Colleen Johanson

"The training I am doing in this programme backs up all my years of experience working in the disability sector. It’s a challenge, but I enjoy taking what I have learnt and applying it in practice. Our work is unique, specialised and varied - for example I could be assisting parents with a behaviour management plan for a child with challenging behaviour, or supporting an elder who requires the same care. There is a real need for more qualified disability workers which would give us the resources to move forward and provide disabled people with even better support."

Colleen Johanson is currently studying part-time for a Bachelor of Human Services (Disability Studies major). She is a Team Leader for Behavioural Support Services at Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust, working with disabled people of all ages.