Office for Disability Issues: Email Update

On this page:

Part 1: Office for Disability Issues and government news
01: Nominations Service Goes Live!
02: Review of the Guidelines on Insurance and the Human Rights Act 1993
03: Creating Digital New Zealand: Discussion document
04: Disability Advisory Council meeting

Part 2: Sector news
05: International Day of Disabled Persons
06: Fortune Theatre, Dunedin presents fully accessible plays for blind and vision impaired people
07: Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Disability Studies) Applications

Part 3: Events and conference
08: New Zealand Rehabilitation Research Institute of New Zealand and New Zealand Rehabilitation Association Conference
09: Certificated Behaviour Training
10: Social Policy, Research and Evaluation (SPRE) Conference
11: Alzheimers New Zealand National Conference
12: Public Health Conference

Part 1: Office for Disability Issues and government news

01: Nominations Service goes live!

On 24 November 2006, the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Ruth Dyson, launched a nominations service for disabled people at the DPA national conference, “Leading Change Together”.  This service aims to increase the numbers of appropriately skilled disabled people appointed to government boards and committees.

The Minister said she was "delighted to announce the launch of the service, which recommends people for appointment by Cabinet, to government boards."  Information on nominees is kept on a data base which is used to match people's skills and experience to those required to fill a vacancy. The Minister encouraged people to fill out the application form.

For further information on the application form go to:
Nominations Service
Phone: 04 916 330
Fax: 04 918 007
Email odi@msd.govt.nz
Postal address: P O Box 1556, Wellington.

02: Review of the Guidelines on Insurance and the Human Rights Act 1993

The Human Rights Commission is undertaking a review of its Guidelines on Insurance and the Human Rights Act 1993 (HRA).

For more information on the discussion document go to:
Phone: 0800 496 877
Email: vickih@hrc.co.nz

The Commission invites comments or suggestions on the discussion paper by 11 December 2006 by either:
Email to sylviab@hrc.co.nz
Human Rights Commission,
PO Box 6751,
Wellesley Street,
Auckland

Freephone: 0800 496 877
TTY (teletypewriter): 0800 150 111
Fax: (09) 377 3593
Attendance at public meetings (dates and venues to be confirmed).

03: Creating Digital New Zealand: Discussion Document

The government has released a discussion document on a draft New Zealand Digital Content Strategy, and is inviting feedback from any organisation or individual with an interest in New Zealand digital content. A series of workshops to discuss the document will also be held between 4-12 December 2006. The government are looking for responses to the strategy by 20 December, 2006 to help shape the final direction and types of initiatives to be delivered. The Discussion Document and accompanying response form is an opportunity to engage with the government on whether they have got it right in identifying the challenges, objectives and actions to take us into the next decade, and on the right path to our digital future.

For more information go to: Creating Digital New Zealand: Discussion Document

04: Disability Advisory Council meeting

The Disability Advisory Council met on 9 and 10 November 2006. A summary of discussion at this meeting is presented below.

The Council provides advice to the Office on implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy and emerging issues of interest to disabled people. Members present were: Marion Wellington, Mereana Hermara, Murray Peat, Mike Gourley, Christine Zander, Cheryl Wallace, Dick Earle, Kim Robinson, Timote Liva’ava, Tina French, Graham Stairmand, and Lose Tu’I’ile’ila. Office staff also attended the meeting.
Progress with the Office’s work programme was discussed. Council members commented on: the importance of extending New Zealand Disability Strategy responsiveness to local government; the need to get all government departments to make their information accessible; and the problem of negative employer attitudes to hiring disabled people and what government is doing about this issue.

The Office for Senior Citizens presented to the Council on the Positive Ageing Strategy and key issues for older people needing action by government. The Chief Electoral Office presented to the Council on their current public consultation looking at ways to improve the accessibility of voting in the general elections. Council members were interested in finding out the Chief Electoral Office's plans for electronic voting – this will be an item at a future Council meeting.

The Office presented a draft terms of reference for the review of the Council. Feedback from members will be incorporated into the final terms of reference. The emerging issues register was discussed. This records developments which Council members have noted as likely to impact on disabled people's lives, and action being taken in response to these. The register is to be a standing item for future Council meetings. The Office will report on action being taken on issues on the register, and Council members will be able to present new issues for follow-up.

The Office presented on its new nominations service. This initiative aims to increase the numbers of qualified disabled people on government boards and committees, and thus promote leadership by disabled people.

The Ministry of Social Development presented on current and future policy changes to work focused support provided by the Work and Income service.

The Office updated the Council on progress with the review of long-term disability supports, and implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy. A more active role for the Council in the Disability Strategy process was discussed.

The next Council meeting is in March 2007. Further information on the Council is available at: Disability Advisory Council.

Part 2: Sector news

05: International Day of Disabled Persons 2006: E-Accessibility

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of disabled people in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

This year's theme is accessibility to information technologies. Through its efforts, and collaboration with others, the United Nations aims to raise appreciation among Governments, private entities and the public of the significant benefits to disabled people and society when they are empowered with increased access to information technologies.

For more information go to: International Day of Disabled Persons 2006: E-Accessibility

Some of the events planned in New Zealand around this International Day are:

Manukau City Council

4 December 2006. The Mayor Sir Barry Curtis will host an evening to celebrate the achievements of disabled people in the Manukau area.

For more information contact:
Raewyn Stone
Senior Planner
Community Development
Manukau City Council
Phone:09 262 8900 ext 8787
Mobile: 027 464 2919
raewyn.stone@manukau.govt.nz

Pacific Information Advocacy Support Services Trust(PIASS)

PIASS will will be holding an event on 8 December 2006.

For more information contact:
Augustine Carpentier
Nikau House - Ground Floor, 19 Charles St
Hunters Cnr, PAPATOETOE
Phone: 09 2786340
Fax: 09 2786342
Website:www.piass.org.nz

"LIVING WITHOUT LIMITS" EXPO: promoting products and services related to disability

Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Conference Centre, Auckland
3-4 December 2006
Starts 11a.m Sunday, 10.00a.m Monday
Touch Compass, Paralympics, wheelbacks

For more information contact:
John Wolk
Editor
Without Limits Magazine
P.O. Box 42-076
Orakei
Auckland, N.Z.
Phone: 09 522-2764
Mobile: 0274 918-747

Wellington City Council

4 December 2006. The Mayor Kerry Prendergast and the Chief Executive Garry Poole are hosting an Accessible Wellington Forum.  The forum will focus on new technology. The event will be held at Te Papa. The display of technology starts at 9.30am and the forum begins at 11am.

For more information contact:
Ross Livingstone, Mobility Advisor, Community Services
Phone: 04 801 3134
Mobile: 027 413 3071
Fax: 04 801 3124
or
Maurice Priestly
Mobile: 027 471 0905

Christchurch

DPA Christchurch and Districts is holding a function - meal and entertainment by disabled artists on 3 December 2006. There will be a display on accessible equipment.

For more information contact:
Mary Stott
Disabled Persons' Assembly - Christchurch & Districts
Co ordinator
Christchurch Community House
Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi
141 Hereford Street
CHRISTCHURCH
Phone: 03 379 8525
Fax: 03 366 8535
Website:www.dpa.org.nz

Dunedin

A week-long Celebrate Diversity Week is being held.
Sunday
Opening Event - Film Screening of Murderball - Academy Theatre, drink and nibbles 6pm, $15pp (incl. food and drink).

Monday 4th
Seminar for Work and Income staff only, Work and Income Central Branch.
Accessible Walk in Botanic Gardens, 12.15pm, Upper car park, approx 30mins.
Photography and Poetry exhibition

Tuesday 5th
Sign language story time at the Dunedin Public Library, 12pm
Dunedin Public Art Gallery Tour,10.30am, free.

Wednesday 6th
Sport, recreation, and leisure activities and displays in the Octagon, 11am-3pm
Travel and Tourism seminar, top floor Community House, 3pm
Naphtali Production, 10.30am and 6pm, $5

Thursday 7th
Youth Forum - University of Otago, 1pm-7pm, hosted by Philip Patston $10per person
Sign Language story time at the Dunedin Public Library, 12pm
Naphtali Production, 10.30am, $5
Youth Forum - University of Otago,1pm-7pm, hosted by Philip Patston, $10per person

Friday 8th
Closing Dinner – Philip Patston, Art Auction
Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 7.30pm, $70pp (some sponsorship may be available)

For more information contact:
Sonya Gale
Ph: 03 471 6152 (day), 03 477 8585 (evenings)
Mobile: 021 134 8896
Email: dis.dn@xtra.co.nz

Franklin

The IDEA Drama Group (Idea Services and IHC) will be presenting their 6th original show at Harrington Hall, Harrington Ave, Pukekohe, at 2.00PM on 3 December 2006. The story is one of hopes and dreams with a little hint of murder. The cast is supported by a 14 piece orchestra.

For additional information please contact:
Bob Bettison
President, Franklin Branch IHC New Zealand Inc.
Phone: 09 235 7823
E-mail: bettison@ps.gen.nz
Postal: PO Box 136, Waiuku 2341

06: Fortune Theatre, Dunedin presents fully accessible plays for blind and vision impaired people

The play "Witches" was recently played at Dunedin’s Fortune theatre and made more accessible for blind people when verbal descriptions were added to the play. The Otago Branch of the Association of Blind Citizens were most excited when Lisa Scott from the Fortune theatre approached the Branch to see what the theatre could do to make its plays more accessible for blind and vision impaired people.

The Otago Branch Councillor Dave Allen met with Lisa Scott, the Fortune Theatre Marketing Director, and gave her a demonstration of an audio described movie from overseas. He then sat with Lisa during a play and she was able to see how much extra information he needed in order to follow things clearly. Numerous meetings then took place with Lisa, a sound technician and the booking staff. In addition, Dave Allen gave the ushers a small session on sighted guiding techniques.

On the night that members went to see the play "Witches" by Raold Dahl, they too along their own set of headphones and a small radio with the FM frequency.Lisa's commentary, along with that of the play, all were broadcast through their headphones and therefore caused no interference to others attending the play. Members were informed of the scene sets as well as silent actions taking place during the play. Afterwards they were able to examine the various costumes worn by the actors.

All aspects of the theatre experience were covered. The staff in the Box Office were instructed to enquire if Braille or large print programmes were needed. Both alternative formats were provided. The evening was such a success that that the next production at the theatre during the week of 2-9 December, Cinderella written by Roger Hall will be a described performance.

For tickets or more information go to:
Phone: 03 477 8321
Email: boxoffice@fortunetheatre.co.nz
Website: www.fortunetheatre.co.nz

Lets hope that the Otago experience will be a model for other theatres and venues around the country.

07: Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Disability Studies) Applications

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Disability Studies) Applications: Now Being Accepted. Applications for entry to the 2007 session of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Disability Studies) program at Massey University are now being accepted. The program is offered extramurally and can be completed part time. The application deadline is 31 January 2007; however, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Information and admission details are outlined on the program website at Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Disability Studies) Applications.

For more information contact:
Dr Martin Sullivan
Senior Lecturer
School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work
Massey University
PB 11-222
Palmerston North
Phone: 0800Massey (627739) ext. 2833
Email: M.J.Sullivan@massey.ac.nz.

Part 3: Events and conferences

February

08: New Zealand Rehabilitation Research Institute of New zealand and New Zealand Rehabilitation Association Conference

Date: 16-18 February 2007
Place: Rotorua
Theme: Innovation in Rehabilitation-applying theory to practice.

For more information contact:
Email: suzanne@creative-events.co.nz
Phone: 09 420 4045
Fax: 09 420 3071
Website: http://www.rehabilitation.org.nz

March

09: Certificated Behaviour Training

Date: February/March 2007
Place: Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington

For more information contact:
Nick Burnett
Director Team Teach Australia
Phone: 0405 411 871
Fax: 07 3203 7052
22 Kristen Court
Redcliffe
Queensland 4020
Email: nick@team-teach.com.au
Website: www.team-teach.com.au

April

10:Social Policy, Research and Evaluation (SPRE) Conference 2007

Date: 3-5 April 2007
Place: Wellington
The SPRE Conference 2007 is being hosted by the Ministry of Social Development. This conference will provide a forum for a diverse audience of policy practitioners,non government organisations, researchers and evaluators, and the wider community to come together to discuss and debate the landscape of social policy in New Zealand in an open, engaging and innovative way. 

For more information go to: The Social Policy, Research and Evaluation Conference 2007

11: Alzheimers New Zealand National Conference

Date: 26 – 28 April 2007
Place: Wellington
Theme: Dementia Across the Ages

For more information contact:
Helen Galloway
Administration Coordinator
Alzheimers New Zealand National Office
Phone: 04 381 2364
Fax: 04 381 2365
Website: www.alzheimers.org.nz/conference.php

12: Public Health Conference 2007: Te Torino: Re-Imagining Health

Date: 4-6 July 2007
Place: Auckland
Theme: Urban design, food matters and voices. Topics will include kaupapa Maori, systems and structures, workforce, inequalities, determinants of health, and globalisation. Papers are now being called for, and the closing date for abstracts is 31 January 2007. Abstracts can be submitted on the website – www.pha.org.nz. Submitters will be notified by 31 March if their papers are accepted.

For more information contact:
Liz Price
Communications Manager
Public Health Association
Phone: (04) 472-3060 or 027 695 7744
Email: pha.media@pha.org.nz
Website: www.pha.org.nz