Disability innovations

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Creating a fully inclusive society! | Disability relationship project | Achievements | Disability definition | Accessible Auckland | Access Auckland: an access map for Auckland's CBD | Good Design Guide | Disability framework for action

Disability relationship project

The disability access consultants advising the architect responsible for designing the new Wesley Community Centre.

In 1999 Auckland City Council recognised that the decisions local government make have a direct impact on the lives of disabled people and decided to take action.

First, they commissioned a scoping report that identified the key issues facing disabled citizens. A disability awareness consultant was then contracted to write a report that outlined just how Auckland City could create an effective relationship with disabled people.

While the ultimate aim of the Disability Relationship Project is to create a fully inclusive environment for all disabled Aucklanders, three key recommendations were implemented, in order to move us closer to the outcome.

These were:

• Pilot disability awareness training for council staff.
• Develop a communication plan to ensure disabled people receive on going information about actions and initiatives undertaken through the Disability Relationship Project.
• Ensure input from disabled people into council policy and planning.

Disability Issues Advisory Group (DIAG)

The Disability Issues Advisory Group (DIAG) was established in early 2001 to facilitate input from disabled people in to council’s policies and plans. DIAG has advised Auckland City on a wide range of issues that relate to disabled people. The group is made up of highly skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds including those with impairments and those who have experience of working in the disability sector.

In September 2001, Minnie Baragwanath was contracted as a Disability Advisor to implement the following projects:

• Facilitate disability input to council projects, policies and plans.
• Develop a communication plan that promotes positive and accurate messages about disability within council and to the wider community.
• Build relationships between council staff and the disability community.
• Implement disability awareness training for Auckland City staff.

Ultimately, the Disability Relationship Project through the work of DIAG and the Disability Advisor, aims to create an inclusive society for disabled Aucklanders by removing all physical and social barriers to participation. This aim which is consistent with the national philosophy of the New Zealand Disability Strategy issued by central government in April 2001.