Our Stories exhibition opens in Nelson

A multimedia exhibition that has been touring New Zealand for the past 18 months is set to get its biggest welcome yet in Nelson and Tasman.

The Our Stories exhibition uses photographs, words and film to tell the stories of people with disabilities. It opens at the Nelson Provincial Museum tomorrow (February 27).

Up to 750 primary school children will participate in workshops during the exhibition ­ the highest level of participation so far, says IHC Advocate Pip O'Connell.

"We have huge support from the museum and schools for this project," she says. "Nelson is delivering three weeks of workshops and they are full."

Our Stories challenges Kiwis to get to know people with disabilities ­ to see the person first, rather than the disability.

IHC and CCS Disability Action formed a two-year partnership to take the exhibition around the country - it has been on the road since June 2007 and this will be the eighth time the exhibition has been staged.

Based on photographs by Hanne Johnsen and Glenn Busch's book, The Man With No Arms and Other Stories, the exhibition uses photographs, words and film to tell the stories.

Our Stories also includes information evenings for employer groups, service organisations and sport and recreation groups. Pip O'Connell says it sends the message that people with disabilities have a right to participate in the community, to share in family life, have a job and ambitions.

"The goal is that all schools in Nelson and Tasman will provide inclusive education for children with disabilities, that job opportunities will be created for adults with disabilities and that sport and recreation groups will have an open door policy to everyone."

Our Stories is on at The Nelson Provincial Museum ­ Pupiri Taonga o te Tai Ao, corner Trafalgar and Hardy Streets, until 26 April. Entry is free.

The employers evening will be held on Tuesday 3 March and an event for service, sport and recreation groups will be held on Tuesday 10 March.

ENDS

© Scoop Media