Organisations join to teach Rotorua public about disability services

(From left) Elva Anderson, Debi Haydon, Tim Lee, Mandy Gudgeon, Mary Barnett and Fraser Heron out at Te Manawa. Photo/Shauni James

The Rotorua community were able to learn more about services available for the disabled this week.

On Monday a number of organisations came together in Te Manawa as part of a late celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2017.

The organisations included Sailability which was there with one of its boats, along with CCS Disability Action, Cycling without Age and Imagine Better.

Life Unlimited was also there, giving people a chance to test out some Alinkers - a non-motorised walking-bike without pedals to help people maintain an active life regardless of movement disabilities.

Imagine Better's Mary Barnett says the point was to let people know what services are available, whether it be for themselves, a family member or friend.

She says it is all about acceptance and inclusion.

"We don't want anyone to be isolated in their homes thinking they can't get out."

CCS Disability Action access co-ordinator Mandy Gudgeon says there were children, parents, groups and members of the public visiting the display.

She says there was a great reaction from the public, with some people directed to the services they were looking for.

The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been celebrated annually on December 3 around the world since 1992.

Every year the United Nations announces a different theme, with this year's being 'Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all'.