Hearing Association Biennial Conference

Saturday March 2007

Ruth Dyson, Minister of Disability Issues, ACC, Labour, Senior Citizens, Social Development and Employment.

Good morning. Welcome to the Hearing Assn Biennial Conference 2007. A special welcome to all those who have travelled to Christchurch for this event.

Hearing loss is one of those insidious things. You are never quite aware that your hearing is getting worse, until you suddenly realise you are turning the radio and tv up and everyone else in the room says its too loud! As a petrol head I have enjoyed loud noises from revving engines over many years, and I am sure it will have made some difference to my hearing. I’m pleased that part of your vision is to raise awareness of the affect constant loud noise can have on our hearing.

New inventions have brought a lot of relief for those who are hard of hearing. One of the good things about living during the global hi tech revolution is the use of new technologies to help people. We are especially lucky to be in Christchurch, which prides itself on being the hi tech capital, of New Zealand. We have many innovative companies designing and inventing new products.

The Accessible Christchurch project aims to enable everybody full access through the use of technology in the public environment. Accessible Christchurch also includes Humanware Ltd, one of our hi tech companies that has won world wide awards for its products. Accessible Christchurch also includes NZ Trade and Enterprise and the University of Canterbury. The project is still in its infancy but I know that with your participation in the group, you will be able to make a difference for the hard of hearing in our city.

The invention of the hearing loop is one piece of modern technology that has changed your lives. The hearing loop enables you to have a microphone in your ear is one of the ingenious methods now available.

Council does have a vision of inclusiveness and that everybody can participate in decision making. We have made a start by installing a hearing loop in the Christchurch Art Gallery.

We are aware that more needs to be done for those of you who are hearing impaired to enable you to take part in our consultation processes. At this moment staff are in the process of purchasing a portable hearing loop which will be used at Council hearings such as the Long Term Council Community Plan.

If you want to get things done it is important to focus and have a plan. This is what the Hearing Association has done by formulating a twelve point plan which sets out particular targets, such as getting audio loops installed in theatres and meeting halls.

Congratulations on this plan. You may not get what you want overnight but by focussing, lobbying, advocating and being part of government consultations you will be successful.

Welcome once more to our lovely city and my best wishes to a great conference.