Accessible Auckland - Disability innovations

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Disability Issues Advisory Group (DIAG)

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

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 Council 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, a disability advisor was employed to implement a range of projects both across council and the city.

Read about projects that DIAG have been involved in

DIAG members - what they bring to the group

Sue Lessing

Being deaf with two independent deaf sons, Sue's focus is on educating people about the barriers and solutions for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Sue currently works for Deaf Aotearoa as Community Relations Officer and enjoys keeping the deaf community updated via email.

Latoatama (La) Halatau

La has a visual impairment resulting from a sporting accident at 15 years old.

He has many years experience working with and supporting blind and partially blind people to live independently.

La is currently working at Vision Pacific Charitable Trust which is governed by and managed by persons with disabilities.

Peter King

Having a daughter with a physical disability has given Peter first hand experience in the difficulty of getting around Auckland and who it is affecting.

This is invaluable in his role of senior regulator in the building industry for Auckland City Council, and ensuring compliance is met.

Vivian Naylor

Vivian broke her back in a road accident and is a wheelchair user.

She is the Disability Awareness Co-ordinator for CCS and her current focus is to promote Universal Design. She educates and advises councils, architects and companies in the building industry on how the built environment can be designed to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Marie Hull-Brown

Marie is a mental health promoter working mainly with older people and their ability to enjoy life outside their home. Her focus is on ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness are at the top of the city council's agenda for older people.

Having grandchildren and great grandchildren also helps Marie take an intergenerational approach towards life in Auckland.

Updated March 2010