Xabilities

Neurodiversity Centre

Our Kauapapa:

Made For and By Neurodivergent.

Our Motto:

INCLUSION DRIVES DIVERSITY

DIVERSITY DRIVES INNOVATION.

What We Do:

Creating inclusive spaces where individuals can think, feel, and move without fear of judgment, fostering diversity and driving innovation.

What Services Do We Offer?

Social justice
Professional Development
Personal Growth

Xabilities History and Achievements 2014-2024

Xabilities Achievements
2019 - 2020

Xabilities Achievements
2016 - 2018

Xabilities Achievements
2014 - 2015

Xabilities Achievements
2021 - 2022

Xabilities Achievements
2023 - 2024

Xabilities began as a social group where young autistic individuals gathered to discuss necessary changes in the disability sector to better support their futures and the wider autistic community. Originally operating under the Children’s Autism Foundation, the group grew and evolved under the leadership of Tamara Grant, who later became the founder of Xabilities. During this time, Tamara received mentorship from Sonia Thursby, CEO of Yes Disability, which played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and mission of Xabilities.

Authorship and Advocacy Through Literature

Authored the book Who Put the Dis in Ability, a poetry collection offering insight into life with an invisible disability, raising awareness and understanding. Privately sold 50 copies to support advocacy efforts.

Government and Policy Contributions

Supported the development of the Invisible Disability Sector Report, the first government-supported report on neurodiversity in Aotearoa.

Delivered the Invisible Disability Sector Report to Parliament at 17 years old, while eight months pregnant with her first child, showcasing exceptional leadership and commitment.

Public Speaking and Advocacy

Completed over 20 advocacy and public speaking engagements for organizations including The Cube, PHAB, and Yes Disability advocacy groups, amplifying neurodivergent voices and promoting inclusion.

Media Recognition

Secured the first media coverage of Xabilities through StuffNZ, showcasing the organization’s mission and impact.

Organizational Development

Legally established Xabilities as a Limited Company in 2017, creating a foundation to support neurodiversity in Aotearoa.

Fundraising Through Art

Sold original artwork to raise $1,000 for youth and disability charities, demonstrating creativity and dedication to advocacy.

Workshops and Education

Educated at Massey University, AUT South & North, and Waikato University through two-day workshops, thanks to I.LEAD and Xabilities Founder.

Hosted a workshop for Drake Medox, promoting neurodiversity and inclusion.

Events and Community Engagement

Hosted Xabilities’ first event for autism awareness, with 20 attendees and $5,000 fundraised online to support advocacy work.

Hosted the Autism Celebration on March 31st at Shore Junction, marking Xabilities’ second-ever event.

Hosted a Library Awareness Wall at Whangaparāoa Library, promoting autism awareness.

Advocacy and Leadership

Xabilities Founder spoke at Hīkoi in Parliament, where the saying “Nothing about us without us” was amplified, alongside other disability advocates.

Provided advisory support on the MSD Ministry of Social Development Disability Action Plan, organized by I.LEAD.

Provided advisory support for Auckland Council Civil Defence, ensuring disability-inclusive planning.

Helped establish I.LEAD, a youth-led advocacy initiative founded by Yes Disability.

Collaborated with Disabled Women Forum, Parents with Disabilities, and Youth in Transition.

Spoke and facilitated groups in Parliament for the I.LEAD Conference.

Creative Advocacy and Media

Xabilities Founder modeled for Autism NZ’s COVID Campaign, representing the neurodivergent community.

Collaborated with Storyo.co to raise awareness of women founders, including Xabilities Founder.

Designed clothing to support awareness for neurodivergents, merging advocacy and creativity.

Collaborated with the Human Rights Commission on a video to spread autism awareness.

Research and Art Advocacy

Supported 130 disability-related research projects through Yes Disability EAG.

Presented two art exhibitions, featuring 20 paintings promoting disability awareness, created by Xabilities Founder Tamara Grant.

Community Events and Exhibitions

Hosted the Art Exhibition “Autistic Expression”, attracting over 120 guests on opening night.

Celebrated Matariki with a personally designed 5.5-foot painting, sold to Fujitsu for $10,000.

Organized an Awareness Stand at Orewa Library to promote understanding of neurodiversity.

Collaborative Projects and Media Features

Released an Autism Awareness Video in partnership with Storyo.

Participated in a Mental Health Nurses Awareness Video, promoting neurodiversity education.

Featured in a StuffNZ article on Founder Tamara Grant’s vision for Takiwatanga.

Educational and Advocacy Efforts

Supported free art classes in Orewa for neurodivergent individuals.

Delivered neurodiversity education to Youth in Transition employees.

Spoke at notable events, including MUV Talks, Altogether Autism Parents Event, Bright Star Conference, NWStg, CCS Disability, Island of Misfit Event, and NDSA.

Awareness Campaigns

Shared online autism awareness initiatives with Autism Connect, supporting Eastern countries.

Established the Xabilities Committee, advocating for neurodiversity inclusion.

Major Milestones

Successfully launched The Neurodiversity Centre, solidifying Xabilities’ role in supporting neurodivergent communities.

Speaking Engagements

Presented at organizations and events including:

Chubb Insurance, Social Change Collective, Water Care, Diversity Symposium, NCEI Teachers in East Auckland.

Workforce Development Councils, Buckland Beach Intermediate, Dow Official, Cooper and Company.

Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference, YourWay KiaRoha, Sky City Bright Star, Heretaunga Intermediate in Hastings.

Delivered a keynote at Sky City for Women’s Day Celebration.

Spoke at Parliament for the Young Neurodiversity Champion Event.

Community Events and Advocacy

Hosted the Autistic Expression Event, featuring over 200 guests and showcasing nationwide autistic artists. Sponsored by Dow.

Organized the Matariki Event, also sponsored by Dow.

Hosted 60 social group gatherings, fostering community and support.

Led the Island of Misfits Event, focusing on inclusion and neurodiversity awareness.

Coordinated the Sensory Room at a major conference to enhance accessibility.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Partnered with Huffer and Altogether Autism to promote Te Ao Māori awareness and neurodiversity inclusion.

Attended the Autism NZ Breakfast, sponsored by Dow.

Program Launches

Introduced the Ability Conscious Programme, supporting 30 neurodivergent individuals in navigating their neurodiversity.

Launched the Neurodiversity Symbol, uniting and representing the community.

Media and Publications

Featured in another StuffNZ article focusing on neurodiversity awareness.

Governance and Workforce Advocacy

Participated in the Governance Program by the National Council of Women, strengthening advocacy efforts.

Supported the Disability Action Plan for Workforce Development Councils, contributing to the first nationwide neurodiversity survey for workforce awareness.

Educational and Awareness Efforts

Shared educational content on neurodiverse-friendly travel tips.

About Xabilities

Aotearoa First Neurodiversity Centre, made for and by Neurodivergents.

Xabilities is a social enterprise and New Zealand's first

neurodiversity center, founded by Tamara Grant.

Xabilities was inspired from the inclusive nature of a cinematic series titled: X-Men.

Xabilities focuses on empowering neurodiverse individuals to embrace their unique strengths and talents.

Xabilities offers a range of services, including workshops and educational programs, aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.

These programs are enriched by education from lived experience, drawing on the real-life experiences of neurodiverse individuals.

One of Xabilities' key goals is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where neurodiverse individuals can thrive and contribute to society in their own authentic way. The organization also works with businesses and organizations to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Overall, Xabilities is dedicated to advocating for neurodiversity and providing resources and support for neurodiverse individuals to live fulfilling and successful lives.

OUR TEAM

Kaumātua (Elders Advisors of Xabilities)

Sonia Thursby

Stephen Moore

Teresa Moore

Sheryl Connel

Kaimahi (Xabilities Staff)

Andrew George

Autistic Advocate

Aidan McNeely

Autistic Advocate

Adminstration

Waimarie Tipene

Maori Advocate

Lavinia Lovo

Pafika & disability Advocate

Tamara Grant

Autistic, Dyslexic, Mental health Advocate

CEO & Founder

About Xabilities Founder

Ko aotea te waka

Ko ruapehu te maunga

Ko whanganui te awa

Ko makaranui te marea

Ko uenuku te iwi

Ko tamakuna te hapu

Ko Tamara Grant ahau

My name is Tamara Grant. I am proudly Maori, autistic, dyslexic, a mother of two in my 20s, and have co-occurring chronic illnesses and mental health disorders.I am proud of my disabilities, as I have lived my life being told that I should not be proud of how I was born and that I am weird, dumb, and need to try harder because I am different.This stigma around "being different" poisoned my life and health. Through countless organisations and therapy, I decided to give up on changing myself to fit into others' moulds and started working on myself in my own diverse ways.Once my eldest son was born, I worried not just for myself but for future generations. In 2017, Xabilities became a resource not just for myself but for others like me living in diversity.Starting my journey with the support of my mother and the Disability Resource Center, I helped launch the first-ever invisible disabilities sector report to NZ parliament while 8 months pregnant with my eldest son. My journey hasn’t stopped there. I have educated over 20,000 people in person about diversity inclusion in public speaking engagements and have over 10,000 followers on social media. Xabilities is now NZ's first Neurodiversity Centre, with a nationwide neurodivergent committee, but the change does not stop there!Check out Xabilities' services to be part of this movement of more inclusive environments so we together can change our lives from living from our capabilities to our possibilities.As inclusion drives diversity, and diversity drives innovation.