MEDIA RELEASE

CCS launch Disability Action

Disability support and advocacy group CCS, now CCS Disability Action, launched its new brand today at a breakfast at the Banquet Hall in Parliament, to coincide with next weeks awareness week theme of 'Home Life of Your Choice'.

"Over 70 years ago, we set out to help children whose lives had been changed forever by polio. Today our goal is broader and our decision to change our name to "CCS Disability Action" reflects our determination to work with, and support, all disabled people to have the same right to relationships, learning, recreation, work and community as everyone else", says Viv Maidaborn, CEO of CCS Disability Action.

The function also celebrated the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting article 19 (living independently and being included in the community). Phillip Patston was the Master of Ceremonies and CEO Viv Maidaborn, key staff, and Mark Grantham, who has received supported living services, all spoke at the function. A highlight of the morning was a recorded message to the organisation from UN Ambassador Don MacKay from Geneva.

"Our by-line "Including all People" reflects our vision for ourselves as New Zealanders and the way we need to think and behave toward each other in our families, whanau and wider communities," said Viv Maidaborn. "We believe our new logo captures the need for New Zealanders to link with one another and to acknowledge and draw on their differences to create stronger, more bonded communities that are truly accessible to all," she said.

The organisation also has a new website that was sponsored by Telecom. To visit the website and for more information go to http://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/

ENDS

Background Information

Over 70 years ago, we set out to help children whose lives had been changed forever by polio. Today our goal is broader and our decision to change our name to "CCS Disability Action" reflects our determination to work with, and support, all disabled people to have the same right to relationships, learning, recreation, work and community as everyone else.

"Including all People" reflects our vision for ourselves as New Zealanders, the way we need to think and behave toward each other in our families, whanau and wider communities. Our new logo captures the need for New Zealanders to link with one another and to acknowledge and draw on their differences to create stronger, more bonded communities that are truly accessible to all.

Reflecting the commitment in the New Zealand Disability Strategy - Making A World of Difference Whakanui Oranga [Minister for Disability Issues April 2001], a key expectation of CCS Disability Action's work is that the New Zealand community grows its capacity to ensure that disabled people have the same rights, choices, opportunities and safeguards as other citizens.

CCS Disability Action operates with a National Office and regional management structure, providing services nationally from six regions. It delivers regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities making it one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand. CCS Disability Action works closely with other disability agencies to ensure it makes best use of shared knowledge and resources, helping them to adopt best practice across the sector.