Part Three: Sector news.
This is the Office's email update of 13 August 2010.
08. International exchange opportunity for young people working in the disability sector.
Young people, aged 23 - 40 years, involved in non-government organisations can apply to participate in the 2010 Young Core Leaders of Civil Society Groups Development programme in Japan. The programme involves a mutual exchange of young leaders taking active roles in the social activities of disabled people, youth and senior citizens in Japan, New Zealand, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Young leaders of non-government organisations in these countries are invited to Japan to develop skills and establish networks between Japan and their countries. In October 2010, nine young leaders from Japan will visit New Zealand. In February 2011 the New Zealand participants will visit Japan for ten days.The costs of the participants are covered by the Japanese Government, but not for support people.
Applications are open until 7 September 2010.
For more information and application forms:
Email: japan18@eoj.org.nz or odi@msd.govt.nz
09. Local Body elections.
A new website has been developed to support the local government elections being held from late September to midday 9 October 2010. On the website you can find out who is standing in your region or ward and for what type of position. Candidates can also put up their profiles and you can ask questions of them.
10: Draft Accessible Signage Guidelines.
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) has developed draft best practice guidelines for accessible signage usable by blind and partially sighted people, including those who are deafblind. The RNZFB consulted with members, braille professionals, consumer organisations and other stakeholders in March and April 2010. They are currently reviewing the feedback received, and will develop a final version of the guidelines.
11. Arts Access Aotearoa Big ‘A’ Awards.
Arts Access Aotearoa presented their Big 'A' Awards last month at Parliament. Wellington dancer, drummer and actor Duncan Armstrong has won the Big 'A' Winton and Margaret Bear Young Artist Award. Described by the award judges as "a mover and shaker, crossing boundaries and artforms, and bringing out the best in others", Duncan has not let Down Syndrome stop him succeeding academically and pursuing his goal of a professional career in the performing arts. Toi Ora Live Art Trust, Grey Lynn, Auckland was awarded the Big ‘A' Creative Space Award 2010. The trust provides art and music classes for those in need. The Big A awards judges say one of the main factors behind Toi Ora's win is it has the "wow factor".