Vaka Tautua a Disability PPE distributor
Vaka Tautua is a community PPE distributor for disabled peoples in the Auckland region for the Ministry of Health. This is to help make it easier for disabled peoples to get the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) they need. The other distributor is Independent Living Charitable Trust (ILS), and the two organisations working closely with Taikura Trust to deliver this service.
From 19 July 2020, disabled people in the Auckland region who only have Carer Support (and do not receive any other disability support services) or are not connected to a disability provider can access PPE from the three organisations. This can be done by completing an online order form, or contacting Vaka Tautua, ILS or Taikura Trust directly to help them access PPE.
“We’re blessed to be able to provide this important service for our disabled peoples who are not connected to formal disability services,” said Vaka Tautua Regional Manager, Kristina Sofele.
“This was a gap disability providers and peoples identified in the first COVID lockdown, and so we’re thrilled the Ministry of Health has adopted this proactive, community approach.”
People with disabilities who have service providers coming into their home regularly can access PPE through their provider. Those who use Individualised Funding can access PPE through their Host.
“There’s limited PPE stock in our community, so it’s important people access the PPE that has been made available to them through the correct pathway. That way, everyone will be looked after,” said Ms Sofele.
Who is this PPE for?
The PPE Vaka Tautua and IPS have is for disabled peoples in the Auckland region who only have Carer Support (and no other disability services) or are not connected to a disability provider at all.
You can access this PPE by:
Completing the order form, or
Contacting Vaka Tautua (0800 825 282 select 6), ILS (0800 625 100) or Taikura Trust (0800 824 5872)
Other pathways for disabled peoples
If you have a service provider regularly coming to your home to provide support to you or your family member, they will organise PPE for you. Please contact them directly.
If you use Individualised Funding, your Individualised Funding Host will help you to access the PPE you need.