Last Tuesday's guest speaker was Debbie Webster from the Disability Information Service.
The Disability Information Service is based in Community House, Dunedin. The service is for connecting people to information about many aspects around disability and services including:
Awareness training.
NZ standards for access, mobility, health and disability.
Government policies, entitlements and consumer rights.
Organisations who help with disabilities.
Support networks – community and natural supports.
Equipment, including daily aids and continence products.
You can find out about the service at their website here, and there is information at Weka.
There are information stands at both Wakari and Dunedin hospitals where you can pick up several booklets for information including a Queenstown accessible map which gives information on accessibility and activities around Queenstown.
The Disability Information Service also give advice on building standards and can refer companies to barrier free assessments.
Among the users of the service are disabled people, older people, families, carers, community organisations, students and educators, government departments, local authorities, architects, builders, employers and health authorities.
Going forward Debbie would like to introduce a mobile service similar to that of Aspire Canterbury which could more easily service the region.
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