Blind Foundation News – June2016

Welcome to your Blind Foundation News update for July2016.

This update has information about a recent research forum, the upcoming youth parliament, an update from the RNZFB Board, and more.

If there is anything within this update that you would like to know more about then please get in touch with the Communications team whose details are at the end of the update.

Why Accessibility Matters research forum

  • We recently held our first Why Accessibility Matters research forum.
  • The event attractedmore than 50guests from government, business, disabled peoples’ and community organisations.
  • This was an opportunity for the Blind Foundation to launch the results of the AUT New Zealand Work Research Institute’s (NZWRI) study on Disability, education and the labour market: a longitudinal portrait.
  • Guest speakers from AUT, CCS Disability Action, iwi public health organisation: Hapai Te Hauroa, and Be.Accessible shared presentations on current and planned research.
  • Together the group looked into the gaps and new research needed to move forward in our case of accessibility.
  • The Blind Foundation is looking forward to progressing on this cause.

Youth Parliament

  • Youth Parliament is being held on 19 and 20 July at the House of Representatives.
  • We are delighted to let you know the mock Accessible Web Pages and Apps Bill will be debated at Youth Parliament 2016. The mock bill is aimed at improving website and app accessibility for people with print disabilities in New Zealand.
  • As part of youth parliament, Britnee Tapara, a client, has the opportunity to talk in the House on the bill.
  • The Youth MPs are being directed to the Blind Foundation website’s campaigns section for information about our stance on accessibility.
  • We plan to maximise the promotion to the Blind Foundation from the event.
  • It is hoped that Youth Parliament 2016 will increase public interest in the issue. We are exploring the possibility of turning the mock bill into a Government-supported real bill.

New Appointment to RNZFB Board of Directors

Mr Chung-Pin Lin has informed the RNZFB Board that he is stepping down as a director for personal reasons. CP was first elected to the Board in November 2013. The Board takes this opportunity to thank CP for his contribution during his tenure and to wish him well for his future endeavours.

In line with the casual vacancies clause in the Constitution, Mrs Pamela MacNeill will replace CP on the Board as the fourth placed candidate in the 2015 elections. Pam will take up her appointment in July.Pam has been a member of the Blind Foundation since the age of nine.She lives in Upper Hutt with her husband and retired guide dog.

Pam brings a breadth of knowledge, skills and experience to the board table including a directorship with Workbridge.She has held a number of leadership roles with the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner, Capital and Coast DHB as well as the Ministry of Health.She is currently the Managing Director of Disability Responsiveness New Zealand. This is a social enterprise established to provide education and training about disability responsiveness to all sectors of New Zealand society.They also look at capability building opportunities for disabled people.

The RNZFB congratulates Pamela MacNeill on her appointment and the RNZFB Board of Directors look forward to her taking up her seat at the table next month.

Consumer SEED

  • Applications are now open for the 2016 Consumer SEED Leadership course.
  • This is a fantastic opportunity to join the dozens of blind community members who have embarked on a path of self-development and improvement through attending the SEED Leadership Programme.
  • The next course will be held in Dunedin from Monday August 29 to Wednesday August 31 2016.
  • If you know of anyone who may be interested please pass this on.
  • The information and application form is availableon the Blind Foundation website.
  • The deadline for applications is Friday 15 July.

Engagement Roadshow

  • The first leg is now complete and preparation has begun for the next round in September and October.
  • There was a great turn out to each event and some really valuable discussions were held.
  • Details on the next round of roadshows will be in the winter issue of Outlook and on the events section of the website.

Other news

The following news items can be found on the Blind Foundation website’s events, and news and views pages.

  • Blind FoundationJuneeNewsletter –In this month’s edition we profile two of our volunteer stars; Benny Foar and Parveen Shankar. Plus Hazem Abd Elkader who was born with albinism, and CVR team member, Felicity Hutcheson.
  • Candidate Information Day for 2016 RNZFB Board Elections - The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind seeks expressions of interest from those who are thinking of standing in the 2016 RNZFB Board Elections to attend an information day.
  • Join two new walking groups in Parnell Auckland – Join the Amblers (low intensity) or Striders (high intensity) walking groups that take place once a week.
  • Celebrating Helen Keller Communication Day – Read about deafblind client Wendy Chiang.
  • Outward Bound course applications are now open - discover your full potential through a life changing adventure in the outdoors

Staff profile

​Today let's take two with Chantelle Griffiths, Adaptive Communications and Adaptive Technology Service (ACATS) Trainer from Awhina House.

When we ask Chantelle what her role is about she simply says:

"It is about enabling and empowering clients to work, study and live a fulfilled life through the use of adaptive technology."

This ranges from introducing a first time mobile phone user to a smartphone, through to teaching someone braille, touch typing or how to use a screen reader.

Chantelle describes a typical week as a spontaneous mix of scheduling appointments, doing presentations or travelling to client homes or workplaces.

"I'm either travelling with other ACATS team members, rehabilitation staff, or on my own. Some weeks I could be in the office doing paperwork, other weeks, I could be anywhere else around the country, depending on the needs of the clients."

Every day is a highlight for her, especially when she sees someone achieve a goal they've worked long and hard for.

"It's a delight when they experience their 'aha moment' with a concept they've been trying to understand for a long time" she says.

"What I enjoy most about being here is the fun and camaraderie amongst staff members. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and the depth of knowledge is second to none."

Since doing a ten week computer course at the Blind Foundation in 2005, Chantelle has centered her career on adaptive technology.

This is her second time working at the Blind Foundation and she has been back here since January. Prior to working here, she lived in Australia for seven years and worked for an adaptive technology supplier.


Photo of Chantelle.

Equipment Display Days

The following equipment display days are for now untilAugust2016. As these may be subject to change, please call your local Blind Foundation office to confirm details.

Area / Date and Time / Venue
Wanganui / 13 July, 1.00pm - 3.00pm / Blind Foundation, 102 Peat Street, Wanganui.
New Plymouth / 11 August, 10:30am – 12pm / 129-131 Vivian Street
Dunedin / 16 August, 11am-1pm / Blind Foundation Yates Room, Corner of Hillside Road & Law Street
Kerikeri / 18 August, 1pm-3pm / Library Building, Kerikeri Retirement Village,125 Kerikeri Road.

For further information on any of the above, please contact the Communications Team at or 0800 24 33 33.

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