May Day Disability Expo

Saturday 1st May 2010
Invercargill Workingmen's Club
10am - 3pm
FREE ENTRY
70 Exhibititors
FREE Health Checks
Bazaar
Competitions, one just for kids
Prizes
Giveaways
Try a Nintendo Wii
LUCKY DOOR PRIZE Nintendo Wii Console

Paul Henry is a wally

Paul Henry, one of the hosts of the TVNZ Breakfast show, proved to us that he is an uninformed, insensitive dick this week. On the Monday edition he and Pippa Wetzell were discussing articles in the women's magazines and Paul picked on Britain's Got Talent winner, Susan Boyle, to insult and ridicule. He ended up insulting people with intellectual disabilities as well with his discriminatory, uneducated remarks.
Here is a transcript of the abuse:

Paul Henry: I don’t want to go crazy on Susan Boyle but more revelations are coming out about Susan Boyle. As you can see the one there titled (points to magazine) I was beaten, it says she was ritualistically beaten, virtually every day, not just by other children at school but by her teachers… (starts laughing) as well. Why?

Pippa Wetzell interrupts: That is not funny.

Paul Henry: No its not. (laughs again)

Pippa Wetzell: That’s awful.

Paul Henry: Yes and that’s why you’re here, to make sure people know that. It isn’t funny, it’s horrible and that’s why she was quivering.

Pippa Wetzell: She’s had such a tragic life that woman.

Paul Henry: She has, but its come good now though hasn’t it?

Pippa Wetzell: Well it has but long overdue.

Paul Henry: Well here’s the really interesting revelation in this latest magazine. She is in fact retarded umm… (starts laughing)

Pippa Wetzell: You are shocking.

Paul Henry: It’s official. She has an intellectual disability (laughing) She suffered… what happened was… and this is always bad (still laughing) she was starved of oxygen and suffered from a mild intellectual disability.

Pippa Wetzell: Aww…

Paul Henry: And if you look at her carefully (points to photo in magazine) you can make it out, can’t you?

Pippa Wetzell: You don’t know what you’re talking about. (Changes to new story).

If you want to put in a formal complaint to TVNZ about this you can do so by going to the TVNZ website and completing a feedback form. Make sure you put Formal Complaint somewhere in the email.

Alternatively you can complain via the Human Rights Commission online complaints service:
http://www.hrc.co.nz/home/hrc/enquiriescomplaints/onlinecomplaintsform.php

Call for Speakers

The NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres is calling for speakers to present at its Training Conference in Queenstown next year. The theme of the conference is RD 2010 - the challenges of rural delivery of services in 2010 and beyond. Presenters can apply for a whole session or a 'round table' 15 minute presentation. Anyone interested should download the Call for Speakers document HERE.

THE REMARKABLES ADAPTIVE OPEN DAY - FREE SKIING!!

I'm forwarding some information on our Adaptive Open Day. On September 5th, if you have a disability and want to try Snowsports everything will be free. That includes your lift pass, equipment rental, a lesson and volunteer support throughout the day. With the different adaptive equipment available virtually anyone can safely experience the freedom of Snowsports.



In addition we are offering 2 for 1 deals on lift passes or tubing for the families or fulltime caregivers of the participants in the open day. So lose all your excuses and come and enjoy the Remarkables.



As there will be some limitations in the amount of adaptive equipment that we have available, priority will be given to people from the Wakatipu, Southland and Cromwell areas who are trying Snowsports for the first time. However we hope to be able to accommodate everyone.



Anyone who would like to attend would need to complete the attached booking forms and return them to us via email or fax to: (+64) 03 442 6257. The forms can also be posted to The Remarkables Snowsports School at PO Box 359 Queenstown.


If you can pass this onto anyone you think may be interested that would be great! Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Kind Regards

Rachel Cunningham
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables Snowsports School
P.O. Box 359
Queenstown

Phone: 03 442 4908
Fax: 03 442 4637
*Email:school@theremarkables.co.nz





An Introduction to Adaptive Equipment
This information was taken from www.disabledsnowsports.org.nz
In 2002 a project was initiated by Disabled Snowsports NZ to equip the major ski areas around New Zealand with adaptive equipment. Each ski area that holds adaptive equipment on behalf of Disabled Snowsports is also encouraged to provide qualified adaptive instructors who are familiar with the equipment.
Members of DSNZ have priority and pay a reduced rental on this equipment. It is recommended that guests contact the mountain before their visit to book any equipment they require in advance.
The following table lists the adaptive equipment that is currently available to hire at mountains in New Zealand.
Image Description Availability

Two-Track
Stand up alpine skiing. For those that can support and balance their body weight. Bibs can be used by visually impaired skiers and their guides so other users of the slopes can identify them.
People with these impairments might 2-track: visual impairments, cognitive impairments.
Hire equipment available at all mountains

Three-Track
Stand up skiing using one ski and two hand-held outriggers.
People with these impairments might 3-track: amputees, post-polio.
Cardrona
Mt Dobson
Mt Hutt
Remarkables
Whakapapa

Four-Track
Stand up skiing using two skis with two hand-held outriggers for balance. Designed for those with leg strength and/or stability issues.
People with these impairments might 4-track: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, spinal cord injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, Spina Bifida, amputees.
Cardrona
Mt Dobson
Mt Hutt
Remarkables
Whakapapa

Mono-Ski
A seat mounted on a single ski through a spring suspension system. Outriggers are used for balance and propulsion on flat snow. Designed to be skied independently on all terrain. Mono-skis are used by people with lower limb impairments with reasonable balance.
People with these impairments might mono-ski: brain trauma, double amputee, post-polio, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina-bifida.
Cardrona
Mt Hutt
Remarkables
Whakapapa

Bi-Ski
A sit ski with a moulded bucket seat and two skis. Can be used with hand-held or fixed outriggers. The skier moves their head, shoulders or hand-held outriggers to turn the bi-ski. Generally a support person tethers the bi-ski for safety. Bi-skis are used by people with upper and lower limb impairments and with poor balance.
People with these impairments might bi-ski: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, amputees, high level spinal cord injury, severe epilepsy, Spina Bifida, severe balance impairment.
Cardrona
Mt Hutt
Remarkables
Whakapapa

Nordic
A sit ski with two nordic skis under a seat. The skis run in pre-cut tracks on groomed trails, and poles are used to spike the snow to generate the skating motion. Nordic skiing can have a higher comfort level than alpine skiing as the sport is done at a lower pace.
People with these impairments might nordic ski: brain trauma, double amputee, post-polio, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina-bifida. Snow Farm

Snowboarding
Boarders stand up, some with hand-held outriggers that can be used for balance.
People with these impairments might snowboard: visual impairments, cognitive impairments, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, spinal cord injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, Spina Bifida, amputees.
Hire equipment available at all mountains

Outriggers
Elbow crutches with the tip section of a ski pivoted on the bottom of the crutch. Some outriggers have adjustable brakes attached to the back edge of the ski to give some speed control. Outriggers are used to aid balance and/or to give support. Outriggers are used by mono-skiers, bi-skiers and standing skiers needing aid with balance.
Cardrona
Mt Dobson
Mt Hutt
Remarkables
Whakapapa

Ski links (Ski bra)
A device that is clamped onto the tips of a pair of skis. It stops the ski tips from crossing or from spreading too far apart. Ski Links are useful for people with weakness in their legs.
Cardrona
Mt Dobson
Mt Hutt
Remarkables
Whakapapa

Helmets
Recommended for all skiers or snowboarders, and required for users of mono-skis or bi-skis. Hire equipment available at all mountains

CONTACT THE SKI SCHOOL FOR A REGISTRATION FORM OR info@drcsouth.co.nz

ATTITUDE SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR 2008

Cameron Leslie had no idea winning the Attitude Sportsman of the Year Award late last year would lead him completely out of his comfort zone. The 2008 gold medal winning paralympian swimmer is used to testing himself and doing hours of pool training. But when the crew from Attitude TV suggested joining them in learning bush survival in a remote South Island forest, he had to think twice.
Going into the bush, let alone spending a night alone, is something the athlete with a quadruple limb deficiency had never contemplated. But he joined Attitude TV (TV One 10am Sundays) presenters Curtis Palmer and Kristy Munro and fellow paralympian Kate Horan and survived the challenge.

He has even done a second - going into Australia's Outback on a jackaroo adventure- and has been inspired to study journalism at university.

Attitude TV in conjunction with Parafed Auckland is now looking for more Cameron Leslies. Entries have opened for the second annual Attitude Awards and are open until September 4 with finalists selected soon after.

There are nine categories in the awards, including sport, courage in sport, community, artistic achievement, youth, spirit of attitude, employer, person of the year and Attitude Hall of Fame. Entrants will range from supreme NZ athletes to Kiwis who family, friends and neighbours think should be recognised for their courage, perseverance or support for people who live with disabilities.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the www.disabilitytv.com website.

Attitude producer and presenter Curtis Palmer says the team was impressed with the number of entrants last year and hope to see even more entrants this time around.
Dr Jan White, ACC Chief Executive says ACC is proud to return as a principal sponsor of the Attitude Awards.

"Last year's entrants were hugely inspiring and showed outstanding resolve and determination and I'm sure this year's entrants will be just as strong," Dr White says. "We were particularly impressed with the employers last year, who demonstrated exceptional commitment to people with disabilities and proved that a disability, whether through injury or otherwise, should not be a barrier to success in the workplace."

The Lion Foundation has returned to support the awards too. A spokesman says the Foundation is proud to support the awards because its goal is to support and help people achieve great things in their communities and the Attitude Awards play a special role in recognising many people with disabilities who have achieved.

Southern Cross Healthcare, Air New Zealand, Invacare, Westpac, Wayne Francis Charitable Trust, Perry Foundation and Drake Medox have also committed to supporting the awards.

The winners in each category will be announced at a black tie event at Eden Park's ASB Lounge in Auckland on December 3, coinciding with World Disability Day.
The Federation would like to bring this great initiative to the attention of all members. The Attitude Awards honor the outstanding achievements of New Zealanders living with a disability and are now open for entries for the second year running. This is a wonderful opportunity for member Centres to encourage people with disabilities to enter.

Any questions or queries about the Awards should be directed to Jane Pickering at the address shown below.

JANE PICKERING
trio communications limited po box 91482 auckland new zealand t +64 9 307 2213 m +64 27 375 8442 f +64 9 307 2213. www.triocommunications.co.nz

From: NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres July 2009 newsletter

May Day 209

Another successful expo over for the year. Thanks from DRC to all exhibitors, SIT nurses/Tutors, sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attended. We hope you all got something worthwhile out of the day.

May Day 2009

Bigger and better than ever. May Day Disability Expo, 2nd May 2009 at Invercargill Workingmens Club, 10am - 3pm. FREE ENTRY. Over 65 exhibitors, Free health checks, Free B4 School checks, Prizes, giveaways, competitions, Bazaar. Hundreds of dollars of giveaways. Morning tea ($4) and the famous Workies cooked lunch ($8) available Corinthian Restaurant.
Check out what organisations are attending in the Community Section or Capabilities April 2009.
See you there!

Consumer Consultation

DISABILITY SERVICES CONSUMER FORUM, HUI AND FONO 2009

“Towards a more flexible disability support system”

The Disability Support Services Group of the Ministry of Health are visiting towns and cities around the country to get feedback from disabled people and their families to help us plan and fund the disability support services that they need.

These meetings provide an opportunity for you to talk to us about the disability support services we fund and to share any ideas you have for the future provision of services.

Please note that these meetings are for disabled people and their families only. We are asking people to register their intention to attend to ensure we have adequate resources available to them.

For a full list of the forums please go to http://www.moh.govt.nz/dsdforum . To register call free on 0800 373 664 or email dsdforum@moh.govt.nz .

INVERCARGILL FORUM DETAILS:

Tuesday 31st April - 11am to 1pm
Invercargill Workingmens Club
154 Esk Street

Catwalk's Conquest Tour

Time to get your wallets out and support a very worthy cause! Anita McKenzie is a DRC Southland Trustee and she has requested the following be circulated:

Hullo everybody!

I'm emailing you all because there's a brand new website I would love for EVERYBODY to check out! You'll find it at www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/Anita

Ah yes, I hear you all say, there's a catch - it's a fundraising website and Anita wants some of our money. However, while I would love for as people as possible to make a donation, I actually just want to show off - I'm going to be riding a motorbike (yes, me, in my wheelchair!) from Invercargill to Dunedin in November as part of a nationwide fundraising tour. I can't wait! :-) Me! Back on a motorbike! Very cool!

Check out the website for all the nitty gritty details (like HOW is Anita going to ride a bike? And who is she fundraising for anyway?)

Please feel free to tell EVERYBODY you know who owns a computer about the website, and cheers to everyone who checks it out! (Donations not necessary!)
Anita

Southland man wins access case

In January this year, we ‘blogged’ the story of the Southland District Council’s failure to comply with regulations, in regard to access to the Riverton Focal Point Viewing platform. http://drcsouth.blogspot.com/2008/01/riverton-viewing-platform-fiasco.html.

Peter Dolamore, a qualified Barrier Free Advisor, assessed the platform for accessibility and found it non compliant with the Building Code and yet the Southland District Council had approved Building Consent for the structure. Peter forwarded a full report of his findings to the SDC who argued that they did not have to include access to the top level platform for wheelchair users because the view wasn’t any different up there! Southland DPA members and other disabled people checked out the platform themselves and found that there clearly was a difference.

The Council’s tokenistic response was to issue a notice to fix some of the ‘minor’ problems but flatly refused to admit that they had breached the Building Code by denying wheelchair users access to the top deck.

Peter, with the support of DPA members and other concerned groups and organisations, decided that the only way to resolve the issue was to apply to the Department of Building and Housing for a Determination. Changes to the Building Act in 2004 gave disabled persons the right to apply for a Determination where they believed their access rights had not been respected. Peter is the first disabled person in New Zealand to take a case to Determination according to Alexia Pickering of Accessible Options who says “From the beginning it was important that this one had a positive result.”

We are thrilled to be able to report that the Determination supported Peter’s case and found against the SDC.

The Department found that “the viewing platform as presently constructed does not comply with Clause D1.3.2 of the Building Code” and “the authority’s (SDC) decision to issue a notice to fix that excluded a requirement to provide wheelchair access to the top level of the viewing platform is reversed.”

We can certainly celebrate this victory and congratulations must go to Pete for his dedication in seeing this through. So, we can expect to see ramp access to ALL levels of the Riverton Viewing platform in time for summer? Well perhaps. Apparently the SDC, whilst acknowledging the decision that they were in error for granting the original building consent, are still bleating on about the Determination and, according to the SDC Manager of Building Control, Kevin O’Connor, the Dept of Building and Housing has not adequately grasped that any proposed changes will require a separate building consent!

Could it be that the SDC are worried that ratepayers may ask why this huge stuff up happened in the first place? Who is responsible for this and what action is being taken to ensure this does not happen again? What would happen if Joe Public tried to get a Building Consent for a non compliant building? One would have to wonder if any of the SDC staff involved have even completed a Barrier Free Trust Course?

Questions, answers and comments welcomed...

Mike's Big Day Out

Tuesday 26th August was my big day. I had previously won a prize at DRC’s May Day earlier this year. A ski package at Cardrona Ski Field; a day lift pass, a day adaptive ski hire and a two-hour lesson with a Cardrona ski instructor as well as a volunteer from Snow Sport NZ.

I had to email Lesley Johnson at Cardrona and book in for a days skiing. Our first attempt was the 19th, but due to poor road conditions, we put it off to the next Tuesday at 1pm.
It was a 5.30 start and Debbie was there for my morning cares, breakfast and then out to my sister Clare’s, as she and Roger were taking me up to Cardrona in their four-wheel-drive. 10.30 we were on the Crown Rang and we called Lesley on my mobile, to check out were to park when we got there. 11.00 we were parked at the front doors to the ski hire.

On our way up to Cardrona we met quite a few cars coming down from the ski field which meant that either the snow was bad, or the weather was poor! As we drove closer up the road I started to smile as I knew that there was a white-out, which meant that all the skiers were heading home for the day and I wouldn’t have to wait long to get onto the chairlift, and yes, I was right!!!

We were introduced to Lisa, my ski instructor and Anton, my volunteer for the day. Lisa was from Canada and Anton was French and were both trained on disabled skiing
[Snow Sports NZ], and just how to use a Bi-Ski, my means of transport for the next two hours, Ya Hooooo….!

It took 20 minutes to be all fitted out and strapped-into the Bi-Ski and off we went, man was I on a high, a smile a mile wide that lasted for the rest of the day! A Bi-Ski is a frame similar to a go-cart that has two skis attached underneath and you sit in a bucket seat and have a roll bar at your back. You use two out-riggers, which are little skis on the ends of short elbow crutches. These are used to steer you left by pushing out and down on the left out-rigger and with a bit of speed it turns the Bi-Ski to the left. After a quick lesson on the learners slopes, it was up to the top on MacDougall’s Chairlift, or I think that’s what it said, peering through the haze at the sign? This ride was slow and very cold!

Like all sport, you have a few falls, and I sure had my fair share. I still have two sore ribs. Nevertheless, as Lisa showed me the technique is very similar to skiing using your legs. The trick was the faster you moved the easier it was to turn left, and then right, making big S’s in the snow. I had ten runs from the top to the bottom of the chairlift. On my ninth and tenth runs I had no falls, Yes! Then it was back to my wheelchair parked down in the shed. I had a wonderful day, a dream came true. But boy, were my arms tired and sorrrrrre!!!



With hugs all round, it was time to head home, but I will be back someday for another try.

Many thanks to my carer Debbie, DRC, Libby at SPARC, Lesley, Lisa & Anton at Cardrona,
my sister Clare & Rog, I had a Day of Fun I will Never Forget….

Mike Hamill

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

Freedom in the Air (NZ) is my flying for the disabled & disadvantaged charity that I wish to tour New Zealand.

Awaiting registration with the Charities Commission, Freedom in the Air (NZ) will be a not-for-profit entity.

The purpose of Freedom in the Air (NZ) is to share the freedom, joy and accomplishment of flying with the disabled and disadvantaged; to inspire them by example to aim high and not give up on their own dreams.

In 1995 I broke my back in an agricultural plane crash. I was 21. It seemed my lifelong dream had been shattered in an instant.

For a long time I was stonewalled by bureaucracy.

Finally, in June 2006 – 11 years one month and one day since my last flight alone.
In August 2007 I regained a full unrestricted general aviation licence. The aircraft I now fly is the four-seat Cessna 172. This the world’s most mass-produced plane was first delivered in 1956, are still in production today.

The Cessna has space for Freedom in the Air participants to share the flight with their parents, siblings, or a friend.

Flying with Freedom in the Air could be a great opportunity to promote your group, and will give participants a chance to tell their friends that they “flew an aeroplane.”

The Kiwi bird symbolises 'we shall overcome' to Kiwi humans. From Richard Pearse on, our wingless anatomy has never stopped us flying. Disabilities, bureaucracy, bad luck – yes, they're obstacles. But when you've been bitten by the flying bug they can also be spurs.

Barry Cardno
5 Achilles Place, Wanaka 9305
P 03 443 1905 C 027 611 4989
bcardno@xtra.co.nz http://www.freedomintheair.org/

Sponsorship Workshops

Via my Aussie contacts I have received info on some Sponsorship Workshops to be held in Auckland and Wellington in September. The speaker is Julian Moore – truly a Mister Munny in the sponsorship world in the UK and now taking Aussie by storm! The cost is $299 per workshop and there are two on the day. That is Aust $ so works out at around $NZ365 x 2 = $730ish. But wait... there's more!

If you book before the 31st July you can get 3 for the price of 2 and there are flexible options on using this deal too! Check out the details on the website:

http://www.membershipsolutions.net.au

If you want to find out about "Sponsorship Offers - Creating High Value Proposals for Sponsors at Low Cost. Increase your income, decrease your costs" and "Sponsorship Sales - Gaining and Retaining Your High Value Sponsors. Identify New Sponsors and Close the Deal." then these Workshops are an absolute MUST!

See you there!

Free Software for Not-for-Profits

When I was at conference in Aussie last year I heard about an organization called Donortec. Basically, they administer a scheme where not-for-profits can get free software, hardware etc. I said I was from NZ and asked if we could access it here. They said no but it would be available in NZ in 2008. Well, it is here now! You can access the freebies through Techsoup:

http://www.techsoup.net.nz/about-techsoup-new-zealand

They only have Microsoft software at the moment but it will grow as other suppliers get on board with it. This is genuine MS software and just have a look at the list of stuff you can get! Those of us with networks can get all the latest server software and you can get Vista, XP and Office software with up to 50 licenses for a small admin fee.

If you have a look at the Donortec site you can see what may be available to us in the future: http://www.donortec.com.au/directory.

Let us know what bargains you pick up!

Web browser for kids with Autism

John LeSieur is in the software business, so he took particular interest when computers seemed mostly useless to his 6-year-old grandson, Zackary. The boy has autism, and the whirlwind of options presented by PCs so confounded him that he threw the mouse in frustration.
LeSieur tried to find online tools that could guide autistic children around the Web, but he couldn't find anything satisfactory. So he had one built, named it the Zac Browser For Autistic Children in honor of his grandson, and is making it available to anyone for free.

LeSieur's quest is a reminder that while the Web has created important communication and educational opportunities for some people with cognitive impairments, computers can also introduce new headaches for families trying to navigate the contours of disability.
The Zac Browser greatly simplifies the experience of using a computer. It seals off most Web sites from view, to block violent, sexual or otherwise adult-themed material. Instead it presents a hand-picked slate of choices from free, public Web sites, with an emphasis on educational games, music, videos and visually entertaining images, like a virtual aquarium.

Other programs for children already offer that "walled garden" approach to the Web. But LeSieur's browser aims to go further: It essentially takes over the computer and reduces the controls available for children like Zackary, who finds too many choices overwhelming.
For example, the Zac Browser disables extraneous keyboard buttons like "Print Screen" and turns off the right button on the mouse. That eliminates commands most children don't need anyway, and it reduces the chance an autistic child will lose confidence after making a counterproductive click.

Children using the Zac Browser select activities by clicking on bigger-than-normal icons, like a soccer ball for games and a stack of books for "stories." The Zac Browser also configures the view so no advertisements or other flashing distractions appear.

Check out the Zac Browser at http://www.zacbrowser.com. It can be downloaded or run from the site - and best of all IT'S FREE!!!

MAY DAY DISABILITY EXPO 2008

3RD May 2008

Invercargill Workingmen's Club, Invercargill
Entrance main doors off Esk Street car park.
Upstairs in the North, South and East Lounges
Lift available.10am - 3pm

FREE ENTRY

Over 60 exhibitors registered. Check out the list of organisations on our Community Notices on the DRC Southland website www.drcsouth.co.nz. Come and see what services and help they can offer.

Check out how to do sign language - a public session 11am and two sessions in the East Lounge, one at 1.00 - 1.30pm and another at 2.00 - 2.30pm.

Saturns Personal Training Studio will demonstrate their Oxigeno programme. This is a mixture of Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga. Join in with Jason in the North Lounge at 10.20 - 10.35pm. Have a go with Jason in the East Lounge at 1.30 - 2.00pm. This is a really nice way to exercise.

WIN a Samsung cellphone valued at over $400 donated by Harvey Norman by taking part in the Information Treasurehunt.

A written quiz will also give you a chance to win prizes.

FREE Health checks. The Southern Institute of Technology Nursing class are available to check out and see if you are in tiptop shape.

No time to shop for clothes, come and rummage through the pre-loved and new clothing from the Nearly New.

The Corinthian Restaurant is opening especially for the expo and will be offering morning tea for $3.50 between 10 and 11.am and the famous Workies Club $6 lunch or ($10.50 for two courses) from 12noon - 1.30pm.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Position 2

“SIMPLY IRREPLACEABLE?”

A very valued employee is leaving us to further her career. If you think you have what it takes to replace her in the role of…

ADMIN ASSISTANT
40 hours per week

…you should contact us now. We are looking for someone who preferably has a background in accounts and general office work. You will possess excellent computer skills and accuracy in the input of data. You must be a versatile and flexible team player and be prepared to undertake a variety of tasks in an environment where a sense of humour is seen as an essential aid to prevent stress.

Application Packs are available from our Centre at:

137 Spey Street
P O Box 1091
Invercargill
Ph: 214 5000
Email: Trudy
Applications close at 5pm, Friday 14th March 2008

SITUATIONS VACANT

Position 1.

“JULIE IS LEAVING
…HELP!!!”

PERSONAL ASSISTANT
20 hours per week

The Boss’s PA is off to Christchurch to live and we need to find someone to take her place. We can vouch for the fact that Carol is one of the better bosses around but she does tend to ‘misplace’ things - which Julie always finds!

As well as finding things, you will have excellent admin skills including a fearless approach to computers and office gadgets. You will have plenty of initiative and be able to project manage when required to. A sense of humour is absolutely essential.

If you think you have what it takes to ‘look after’ the Boss then give us a call or come in and pick up an application pack from our Centre or contact us and we will send you one:

137 Spey Street
P O Box 1091
Invercargill
Ph: 214 5000
Email: Julie
Applications close at 5pm, Friday 14th March 2008.

Go for Gold in Queenstown

The disability information conference of the year is being held in Queenstown in May this year.

"Going for Gold" is the National Training Conference of the NZ Federation of Disability Infomation Centres. This 'must attend' event is open for registration by anyone who provides disability information in the not-for-profit sector. Check out the details here:

http://nzfdic.blogspot.com/2008/02/going-for-gold-conference-2008.html

Playground Access Issue

It seems like the Southland District Council is not the only Territorial Authority discriminating against people with disabilities. This letter from Andrew Hall, CEO of Burwood Spinal Trust has been sent to the Mackenzie District Council. The response from the MDC Community Facilities Manager was that the original surface for the playground was to be NuMat but it was changed at the last minute (AFTER public consultations closed) in order to save money!

Over the Christmas and New Year break my family and I were staying in our holiday home in Twizel and we were most interested to see the completed town centre developments. The landscaping and development has clearly made the area much more attractive and the bird sculptures are excellent too.

I was disappointed however to see the completely inaccessible new playground area and ‘only accessible with difficulty’ surrounding white gravel pathways. I have two small children aged 10mths and 3½ years and the older boy is a frequent playground user. He was down at the old Twizel playground just about everyday when we were there and I’m sure that the younger boy will soon also be a big time playground user.

It is completely impossible for me, as a parent who uses a wheelchair, to assist my children in the new playground due to the loose gravel surface that has been applied. If the material is able to be solidified in some way, maybe with crusher dust, then access may be slightly improved (although still not ideal) however I assume it will then become unsuitable for safety reasons.

Last year the New Zealand Spinal Trust constructed a $130,000 garden and playground in front of the Burwood Spinal Unit and the surface that was laid in the playground was called Safe-T-Mats supplied by Numat Industries in Oamaru (ph: 0800 686 287). This surface cost about $66/sq metre (excl GST and excl installation and freight) so is clearly not cheap but it is the best surface by far for playgrounds.

Also it seems there are still some large gaps in the playground area so I am hopeful that some of the equipment still to be installed will include items suitable for Under 5s. Maybe some of the items could be from the old playground or perhaps they could be new items of a similar nature (particularly the slides and the fort structure)?

The NZ Spinal Trust is very interested in assisting the Mackenzie District Council to develop fully accessible facilities anywhere so please feel free to contact us at any time if you think we can help.