MANA WHAIKAHA

Mana Whaikaha fund people with disability for exercise rehabilitation at OraKinetics. We individualize the exercise sessions based on patients’ abilities. We work on a one-on-one basis with people with disabilities that impact on their independence (e.g., blindness/poor eyesight, wheelchair bound, limb amputations, dependent on mobility scooters, etc.).

Based on the Principles used in the Enabling Good Lives Report, OraKinetics Clinic contributes to the following:

  1. At OraKinetics we believe that early intervention in the physical abilities of a disabled person will help prevent the development of more health conditions in the future.

  2. At OraKinetics we are person-centred. The programme will be based on the client’s physical abilities and health. The programme will be tailored to the individuals needs and goals.

  3. All people of the community are welcome to joint OraKinetics clinic. We are a mainstream service, and our facility is open to the public. No referral from a GP is necessary.

  4. At OraKinetics Clinic you will feel welcome and will be treated with respect as a unique individual.

  5. OraKinetics Clinic is accessible for individuals that are wheelchair bound or individuals with other physical disabilities. We have specialised equipment that can be used to help people in a wheelchair. Noise is kept to a minimum with no loud music playing. At OraKinetics we will do our best to book individuals at a time that work the best for them.

  6. At OraKinetics we would love to build stronger relationships between disabled people, their whanau, and the community.

  7. OraKinetics Clinic recognises the contribution that disabled people can make to enhance cohesion and well-being and we will support them.

  8. At OraKinetics Clinic you have the same rights and responsibility as other members of the community.

  9. At OraKinetics Clinic you will have the opportunity to socialise, connect and build relationships with other people in the community.

Feedback from a Client currently funded for an OraKinetics Exercise Programme:

“I started at OraKinetics Clinic Ltd (OKC) in June 2020, using crutches, and at times a wheelchair to mobilise, my pain levels were high, and I was frustrated with some of the limitations my body was “imposing” on me. I have always been active and being an outdoors person, I was getting more and more frustrated that I couldn’t out into the great outdoors, one of my passions. I was thinking of using some of my Personal Budget to access I gym. My concerns about a standard were that I couldn’t get to equipment, I couldn’t monitor my form and the trainers would have little to zero knowledge of adaptive practice.

OKC have a history of rehabilitative services, they have a great team that works with a variety of differing impairments & health conditions. Having the staff there to supervise form and monitor health conditions means I know I am well looked after. Regular reassessments mean that I can measure my progress. I can honestly say that through working with OKC I have worked my way off mobility aids (apart from my brace) and that has been life changing. I can use a basket at the supermarket, I can hold my partner's hand while walking down the road. My mobility has greatly increased; when I started at OKC I was barely able to walk 400m unaided, and now I can walk for over 4km unaided. This newfound mobility has opened up many more tramping possibilities, an easier life, and my nephews would like me to learn to run! I highly recommend OKC to anyone that has health considerations to exercise, improve personal health goals and improve their mobility.”

Toni “Antnz” Burgess