Kia ora, ko Frian Wadia toku ingoa. My husband and I have 3 lovely boys 16yrs, 14yrs and 12yrs old, all with varying disabilities and learning needs. Through our experiences within the education and health systems over the years, I have become a passionate advocate for creating systemic change to ensure inclusion and enabling a meaningful dignified life for all individuals with disabilities. I am particularly interested in the creation of a truly inclusive education system where every student is valued, supported, has a strong sense of belonging, and is able to learn and thrive.
In my professional capacity, I am a certified ECE teacher, currently working part time and recently qualified as an Early Intervention teacher.
Over the last few years, I have been part of various support groups, committees, school and governance boards.
For the last few years, I have been on the leadership team of admins for VIPS Equity in Education, an online inclusive education advocacy forum for families, and have been a support parent with Parent to Parent. Currently I am in my second term on our local primary school board; and in 2019 I was appointed to the national Lotteries Individuals with Disabilities distribution committee, and the Teaching Council governance board.
My constant endeavours are aimed at empowering families and disabled people; improving systems, policies and legislation to ensure disabled children’s rights are upheld; and equity is ensured for all children irrespective of their abilities, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity and any other challenges. I love gardening, listening to music, and watching movies whenever I get the chance. I look forward to contributing my skills, expertise and lived experience to the best of my ability, for the benefit of our children and whanau.