Message from Tiaho CEO

2008 has been a great year for Tiaho Trust. 

We have been involved in a number of projects aimed at increasing the public’s awareness of disability issues and educating for a society that does not disable us.

Two projects that we were proud to be involved with were the ‘Intimate Encounters – Disability and Sexuality’ photographic exhibition that Tiaho Trust brought over from Australia highlighting the rights and desire of disabled people to have intimate relationships like everybody else; and the ‘Our Stories’ project which Tiaho co-ordinated on behalf of CCS Disability Action and IDEA Services which consisted of a number of educational workshops, film fest and photographic exhibition.

Both these projects received a lot of support from the disability community which was great but more importantly, the general public’s feedback and attendance was extremely positive.

This year saw the rights and interest of disabled people strengthened by the government’s ratification of the United Nations Convention of the rights of persons with Disabilities.  Tiaho Trust looks forward to working with other disability organisations and the new government to promote and raise awareness of these rights within the mainstream community.

However we must not rest on our laurels!  In times of economic recession, the rights and standards of living of disabled people and other minority groups can get eroded. 

We must stand firm in our belief that disabled people should not only have the right to participate and be included in New Zealand society and their local communities, but endeavour to add value and be valued by their fellow New Zealanders. 

I wish you all an enjoyable festive season and look forward to working with the Northland disabled community in the New Year.