DPA's Information Exchange - 20 February 2021

• New stats show poor wellbeing outcomes for disabled people
• Face mask / covering exemption cards
• Accessible Housing Forum - Dunedin
• Feedback sought on draft Wellington Regional transport plans
• Petition to fully fund NZSL for commemorations, anniversaries and festivals
• Human Rights Commission Senior Legal Advisor vacancy

New stats show poor wellbeing outcomes for disabled people

Face mask/covering exemption cards 

A reminder since face masks/coverings are currently mandatory on public transport that we have exemption cards if you are exempt from wearing a face mask.

If you have a disability or health condition and you can’t wear a face covering safely or comfortably, you are exempt from wearing one.
 
The Exemption Card has been developed by the Ministry of Health specifically for those who cannot wear face coverings safely or comfortably due to a disability or health condition.  
 
It can be shown when in public if necessary, for example to transport operators. The use of the card is self-regulated and decided upon by the individual. However, the Ministry of Health encourage people to do the right thing and only use this Exemption Card if you need to.

If anyone asks why you are not wearing a face covering, you can show them the card. You don’t need to show the card, but you can if you want to. If you have any issues with people saying you should be wearing a mask please let us know - info@dpa.org.nz

A digital version of the card can be downloaded and either printed or kept on a phone (perhaps as a screensaver), or we have physical credit card versions that can be sent to you.

To request an exemption card please email info@dpa.org.nz.

Accessible Housing Forum - Dunedin

The Access for All Dunedin Group is holding an Accessible Housing Forum on April 1. 

This is the chance for disabled people, families/whānau and support network representatives to discuss issues and solutions to the housing crisis and housing accessibility crisis affecting Dunedin and New Zealand.

Accessible Housing Forum

When: 10.00am - 3.00pm, Thursday 1 April
Where: Dunningham Suite, Dunedin City Library, 230 Moray Place Dunedin
RSVP: By March 26 to chris.ford@dpa.org.nz or 027 696 0872

• Chris Ford, Disabled Persons Assembly, 027 696 0872 email: chris.ford@dpa.org.nz
• John Marrable, Disability Information Service on 471 6152, email: john@disabilityinfo.co.nz

Feedback sought on draft Wellington Regional transport plans 

Consultation on the draft Wellington Regional Land Transport Plan 2021 and draft Regional Public Transport Plan is open and runs through to 19 March 2021.
 
You can find the draft plans and how to make a submission at the Wellington Regional Council website.

During the consultation period, the council are hosting a series of workshops to discuss the issues and opportunities facing transport in the region and how to address them.

Workshops include a quick update on the draft plans and submission process, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in:

• a broad discussion on the key themes and focus areas of the draft plans
• small group discussions on transport topics that interest you most

Greater Wellington staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Workshop dates:
 
Wellington City: 4.30pm–6.00pm, Wed 3 March
Greater Wellington Regional Council, 100 Cuba Street, Wellington
Register for the Wellington session

Porirua: 12.00pm–1.30pm, Thu 4 March
Pataka Art and Museum, Cnr Parumoana and Norrie St, Porirua
Register for the Porirua session

Upper Hutt : 12.00pm–1.30pm, Tue 2 March
Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club, 11 Logan Street, Upper Hutt
Register for the Upper Hutt session

Petition to fully fund NZSL for commemorations, anniversaries and festivals

A petition has been started requesting fully fund NZ Sign Language accessibility to Waitangi Day Commemorations and other commemorations, anniversaries & festivals throughout NZ.
 

It requests that:

- NZ Sign Language Interpreters are fully funded for formal coverage of commemorations, anniversaries and festivals in their local regions throughout NZ.

- NZ Sign Language Interpreters are fully funded for social interpreting throughout the day of the commemorations, anniversaries and festival events occurring throughout NZ.

- Legislation and policies are updated to reflect this access need 

The petition will be handed to Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime on March 31 by Deaf Action NZ and Tū Tāngata Turi. 

To read and sign the petition visit the petition page on the Action Station website.

Human Rights Commission Senior Legal Advisor vacancy 

The Human Rights Commission are seeking an Senior Legal Advisor to join their Legal, Research and Monitoring team. 

The role involves providing expert legal advice across a wide range of human rights related issues. You will provide support and assistance to the Commission's Chief Legal Adviser and work closely with other members of the legal team, the Chief Executive, and the Human Rights Commissioners.

Applications close 3 March 2021.

For more information and to apply see the Human Rights Commission job ad.