ASSOCIATION OF BLIND CITIZENS OF NEW ZEALAND INC

MEDIA RELEASE

The Great Barrier Brief

For Immediate Release – Tuesday 22 July 2008

This afternoon the Great Barrier Brief was launched by the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand in conjunction with its Wellington Seminar. The launch occurred in the Banquet Hall at Parliament during the informational function hosted by Hon Ruth Dyson, Minister for Disability Issues.

Comprising a register of issues indicative of barriers to the rightful, equitable and full participation of blind and vision impaired people in society, the Association’s aim is to heighten awareness of the rights of blind and vision impaired people and to remove the barriers.

The Association’s National President Clive Lansink said “developed primarily as a resource for local and national government ‘The Great Barrier Brief’ is a resource that can actually be used by anyone wanting to learn more, not just about the barriers that prevent blind and vision impaired people living in an inclusive society, but about the solutions that will ensure we are full participants.”

While identification of the barriers is important, through stating its objectives and providing solutions the Association looks forward to working with government officials and others interested in breaking down and resolving societal barriers.

Clive Lansink concluded “the Association thanks Minister Dyson for her ongoing support and working with disability organisations such as this Association and championing our issues.”

Founded in 1945, the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc is New Zealand’s leading blindness consumer organisation and one of the country’s largest organisations of disabled consumers. Its philosophy is “blind people speaking for ourselves.”

Ends

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