Disability Action home an access dream

A disability advocacy group is making sure its new home will be a model of easy access.

The premises being built for CCS Disability Action aims to set the standard for accessibility.

"A big part of our work is advocating about access and we can hardly do that if the place we’re working from is not a good example," says team leader Steve Matheson.

The Royal Oak building will have open plan offices so people in wheelchairs don’t have to negotiate corridors or tight corners.

All handles, switches and fittings are easy to reach, and doors are either automatic or pushed open with little effort.

Even the windows have been lowered to make sure everyone can see the view.

"In most buildings if you’re sitting down you only get half the picture," Mr Matheson says.

It’s also fitted with an audio loop to help people with hearing aids.

The changes will make life easier for clients and for several staff members who have disabilities.

Team leader Sue Sherrard says she’s looking forward to the move.

"As a wheelchair user, it will be fabulous to be in a purpose-built space and have the space we need to move."

CCS has been operating from a renovated villa on the same site, which has already been altered as much as possible.

"As we’ve expanded the building has grown with us, but it means people are out in different wings," Ms Sherrard says.

The house and surrounding five-acre section were donated more than 25 years ago by
Rotary member Bob Yarnton.

It will be leased by community, health and not-for-profit groups when CCS moves into the new building in March.

Space is still available, and Mr Matheson says they hope to bring in groups who will help them link with disabled people from different communities.

The Horizon Gardens, which have been on site for 25 years, will continue to operate from a smaller site.

The gardens have previously been used to help people with disabilities learn to grow fruit and vegetables.

They’ll now be open to anyone from the community who would like to take part or have an
allotment.

Organic produce will also be sold from a shop on site.

Mr Matheson says the change is part of a shift towards making people with disability more
visible.

"They want to be out in the world, have jobs, and be meaningfully involved in the community."

- © Fairfax NZ News