14 Feb 2020: Accessibility Legislation Hui

Date and time: Friday 14 February, 10am to 11.30am
Location: Charles Upham Room at the Papanui RSA, 55 Bellvue Ave
RSVP to Ruth Jones: edlg.accessiblechristchurch@gmail.com 

The date for this year’s General Election has been set -  19 September - and the time for government to take action on an accessibility legislation framework is now.

The Earthquake Disability Leadership Group invite you to join us for a kōrero about the need for an access law in 2020, what we've learned about this need during the Christchurch rebuild, and what you can do to make this legislation a reality for the benefit of people with disabilities, older people, parents, migrants, tourists and so many others with access needs. 

This hui is the opportunity for us all to commit to joint action. The agenda will include an overview of the 'Access Law 2020' campaign from Access Alliance, insights on what EDLG has learned in Christchurch, practical tools you can use to take action, and the actions we need to take immediately.

Hon Ruth Dyson, a long time advocate for disability rights and the Chair of the Access Alliance, will be with us at the meeting to reinforce our discussion.

The Earthquake Disability Leadership Group has been working since 2011 as a strong disability voice in the recovery, rebuild and regeneration of Christchurch. We have seen and contributed to some fantastic successes regarding best-practice access, and have also been disappointed at the inconsistencies of applying 'best-practice', and the resulting buildings and spaces that are inaccessible. 

We know that the most sustainable solution is to create accessibility legislation that requires fundamental change. We also know that our community is made of many groups that need their rights to participation enshrined in law – from those with disabilities, whānau with children and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, to kaumātua and visitors.

Our mission and legacy is to see an access law put in place in 2020. Please join us in making this a reality.