Part Three: Sector news.

10: New Zealand Sign Language Week

There are many events happening for NZSL week.  The TV soap Shortland Street will tell the story about a Deaf boy using an interpreter and NZSL.

Studio 2 (TV2) on Tuesday afternoon 4 May ran a story about Caleb Thorn showing that Deaf teenagers can do anything.

Attitude TV on Sunday 9 May will feature Zac Best and Mark Berry.

11: New Zealand Disability Support Network launched

The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) was officially launched by Minister Turia on Wednesday 14 April.

Full membership is available to not-for-profit and for-profit organisations that provide support services to people with disabilities under contract to government. Associate membership is available to individuals and other interested organisations.

The membership fee structure and the constitution are available on the NZDSN website.

12: Standards and Monitoring Services new Board members

Standards and Monitoring Services (SAMS) have welcomed Gary Williams and Mike Gourley to the SAMS board. Gary was previously the CEO of Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) and was a contributor to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Mike Gourley, a past President of DPA, is a leader and media presenter with the disability sector.

The primary focus of SAMS is to work in partnership with consumers, families/whānau, agencies and other stakeholders to improve community services for people with a disability and /or mental health issues.

13: New Autism Spectrum Disorder resources website

New resources on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are now available to help health and education practitioners recognise signs and symptoms of possible ASD, and decide what action to take.

The information comes from the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline (NZ ASD Guideline), which was published in 2008 by the Ministries of Health and Education.

For more information:

Contact: Leonie Brunt

Email: lbrunt@nzgg.org.nz/asd

Phone: 04 471 4192.

14: Lifemark Design seal of approval

Lifemark Design is a way to identify a home that is designed for everybody, for a lifetime of enjoyment. Lifemark does not build homes, nor does it sell them. The Lifemark seal of approval lets you know that a home has been designed according to the five Lifetime Design Principles - usability, adaptability, accessibility, inclusion and lifetime value.

Manukau City Council's Gallaher Court, a two-storey complex in Alfriston, Manurewa has been awarded the Lifemark seal of approval. The complex has been purpose-built keeping in mind the special needs of the elderly tenants. This includes accessible bathrooms and a lift for easy access to the second floor.