MIT and Unitec are marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 with events and the launch of new resources. The objective of the United Nations-led initiative is to reduce stigmas and raise awareness of the needs of disabled people. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it is estimated that one-in-six people is someone with disability.
Kaimahi are invited to a webinar on 3 December from 11.30am -12.30pm: ‘Neurodiversity in the workplace’. The webinar is designed to provide colleagues and managers who support neurodivergent team members, a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, overcome misconceptions and encourage the possibilities that inclusion of the neurodiverse community brings.
On Thursday 4 December, the Tertiary Education Union will mark the day with a morning tea 10.45am-11.15am at Unitec (B112 Kitchen/Staffroom). All kaimahi (TEU members and non-members) are invited to enjoy a snack and share thoughts on celebrating inclusion together.
The day is an opportunity to reflect on all the support both our organisations provide for disabled ākonga and kaimahi says Mirabel Mowat-Smith, Organisational Development and Equity Business Partner, MIT & Unitec.
“We should all be very proud of all the initiatives and programmes our institutions have in place. Through our Disability Support Services and Supported Learning Teams, we have supported over 1370 disabled akōnga this year alone. The support really can be life-changing for them, and their whānau,” she says.
- The Hidden Disability Sunflower programme lanyards are being seen at all campuses across MIT and Unitec.
“For example, the Hidden Disability Sunflower programme we launched just recently has been well adopted across the institutions. People will have seen the green sunflower lanyards which identify those wearing them as having such a ‘non-visible disability’.”
“For many, disability or chronic conditions are not visible and can be temporary, situational or permanent. The white lanyards indicate that that person has taken the training to support people with hidden disabilities. It’s a simple visual tool to let people know that they might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.”
“That’s just one of the many things our teams are doing in this space.”(See below for more)
Across MIT and Unitec, general support is available for disabled people as well as tailored assistance for learners who have specific needs. For those learners, an initial assessment of their needs is carried out, and then an individual learner success plan is put in place. That includes things like providing the services of a New Zealand Sign Language Interpreter for deaf ākonga.
One of the initiatives from MIT this year is having a Disabled representative seat on the Student Council. Second-year Bachelor of Engineering student, Roland Blignaut was elected to this role for 2026.
- MIT’s Student Council Disability representative for 2026 Roland Blignaut wife Jenine and daughter Azania
Roland says this year’s theme: Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.’, resonates with him.
“A disability should not hinder anyone’s professional development or progression into leadership. As a society, we just have to provide support and remove any barriers for these people to reach their potential.”
“My disability is a result of a worn shoulder joint which has caused other problems in body. My mobility and ability to lift things has been affected.”
“There is so much support here at MIT. Since I raised my condition, the team have assessed my needs and check-in with me every two weeks. I have my own chair that allows me to sit for longer periods. I have priority parking at TechPark and when I come to Manukau and Ōtara campuses.”
“My role on the Student Council is to be a voice, and advocate for, people with disabilities. Some people may not want to raise something directly with their teachers so they can come to me and I can help. My door is always open.”
Mr Blignaut completed his Diploma in Project Management through MIT in 2022 and returned in 2024 to start his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree.
- Claire Johnston will be the vice-president of Unitec’s Student Council in 2026.
Unitec Student Council representative Claire Johnston represented Unitec at the NeuroAbility Symposium 2025 in Dunedin where she shared her experience of being a neurodiverse leader within a tertiary environment.
The main theme for the NeuroAbility Symposium 2025 held in October was ‘Solutions’ that focuses not only the challenges neurodiverse learners are faced, but solutions that have worked for them and sharing these solutions with others.
“I had the honour of speaking as the first Unitec student to attend this event,” says Ms Johnston.
Ms Johnston served as General Representative in Unitec’s Student Council this year and was recently elected to be vice president on next year’s council. She says the experience serving on the council and advocating for other students, especially neurodiverse learners, has helped grow confidence in her own abilities.
New resources launched at MIT and Unitec.
- Unitec intranet pages dedicated to Universal Design . Universal design relates to creating environments, products and services that are usable by all people.
- MIT and Unitec, a channel for disabled kaimahi, carers and allies. This is a welcoming space to share ideas, connect with colleagues, and celebrate what makes us unique.
- Unitec launched new intranet pages dedicated to disability, neurodiversity and accessibility. This includes top 10 tips on inclusive communication, eLearns for educators and more.
Initiatives to support disabled kaimahi and akonga
- MIT’s Supported Learning Team launched a newsletter for disabled akōnga and their whānau.
- MIT and Unitec Kaimahi Scholarships included a scholarship for disabled or neurodivergent kaimahi.
- MIT’s School of Social Work received the Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark (DFQM) accreditation by Ako Aotearoa for supporting learners with dyslexia.
- Unitec launched The Social Eatery, providing work-based learning opportunities for disabled akōnga.
- MIT opened a sensory space at Ōtara Campus, to be blessed on the 3rd of December, ready for use by akōnga Semester 1 2026. A sensory space is designed to provide people with processing challenges to manage their sensory input and emotions.
- Unitec will have a sensory space during orientation 2026.
- As part of MIT’s Jumpstart programmes, two low sensory sessions for disabled ākonga.