10. Sexuality and Gender Identity (part 2)

Family, Whanau and Disability

Research and co-ordination: Lisa Pirihi and Carolyn Jury
Presenters: Val Ockenden & Louise Ratcliffe
Produced by Louise Ratcliffe and FreeFM89.0
Guests: Mike Pulman
Mike Pulman is a 26 year old advocate, public speaker and content creator based in Hamilton. He was a 2016 Youth with Disability Award winner and has been the Guest Speaker for several events, including the Enabling Good Lives Waikato Launch. Mike believes in the power of having a dream, and one of his core values includes advocating for the rights of people in marginalised communities. His mission in life is to provide a voice to the voiceless and inspire people to believe in their inner greatness. He believes in the uniqueness of people, and says that his disability and the wheelchair he sits in will never be his defining characteristic. Mike has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is a power chair user.
Programme Synopsis

• The rights of disabled people to have romantic and sexual relationships and the stigma attached to disabled people wanting to do so.
• How parents need to be supported in discussing sex and relationships with their children - The Whole of Life approach

Music
“Body was made” by Ezra Furman
Tune in to Parent to Parent's podcast Connect, Inform, Support
Connect, Inform, Support features interviews with professionals and specialists on disability-related topics, and is a source of information and resources for families and whānau caring for people with disabilities.
Discussion topics cover a range of subjects related to disability and special needs, such as inclusive education, supporting someone with special needs, and the challenges and triumphs of living with disability.
Links

• realmichaelpulman.com
• Safesquares
• Parent to Parent New Zealand Inc
• Altogether Autism
• Care Matters or 0508 236 236 freephone service for carers
• Mana Whaikaha – MidCentral only