Profiles
Children's recreation more than fun and games
Blind, deafblind and vision-impaired children, and their families, are full of praise for camps held annually by Children's Recreation staff from around the country. A South Island "kids camp" in July 2006 attracted 10 students aged 9-14 from all around the Mainland. They made new friends and gained confidence by participating in heaps of fun activities; they even enjoyed making dinner and folding clothes. In June 2007, five families from the North Island spent a weekend at camp in Whangaparaoa, sharing information and supporting each other. The children, ranging from three to eight - including three sets of twins - had a blast exploring the beach and bush, and playing games. Parents joined in the activities and were also able to gain strength from others "in the same canoe".
World-beating blind sailors
We lost the America's Cup, but our blind sailors were world champions in September 2006. They took top honours at the International Federation of Disabled Sailing World Blind Sailing championships in Rhode Island, USA. By defeating teams from nine other nations, the New Zealanders won the rights to host the next IFDS blind sailing championships in Rotorua in February 2009. These outstanding sailors also virtually swept the 2007 Blind Sports awards. They won Team of the Year. Rotorua's Rob Aislabie was named Totally Blind Sportsperson of the Year, and Rotorua's Tony Thompson was named Coach of the Year. Auckland's Don Mason was named Administrator of the Year. The RNZFB provides funding to Blind Sport NZ, which in turn supports groups like the world champion Blind Sailing team.
Puppies 'invade' Christchurch
Not many 'invaders' are so well received … or as cute as our guide dog puppies! Robyn Pahl from Guide Dog Services' Puppy Development Team is now based in Christchurch, along with about 30 guide dog puppies. Locals have delighted in seeing the pups being socialised on trams and gondolas, in taxis and restaurants. Legislation gives guide dogs, including puppies in training, access to virtually any place in New Zealand. There has been a great response from people in Christchurch wanting to become puppy walkers, which involves hosting a guide dog puppy in their home, from seven weeks old to around one year. They socialise the puppy, getting it used to the myriad of environments and situations it may encounter as a guide dog.
NZ Order of Merit for Mary
Mary Schnackenberg, Divisional Manager, Adaptive Support, was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2007 New Year's Honours list for services to the vision-impaired community. Born blind, Mary has worked at the Foundation for over 30 years and was the first blind New Zealander to earn an MBA. According to RNZFB Chairman Don McKenzie, "Mary is an inspiration. She is tireless in her work for the blindness community and continues to amaze all who know her with her skill, compassion and dedication. There are few who have done so much to advance the lives of blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders - we acknowledge and thank her."
0800 Telefriend
Telefriend, the Foundation's telephone support service run by volunteers, is a big success. Over the past 12 years, the service has grown from its humble beginnings in Wellington. In July 2007 Telefriend went national. Telefriends on the "other end" of the 0800 number are on a first name basis with callers and available weekday afternoons. Telefriends are a reflection of their callers. They range in age from their 50s to 70s and all have met the challenge of sight loss by developing new skills. The Telefriends have had basic counselling skills training, and they also have personal insight into how callers may feel. Many are lonely or simply want to share stories and talk about their sight loss with someone who can truly empathise.
Chris Orr - 'Mr Mass Transit'
Virtually every working day, Chris Orr and his guide dog Quinnell hop on the train and travel from South Auckland into work at the Foundation's national office in Awhina House, Parnell. As the Foundation's Manager of Community Education and Awareness, Chris also spends a huge amount of time travelling in buses and taxis. Hence it was appropriate for the Auckland Regional Council this year to appoint Chris to the Regional Land Transport Committee. With access to top management at ARC, the Auckland Regional Transportation Association (ARTA), and Auckland City Council, Chris is increasingly able to lobby for better accessibility. "And they are starting to really understand that if they get it right for blind people, everybody benefits by improved accessibility."
Foundation and HumanWare offer more AT!
Having the right adaptive technology can make an enormous difference in the life of a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person. So the Foundation worked closely with HumanWare this year to give members far greater access to a wider range of technology. Now most members have the chance to try before they buy. Thanks to a hugely reduced price, the Foundation was able to purchase 17 Colour SmartView Xtend CCTVs, 17 Colour PocketViewers, five myReaders, and five BrailleNotes. This equipment is spread right throughout the country, not just at the largest RNZFB offices, which has too often been the case in the past. This major step forward was only possible because of the support by HumanWare - and especially CEO Richard Mander.