Accessible Christchurch – Everybody Everytime!

Ross Brereton, Chief Executive Officer for Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA), said today that the forthcoming Christchurch CBD post-quake rebuild gives disabled people an excellent opportunity to provide input into the city plan and ongoing redevelopment of Christchurch. “DPA’s Accessible Christchurch campaign focuses on local community initiatives and building community commitment to changing disability related attitudes. DPA wants to see disabled people included in all activities relating to the Christchurch rebuild, especially future public space planning. We want to see comprehensive disability equity and competency training developed and provided by disabled people, to all personnel involved in the administration of all public spaces.” Mr Brereton said.

DPA is sponsoring a series of forums in Christchurch this week. These will take place in the following locations:

Thursday 28 July 12noon (includes lunch) Kaiapoi Club, 113 Raven Quay, Kaiapoi

Thursday 28 July 7pm (includes supper) Riccarton Club, 66b Wharenui Road, Riccarton

Friday 29 July 12noon (includes lunch) Woolston Club, 43 Hargood Street, Woolston

Saturday 30 July 2pm (includes afternoon tea) Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind, Social Hall – 96 Bristol Street, St Albans

These meetings will gage the views of disabled Cantabrians about what access features they would like to see included in a rebuilt city.

“If we do it right, Christchurch can lead the way in the development of a universally designed, accessible built environment and transport system. Christchurch could even become the destination of choice for international disabled travellers” said Ross Brereton today.

The DPA Accessible Christchurch campaign runs from 1 July to 31 December 2011. For more information about the campaign or the forums, contact Pam MacNeill, Accessible Christchurch Coordinator, access.christchurch@gmail.com or phone 0274 575461.