Disability advocate to speak at Taranaki forum

27 September 2012

The Disability Rights Commissioner, Paul Gibson, will be guest speaker at a forum for users of Taranaki’s Total Mobility scheme, under which taxi travel is subsidised for people with disabilities.

The annual forum, to be held in New Plymouth on 17 October, will bring together users, scheme administrators from the Taranaki Regional Council and Disabled Persons Assembly, and taxi operators and other service providers.

“It’s a chance for people to ask questions, raise issues and provide feedback,” says the Council’s Passenger Services Officer, Chris Clarke. “And we’re really pleased that Paul Gibson has agreed to attend the forum this year.”

Taranaki born and bred, Mr Gibson was appointed Disability Rights Commissioner in 2011. He has long been an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and is a former president of the Disabled Persons Assembly.

The free forum will be held at the New Plymouth District Council chambers, Liardet St, on Wednesday 17 October, starting at 10am. Doors will open at 9.30am for light refreshments.

To register your attendance, email totalmobility@trc.govt.nz or call 0800 868 662 by Friday 5 October.
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