News
On the road to recovery
As you read this issue of Outlook, two months will have passed since 22 February, the day that changed the lives of so many Cantabrians. The distress and grief caused by the 6.3 earthquake was shared throughout the country, and around the globe.
Here, we take the opportunity to reflect on this momentous event, and to share with you how the RNZFB responded to assist its members in the Canterbury region.
Initial response to the earthquake
- On 22 February, communications were sent out to inform staff and members about the earthquake, and to attempt to pass on essential information to those affected.
- As soon as clearance was given by Civil Defence, RNZFB staff nationwide, along with the support of our consumer organisations, commenced a 'phone tree' to contact our 1,200 members in Canterbury.
- Our toll-free number 0800 24 33 33 was also used as a helpline for members, and was answered at all hours for two weeks.
- Dialogue was established with emergency services and aid organisations, as well as with other disability agencies to coordinate efforts.
- Shortly after, a team of specialist staff was deployed to Christchurch to assist the local team. As well as visiting those members with urgent needs, staff worked quickly to visit as many others as possible to evaluate their safety, and to plan for new orientation and mobility needs in a changed environment. This included checking on and supporting our guide dogs and their owners.
Reflections from a few
"I have learnt over the past six months to count my blessings. I don't sleep well anymore and my nerves are frazzled. My home no longer seems the safe place I once thought it was... everything seems rather tenuous right now. But my family is safe and well, we have a roof over our heads, and access to a portaloo. We also have wonderful friends, not to mention complete strangers, who have been so generous and supportive. I am most certainly counting my blessings". Jo Froggatt, member
"The earthquake has had a profound effect on our staff and members. We have all had our houses damaged or destroyed and the physical environment dramatically changed, but there is an underlying resilience within us all that is widespread and strengthening. This tragedy has brought our whole community closer together with daily examples of selfless support and community unity". Pete Madden, RNZFB Manager in charge of earthquake response
"There is such a feeling of bewilderment in Christchurch that even the smallest decisions are difficult. People at my wife's fruit and vegetable store stand and stare at apples, unsure if they want to buy them. I'm actually one of the lucky ones because I have my guide dog Kiwi; when everyone else is at sixes and sevens, he's a steadying influence". Blair McConnell, member
"I am incredibly proud and humbled by the commitment and dedication I saw working alongside our team in Christchurch... I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped. A long recovery is beginning for Christchurch - and it will be a journey to complete together as a team in a very special Foundation." Teresa Bradfield, RNZFB Executive Director, Direct Client Contact Services
Photograph: Blair McConnell and Kiwi. Photo by Erin Crosby, Bayleys Canterbury
Get ready now to get through
The RNZFB and the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management have worked together to develop an interactive, electronic resource called 'Get ready now so you can get through - A resource for the blind and partially sighted community'.
This details the types of hazards that can happen in New Zealand, with civil defence advice on what to do to be better prepared.
This resource is available from the RNZFB and online as audio files on www.getthru.govt.nz. It can be used with DAISY CD readers, e-text and electronic braille readers. The information is also available on the RNZFB's telephone information service and on cassettes.
Developing our leaders for a bright future
The RNZFB is delighted to have received funding for the purpose of developing our existing and future leaders - both within the organisation, and within our membership. The funding is specifically aimed at developing leaders within service organisations and in New Zealand's blind community.
Leaders are people who can shape and positively influence how things are done, and this funding provides a unique opportunity to grow this important resource.
The leadership programme will be undertaken separately for RNZFB employees and members, with opportunities for linkages between the two groups so that each set of participants can benefit from the others' experiences and input.
We will be communicating with you on what these opportunities will look like and how to get involved as we develop the programmes further.
Details on programme content will be posted on our website soon.
The application form is currently available - simply go to www.rnzfb.org.nz and type 'SEED leadership application' into the search field. Applications close Monday 9 May at 9am. Please contact Charlotte Perry on seedleadership@rnzfb.org.nz or 09 355 6565 for more details.
Volunteer's vision for study
Medical student, doctor and RNZFB volunteer, Doron Hickey, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to research restoring vision to people living with inherited blindness.
Doron, who is from Hamilton, will study for a doctorate at Oxford University and join the University's 'Retina Gene Therapy Project' in 2012.
As one of only three Woolf Fisher Scholarship recipients in the country, Doron has shown outstanding academic ability as well as integrity, leadership, vision and work ethic.
It is also clear that he has a passion for the science of eyes.
"Inherited blindness affects one in 4,000 people worldwide, including about 1,000 New Zealanders," Doron says.
"My studies will hopefully lead to restoring vision for those born with inherited eye disease, and possibly one day help treat people who live with age-related macular degeneration."
Doron manages to explain the highly complicated process ahead of him in relatively simple terms.
"Using the DNA of two different light sensitive proteins to create a hybrid protein will hopefully enable us to produce light sensitive cells. Once the DNA sequence is optimised, we would hope to undertake clinical trials on people suffering inherited blindness."
The results of this research, Doron says, may also impact on more than just inherited blindness.
"There are over 200 genes that can affect the eyes so our approach is wide reaching. Potentially it could be applied to age-related disease too."
Doron's interest in eye science began as a young boy when a family friend, an ophthalmologist, took him along to watch eye surgery. This early curiosity led Doron to develop an interest in how gene therapy could correct inherited blindness.
His experience as a RNZFB volunteer has added another dimension to Doron's understanding of blindness: "I see first-hand what the impact of the loss of sight does to otherwise healthy people... I hope my research can help".
In 2010 Doron finished his clinical training for his medical degree at Waikato Hospital. He is currently completing his house surgeon year at hospitals in Melbourne and Bendigo, Victoria, before heading to London the following year.
Doron says he feels "immensely privileged" to have received the scholarship.
"The Woolf Fisher Trust has the confidence and belief that I have the ability to do something with my studies."
We look forward to following Doron's progress in the years to come.
Photograph: Doron Hickey using some Ophthalmology equipment.
Learning about blindness
How much does the average Kiwi kid know about blindness? The RNZFB is working to raise awareness and knowledge of blindness with a new set of primary and secondary school education resources.
Our resources are closely linked to the New Zealand Curriculum and are graded for children aged five to 14. Classroom teachers can explore the topic of blindness, focus on removing barriers to participation and encourage children to make our country a more accessible place.
How can you help? You can promote the resources to your local school, Scouts or Girl Guides group and children's holiday programmes.
The school education programmes are available to download free at www.rnzfb.org.nz/learn
For more information, contact the RNZFB Education Programme Manager on 0800 24 33 33.
Save the date
Easter Monday and ANZAC Day: Monday 25 April
RNZFB Equipment Display Days: April - June (See page 31)
Helen Keller Day: Monday 27 June