Great Progress Made in Improving Accessibility

New Plymouth District is well on track to becoming one of the most accessible districts in the country.

In a report to this week’s Policy Committee meeting, the annual report on the Council’s Disability Strategy said a number of improvements around the district had resulted in easier access in public areas, and in finding Council information.

“Access is not something that affects just the one in five people who have a disability in New Zealand,” says Manager Community Development Leighton Littlewood.

“Lessened mobility is something that can be temporary – so mothers with prams, people using mobility scooters or with age-related impairments, or those suffering injury can face these challenges.

“Essentially, disability can affect all of us at some point in our lives and issues around access will then become much more important.”

The annual report details the number of improvements that have been made to public spaces (such as footpaths, pathways, parks and reserves, and buildings), access to Council information (websites and consultation), and staff awareness and understanding.

Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre (TDIC) Manager Brian Eriksen says the Council is leading the way when it comes to removing barriers for the disabled.

“The entire community benefits from this work. The Council’s achievements show that when we get it right for people with disabilities, we get it right for everyone,” he says.

This is the second year that NPDC’s Disability Strategy has been in place, and it has been influential in the development of a Taranaki regional disability strategy (led by TDIC with support from the Council) which will be launched on 5 December.

Highlights of what has been achieved between 2009 and 2011:

• NPDC’s website newplymouthnz.com won the Accessibility Award in the ALGIM (Association of Local Government Information Management) Web Awards 2011.
• Govett-Brewster Art Gallery was awarded the inaugural Big ‘A’ Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award (2011) for becoming more accessible to people with impairments.
• A suite of minor infrastructure projects within existing budgets to improve accessibility in Council-owned buildings and facilities, roads and accessways, crossing points, and parks and reserves.
• A comprehensive audit of all major public space assets is under way.
• NPDC partnering with Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre to co-lead the development of a regional disability strategy.