“Nothing about us, without us” – seeking the voice of our people affected by disability
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week is a chance to reflect on disability in a broader setting within our own organisation but also within the communities that we serve.
In New Zealand, 1.2 million people (2013 census) live with a disability. That’s roughly one in every four people. If you don’t live with a disability, then the chances are you’ll know someone that does.
Fire and Emergency recognises that it can do more to support disability internally and externally.
A Disability Network is being established within our organisation and we are now canvassing for those that may be interested in joining this network. Interest in this network could stem from a variety of perspectives and approaches:
- You may have a disability and be able to contribute your lived experience to this network
- You may have had an experience operationally with a disabled person where you wished you could have done more for them
- You may be interested in how disabled people can be further supported in our organisation
- You may be involved in risk reduction activities with disabled groups in our communities.
This Disability Network would have two broad overarching focal points:
- How we can better serve the 1.2 million people in our communities who live with a disability and improve fire and emergency outcomes for them.
- How we can better support people within our organisation who may have a disability to enable them to continue their mahi through reasonable accommodations and other support.
The establishment of this network is another step towards building an organisation with a respectful and inclusive culture that people want to be a part of. It’s also a chance to help to empower our disabled communities to identify local risks and needs so that they are well prepared when emergencies happen.
If you’d like to be involved with this network then please contact nick.linton@fireandemergency.nz.