A voice for the disabled of Palmy

One in four people in Palmerston North live with a disability and less than half of them are part of the workforce according to statistics.

The Disabled Persons Assembly of New Zealand is attempting to change this and have appointed a local Kaituitui to raise awareness of the need to open doors to education and employment.

Mike Girling-Butcher, who's also a tetraplegic, says those with disabilities are often overlooked.

"We need to be viewed for our skills not the disability we live with. Disabled people can lead fulfilling lives but we still strike a few barriers."

He said a lack of trust between employers and people with a disability was a major contributor.

"It's the same old story, we have to perform twice as better to be viewed half as good. We need to develop real trust and let employers know disabled people want to work."

DPA chief executive Rachel Noble says employment is not only important for an individual's economic independence, but also for one's self-esteem.

"We see productivity as wider than just having a job. For example, if people can't move around their own community easily, or they can't access the information they need, their ability to be productive in other areas of life will also be limited."

She said disabled people were an untapped resource in New Zealand.

Mr Girling-Butcher will be following the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. This document reaffirms people with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Mr Girling-Butcher will be working out of Community House, 44 King Street, Tuesday to Friday, 3pm--5pm. For more information, phone (06) 357-9877 or email dpapn@xtra.co.nz.