Happy International Day of Older Persons 2020
The annual International Day of Older Persons was established by the United Nations in 1990 to recognise older people as mentors, volunteers, leaders and the foundation of families and communities.
The theme of the 2020 commemoration is “Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?”
Read moreChrissie Cowan finalist 2020 Women of Influence Awards
Congratulations to Chrissie Cowan, CEO of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa and Access Alliance Chair, who has been named as a finalist in the 2020 Women of Influence Awards Programme in the Community Hero category.
Read moreProf Mary Butler talks about Kāpō Māori Aotearoa with Access Alliance Chair, Chrissie Cowan
Professor Mary Butler talks with Chrissie Cowan, Chair of the Access Alliance and CE of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa, which is the oldest national indigenous consumer group founded as a peer support network in the 1980’s by blind, low vision, vision impaired, deaf blind Māori and their whānau.
Read moreAdvocates Meet Julie Anne Genter, Green MP
Access Matters advocates Chris Orr, who is blind, and Ite Lemalu, who has low vision, recently met with Green MP and Minister Hon Julie Anne Genter via Zoom to talk about how accessibility legislation will improve access to information during a crisis.
Read moreNew Supporting Organisation: Amputees Federation of New Zealand
Amputees Federation of New Zealand joins the growing number of organisations supporting the Access Alliance.
Read moreInterview with Chrissie Cowan, Access Alliance Chair
Watch the video of Access Alliance Chair, Chrissie Cowan, speaking with Vicki on Community Collaborators.
Read moreMajor Milestone Achieved - Unanimous Party Support
A message from the Access Alliance
We have come a long way and it has been a real team effort. At times it’s been tough, and with your support, we have reached a major milestone in our vision of creating a more accessible Aotearoa New Zealand through the introduction of accessibility legislation.
Read moreChanging Places NZ - New Access Alliance Supporting Organisation
Changing Places NZ joins the growing number of organisations supporting the Access Alliance.
Read moreThe ADA at 30 - Civic Activism, Legislative Action, Enduring Change
26 July 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was written to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
"The ADA confirms the vital role that civil society plays in American democracy; it is a story of civic activism encouraging legislative action that leads to enduring change over time. The ADA has also inspired the world to see disability issues through the lens of equality and opportunity, and influenced actions by international organizations ... to address discrimination faced by persons with disabilities. Overall, the ADA has encouraged equal opportunity and reminded America that their heritage of equal rights for all requires equal access for all."
By Ben Sides. Originally published July 2020, State Magazine.
Read moreJames Shaw meets 'That Blind Woman' Julie Woods
Julie Woods, aka 'That Blind Woman' and #AccessMatters advocate, caught up with James Shaw, Green Party Co-Leader. Julie talked with him about the #AccessAlliance and the work that is being done on #AccessibilityLegislation.
James said the Greens will be discussing #Access this week in their caucus.
Read more"We are calling on all parties to support #AccessLawNow!"