Nicky Wagner
Christchurch organisations have made significant progress in advocating for those with disabilities by establishing the Accessibility Charter.
The Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch City Council, Development Christchurch Limited, Otakaro Limited and Environment Canterbury are signatories to the Charter, which was launched yesterday (Friday, November 3, 2017).
It is important that public buildings and outdoor spaces are genuinely barrier free to ensure to ensure accessibility for our disabled community.
Landmark Document
The Accessibility Charter, established by the Barrier Free NZ Trust and the Earthquake Disability Leadership Group, gives organisations an opportunity to lead the implementation of best practice accessible design in their communities.
The landmark document advocates for the universal design of public places and spaces. It goes beyond the minimum accessibility compliance expectations of the building code.
Share An Idea
Organisations in Christchurch have come together to support the Charter. The opportunity to make Christchurch a fully inclusive and accessible city was highlighted in the City Council’s “Share an Idea” process and incorporated into the Canterbury Recovery Blueprint for the city.
All government and Council rebuild work has aimed to ensure people of all ages and abilities can participate fully in the city’s activities.
I congratulate the Barrier Free NZ Trust and the Earthquake Disability Leadership Group on their initiative and encourage other communities to take up the opportunity to create some of the world’s most accessible and liveable cities.
See the Accessibility Charter here.
Nicky Wagner is Member of Parliament on National Party List and the Party’s Spokesperson for Disability Issues. She is seen in the picture (Supplied) standing at extreme right with (from left) Barrier Free Trust Chief Executive Lorraine Guthrie, Earthquake Disability Leadership Group Project Facilitator Amy Hartnell, Earthquake Disability Trust Chairperson Ruth Jones (seated) and Barrier Free NZ Trust Chairman Don Miskell.
