conference like that and it was very exciting to be able to share my story.