Day of Disabled Persons 3 Dec
Working to ensure the views of everyone in the city are considered is at the heart of Christchurch City Council’s policy of inclusion.
Some estimates of the city’s disabled population put it as high as one-in-four and the Council’s relationship with disabled people is a particular focus in the lead-up to 3 December, the International Day of Disabled Persons. Since 1982, the day has been marked around the world in an effort to increase understanding of disability issues and increase support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
Council Metropolitan community development advisor — disability/older adults Ruth Jones leads the Council’s effort in this area. She says the CCC has worked with individuals and groups over a number of years to enhance the active participation and contribution of people with disabilities.
Following adoption of the Equity and Access Policy for People with Disabilities — on the web at www.ccc.govt.nz/Publications/EquityandAccess/ — the Council in 2003 worked with community groups and service providers to set up a Disability Reference Group.
“We’ve been working hard this year to enhance the relationship between the Council and the disability sector and have recently been involved with consultation on traffic crossings and waste management,” Ms Jones says. “The launch of the Go Free Enjoy the City Mobility Scooters was another iniative that happened in June and summertime is a perfect time to utilise these to explore and enjoy the central city, Botanic Gardens and Arts Centre.”
This year, the international day coincides with the final day of competition and closing ceremony of the Asia Pacific Special Olympic Games. The Saturday, 3 December event at the Westpac Centre in Addington will be full of colour, pageantry and patriotic pride and includes a performance by the award-winning mixed-abilities dance company JOLT.
“It would be really great if Christchurch people turn out for this City Council-supported event, Ms Jones says. “The city’s hosting about 2000 athletes for the games and it would be great to show that we appreciate their efforts.”
The closing ceremony and farewell party begins at 7.30pm and entry is by gold coin donation.
On the City Council’s Disability Reference Group, Gloria Weeks represents Foundation of the Blind members and those in the community with vision impairment. She says the reference group helps information flow to and from the various groups represented by its members.
“I write half a newsletter that goes out to Foundation members and keep them up to date on things, telling them to have their say,” she says. “Because I’m doing it, they’re getting it in a form that they can use, so it increases the likelihood they’ll get involved.
“One of the biggest things for us, for all the people in the group, is that the City Council sees us as a group with which they need to consult. We do expect that our expertise is being listened to and is worthwhile. Lip-service isn’t good enough, and because they’re taking our views on board, the end result has to be good for everyone.”
|
