MEDIA RELEASE

4 July 2003

Another step towards a 100% accessible Auckland

Today Auckland City took another step towards ‘being 100% accessible’ with the adoption of the Auckland Disability Framework for Action.

The framework is the result of a two-year partnership between Auckland City and the disability sector. It provides direction on how Auckland City can enable and encourage disabled people’s contribution and participation in the city.

Chairperson of Auckland City’s Community Services Committee, Councillor Graeme Mulholland, says the framework’s key actions include:
- involving disabled people in Auckland City projects and decision making
- improving disabled access to council facilities, events and activities
- ensuring disabled people contribute to the design of public spaces
- making council information more accessible to disabled people
- exploring the feasibility of a 100% accessible function centre at Western Springs
- ensuring Auckland City is a leading employer of disabled people
- supporting social and cultural projects run by and for disabled people
- implementing disability awareness training for council staff and
- making sure Auckland City continues to provide leadership in the area of disability.

“A disability occurs when people design a world only for their way of living without taking into account people with physical, sensory, neurological, psychiatric or intellectual impairments.”

“It is local government’s role to help remove these barriers. Auckland City is known for its lead role in this area. Our aim is to make our city 100% accessible to all our residents. This framework is another step towards that goal,” he says.

The framework for action is consistent with the New Zealand disability strategy, a central government initiative adopted in 2001. It is linked to a number of Auckland City’s strategic priorities such as building strong and healthy communities, recognising and supporting diversity and effective governance.

Auckland City was the first council to formally contract a disability advisor, in August 2001.

Since early 2001 it has been working closely with a group of people who represent the disability sector. Auckland City’s Disability Issues Advisory Group has input into council policy and planning and the design of council facilities and the city’s open spaces. Members of the group have also been involved in disability awareness training for council staff.

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