News

As our city streets become more crowded and businesses increasingly compete to attract the attention of the passer-by, our footpaths are increasingly becoming an obstacle course to be negotiated. As temporary signage and outdoor seating encroach more and more into pedestrian thoroughfares we are excluding more and more of the very people that businesses are trying to attract. 

The Scottish city of Edinburgh has taken the leap and is working with business owners and disability advocates to ensure it's city streets are kept clear of clutter and open an accessible to everyone.

The digital world is an increasingly vital part of our lives. Here we are, right now. You, me, and your device. You, me, your device, and millions of other kiwis perusing online spheres for information, love, consumer items, friendship, or education.

Perhaps today in the digital world you’ll get a job, pay a bill, or express yourself through an emoji. Maybe you’ll order groceries, find out how to get somewhere, or post a selfie. Whatever you do, there’s no denying that accessing the digital world is not just an add on anymore, for convenience. It’s now a basic human right, and it’s something that most of us find we need access to in order to be active and included members of society.

But is the digital world built for everyone? At the moment it isn’t, but it could be.

Media Release: Access Alliance welcomes Disability Minister’s commitment to improving access to work - 17th November.

The Access Alliance welcomes Disability Minister Carmel Sepuloni’s commitment to increasing access for New Zealanders with a disability.

The Minister was responding to a discussion paper from the Maxim Institute that more needs to be done to remove the barriers for people with disability gaining meaningful employment*.

Dianne Rogers, Advocacy and Policy Manager at The Blind Foundation and Access Alliance Project Coordinator interviews visiting Accessibility Advocate David Lepofsky. 

Four in five NZers want accessibility standards - study.   5 September 2017 - Emma Hatton RNZ.

You can listen to the full interview (25 min) interview with David and Amy here.

Media Release- Embargoed until: 9am Tuesday 5th September

A national poll conducted by UMR commissioned and released today by the Access Alliance shows the vast majority of New Zealanders want action on improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

The Blind Foundation is proud to bring renowned disability rights campaigner David Lepofsky to New Zealand to speak on behalf of The Access Alliance Access Matters campaign on the need for Parliament to pass accessibility legislation. 

Media Advisory: Prominent international disability advocate David Lepofsky to visit New Zealand - 01 September 2017

The Blind Foundation is proud to bring renowned disability rights campaigner David Lepofsky to New Zealand to speak on behalf of The Access Alliance Access Matters campaign on the need for Parliament to pass Accessibility Legislation.

Media Release: Disabled advocates speak in support of open letter 

Advocates with a range of disabilities have come together to launch an Open Letter today calling on all parliamentary parties to commit to introducing much needed accessibility legislation.

Media Release 
28 February 2017

Accessibility legislation for disabled people would boost New Zealand’s economy by $862 million