Monday, December 1, 2008

Attittude-Going Undercover

Attitude- Disability TV programme is asking people to GO UNDERCOVER to root out abuse of disability facilities in your community!

Attitude explains on its website http://www.disabilitytv.com/
" We know that many people experience daily frustrations due to public ignorance over matters such as ACCESSIBILITY and PARKING. So dob them in. Shoot footage on your cell phone or am cam, explaining what has happened & Email it to us. We'll screen it on Attitude [If appropriate] and follow it up."

Contact Attitude through their website, telephone 09 309 4015 or Email direct to office@attitudetv.co.nz

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

disABILITIES on-line

Looking for useful NZ web links, check out the following:

http://www.caughtya.org.nz/ see people using disabled parking spaces unlawfully, report them here,
http://www.moh.govt.nz/ ministry of health,
http://www.enable.co.nz/ Enable NZ,
http://www.hdc.org.nz/ Health and Disabilities Commission,
http://www.ihc.org.nz/
http://www.odi.govt.nz/
http://www.with-tv.com/

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

DISABILITY VEHICLES

GWD Toyota & Disability Vehicles

They have access to a wide range of disability vehicles through their Toyota Signature Class vehicles starting from as little as $13,000.

To view these vehicles follow this link View Vehicles HERE.

Toyota Signature Class vehicles have the added value of

  • Three year unlimited kilometre 'no worries' Full Mechanical Warranty
  • 3 Year Free WOF checks
  • Comprehensive Toyota Certification Centre Check
  • Certified Mileage
  • Signature Class AA Roadside Service
  • Nationwide Customer Support

For more information ring GWD Toyota on (03) 442 2095 today!

Clark Kirkwood, New Toyota Sales, GWD Toyota, 110 Gorge Road, Queenstown

Monday, October 20, 2008

Mobility Dogs

MOBILITY DOGS FOR THE SOUTHERN LAKES

Disabilities Resource Centre Queenstown is pleased to welcome Mobility Dogs to the Lakes District. This organisation is a great addition to disability services in our area. Already operating in Auckland and Christchurch and the United States, Mobility Dogs have proved immeasurably valuable to the lives of the physically disabled, their families and the wider community, increasing their independence, confidence and self-esteem. Septembers ‘Life Synergies’ Expo provided a great opportunity to meet some Mobility Dogs and the Southern Lakes Puppy Development Liaison officer Grant Reid to find out some interesting things.

Mobility Dogs can work with a variety of physical disabilities, mild to severe, mobile or immobile. They can help disabled people complete a range of tasks including:
Operate buttons on pedestrian crossings, pick up dropped items, turn light switches on and off, fetch items from supermarket shelves and even load/unload a washing machine or dryer.

Puppies start training with Mobility Dogs at 8-10 weeks old. It is completed after 20-22 months with most dogs ready to be placed with a partner after 2 years. Once matched with a partner, dogs enter advanced training, honing their skills to suit their partner’s disability.

So far: Labradors, Labrador crosses, Golden Retrievers and Alsatians have all been trained as Mobility Dogs. They seem to have the right mix of; size, temperament and intelligence. But other breeds may be considered in the future.

So far many of the official disability agencies in the Southern Lakes are aware of Mobility Dogs but if anyone would like to get some more information there are a few things you can do:
Visit their website www.mobilitydogs.co.nz
Contact your disability agency
Or pop into DRC Queenstown and speak to one of our Information Consultants.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Pressure Stocking Aid

Disability causes lots of people problems with daily tasks.
DRC Queenstown stocks disabilities equipment and aids-to-daily-living to help with these problems, including Pressure Stocking Aids. Simply fold your stocking over the support in the centre of the pressure stocking aid and slip your foot and leg inside.

Further enquiries contact DCRQ on info@drcqueenstown.co.nz.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Southland Access Case Decision

A Southland man has become the first disabled person to take an access case to Determination by the Department of Building and Housing. Changes to the Building Act in 2004 meant that for the first time disabled people could take action where they saw their rights to access under the Act being breached. In this case it was the Southland District Council who issued a building consent for a public viewing platform and then allowed it to be built without wheelchair access to all levels! Read the story here: http://drcsouth.blogspot.com/2008/09/southland-man-wins-access-case.html

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Stroke Foundation Blood Pressure Test-Training

Hello everybody, just wanted to let you know that Stroke Foundation Field Officer Dorothy Levett will be holding training sessions for testing blood pressure at Queenstown Medical Centre.

Dorothy will be working with local Senior Citizens and the Lions Club to show people how best to check blood pressure.

Training sessions will be held between the 6th and 13th of September.

For more information contact Dorothy Levett at southland.strokefo@woosh.co.nz

Save The Children Goods On Sale

Save The Children [Official Charity of the All Blacks]

are selling a range of goods at Queenstown National Bank:
Wednesday 24th
Thursday 25th
Friday 26th of September.

Goods include a fantatsic range of greetings cards. Cards illustrations include prints of our breathtaking NZ natural scenary, townscapes and animals. Phone 0800 500 753 to order some.
ALTERNATIVELY just pop into the National Bank and take a look.

You can view the cards at http://www.savethechildren.org.nz/

Monday, September 1, 2008

Life Synergoes Expo

It's that time of year again! It's time for the Life Synergies Expo at the Memorial Hall, Queenstown.

COME AND SEE DRC Queenstown's display of our great range of products. Products designed to help with mobility, personal care and other tasks of daily living. If you need a new tip for your walking stick to help you get out and enjoy the spring weather, or if you are having trouble opening difficult jars and cans we have the things you need.

See Health and Well being related seminars and chat to like minded people.

Its a great way to spend a relaxed Sunday before the week starts over again. Walk at your own pace and see whats on offer. SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER- QUEENSTOWN MEMORIAL HALL 10AM TO 5 Pm- See you there!!

DRCQ Afternoon Teas

After the success of our Queenstown Senior Citizens tea we would like to invite other social, commuity or religious groups to visit the Disabilities Resource Centre. Call us on 0800 372786 and we can arrange a good time for your group to come in and visit.

Come and spend an hour looking at our disabilty equipment, aids-to-daily-living and information contacts. Discuss your needs with our disability consultants, chat to friends in your group and have a nice warm drink and a biscuit at the same time.

Regards
the DRCQ team

New Carers Radio Show

Carers NZ is launching a new monthly radio programme for family carers. Accessible from http://familycareradio.net.nz/ the first programme includes interviews with Carers Alliance chair John Forman and Baroness Jill Pitkeathly- Carers NZ mentor. There will also be 'Active Wellness' tips and advice from ACC about how to prevent injury and stay well.

This is a great opportunity for all you home carers out there in our community to pick up tips to make your lives easier, listen to like minded people of similar experience and hear how government is trying to improve conditions for carers across New Zealand with the 'Carers Strategy'.

As always if there is anything we can do to help, you can contact DRC Queenstown on 0800 372 786. If you need new equipment supplies for personal care, mobility or any other caring issue just pick up the phone or call in and see us.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Free Software for Not-for-Profits

When I was at conference in Aussie last year I heard about an organization called Donortec. Basically, they administer a scheme where not-for-profits can get free software, hardware etc. I said I was from NZ and asked if we could access it here. They said no but it would be available in NZ in 2008. Well, it is here now! You can access the freebies through Techsoup:

http://www.techsoup.net.nz/about-techsoup-new-zealand

They only have Microsoft software at the moment but it will grow as other suppliers get on board with it. This is genuine MS software and just have a look at the list of stuff you can get! Those of us with networks can get all the latest server software and you can get Vista, XP and Office software with up to 50 licenses for a small admin fee.

If you have a look at the Donortec site you can see what may be available to us in the future:http://www.donortec.com.au/directory.

Let us know what bargains you pick up!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Disability and Health news

Hello out there.

If anyone is looking to read about their disability needs why not pop into DRC Queenstown and look at our collection of news letters and community booklets.

Right now we have the current newsletters from Barrier Free, Age Concern, the Deaf Association and DRC Southland's Capabilities.

Look forward to the release of DRC Queenstown's E-mail Newsletter, 'Potential'. Phone DRCQ on 0800 372 786 or E-mail info@drcqueenstown.co.nz to sign up to receive 'Potential'.

Come in to get a copy of 'Family Care NZ' magazine

Look forward to hearing from everyone

Regards
The DRCQueenstown team

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Disabled Snow Sports

SKI SEASON NEWS LETTER

Hello everybody! Well ski season is here again, its time to get up onto the slopes, let your hair down and enjoy the winter fun. Whether you are a skier or boarder, experienced or just starting out there’s great times to be had for all. Now for some of us getting involved is more difficult than for others. For those of us with disabilities whether it’s physical or mental, temporary and permanent, we sometimes need extra or specialised help. Help to access facilities, to get the specialised equipment we need or to learn how to ski/ board in the first place.

In the Queenstown Lakes District we are fortunate to have some of the best ski fields in the southern hemisphere. Not many regions can boast 3 quality, accessible, ski fields. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona all provide services for disabled skiers and boarders.

Coronet Peak having recently undergone a large upgrade. Coronet boasts great access. All doors are wheelchair accessible, they have disabled toilet facilities, dedicated parking and a lift to the second floor of the building. However, Coronet does not so far have adaptive ski or board programmes or adaptive equipment rental.

The Remarkables Adaptive Programme 2008 provides Volunteers, Equipment, Instructors and Discounts. Volunteers provide support to ski or board, on advanced booking, free of charge. They are available for on snow support only. If you need help with other things such as eating and personal care then you will need your own additional support. Members of Disabled Snowsports New Zealand [DSNZ] can get 50% discount on a day lift ticket and adaptive equipment rental. If DSNZ members need a helper who is not a programme volunteer they also receive 50% discount on a day lift ticket.

Remarkables Snowsports School, school@theremarkables.co.nz or 03 4 42 4613

Cadrona’s Adaptive Programme provides Disabled Snowsports New Zealand members with 50% discount on all adaptive equipment hire, lessons and lift passes. Cadrona also has volunteers-Snow Buddies available to assist disabled skiers and boarders. For information and bookings call Cadrona Alpine Resort on- 03 443 7341.


Treble Cone Ski Field gives DSNZ members 50% off ski passes using DSNZ vouchers. The 2 level building has access from the rear of second level near car park. Able bodied people go from the front on the lower level. They have disabled toilet facilities on the lower level accessible from inside the building. They have 2 ski lifts at rear of building on second floor and say both are accessible. They have no disabled ski/board programmes and equipment needs to come through DSNZ or another provider.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Customer Satisfaction

Hello readers, here at DRC Queenstown we are always looking to expand or improve our services. To assist with this we have developed CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEYS.

When you next visit the centre just spend 2 minutes to tick a box and add a comment. Doesn't matter what you are here for: information search, Total Mobility assessment, to hire or buy equipment, we would like to know your views.

Your feedback enables us to develop Disabilities Resource Centre services to help everyone in our community to access the disability resources they need. Let's work together. Tell us what you think and help us to help everybody to live as independently as possible.

Well Deserved Awards

Hey guys well its been a busy few weeks with the May day Expo in Invercargill and the Federation Conference in Queenstown . It's been exciting times and we hope to use all that we have learnt to develop our services for your benefit.

Congratulations go to Diane Leith and Carol Wood of the Southland DRC for winning awards at the Federation conference for all the hard work they do in Southland and QUEENSTOWN LAKES.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Community Help

Hello readers. DRCQueenstown is happy to remind everyone of our services. If anyones looking to contact support and commmunity groups to help with their disabilities and their needs we can help you find the information you need.

Come and see our brochure stand or chat to 1 of our information consultants.

You might be surpirsed what help is out there.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Now You Can Browse Our Information


Hello to all our readers. You can see here that DRC Queenstown now has our long anticipated brochure stand. Information on support groups for disabilities/conditions is available 9-5 Monday to Friday.

If anyone thinks there is anything we could add to our collection after they have viewed the stand, please let us know.


As always we are here to help.
Have a nice day from the team at DRC Queenstown

Sunday, April 13, 2008

MAY DAY DISABILITY EXPO 2008

3RD May 2008

Invercargill Workingmen's Club, Invercargill

Entrance main doors off Esk Street car park.

Upstairs in the North, South and East Lounges

Lift available.

10am - 3pm

FREE ENTRY

Over 60 exhibitors registered. Check out the list of organisations on our Community Notices on the DRC Southland website www.drcsouth.co.nz. Come and see what services and help they can offer.



Check out how to do sign language - a public session 11am and two sessions in the East Lounge, one at 1.00 - 1.30pm and another at 2.00 - 2.30pm.





Saturns Personal Training Studio will demonstrate their Oxigeno programme. This is a mixture of Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga. Join in with Jason in the North Lounge at 10.20 - 10.35pm. Have a go with Jason in the East Lounge at 1.30 - 2.00pm. This is a really nice way to exercise.



Win a Samsung cellphone valued at over $400 donated by Harvey Norman by taking part in the Information Treasurehunt. A written quiz will also give you a chance to win prizes.



FREE Health checks. The Southern Institute of Technology Nursing class are available to check out and see if you are in tiptop shape.



No time to shop for clothes, come and rummage through the pre-loved and new clothing from the Nearly New.



The Corinthian Restaurant is opening especially for the expo and will be offering morning tea for $3.50 between 10 and 11.am and the famous Workies Club $6 lunch or ($10.50 for two courses) from 12noon - 1.30pm.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Mobility Scooters


Solve mobility issues. No need to be stuck in the house. Mobility Scooters for hire and sale through Southern Mobility, Invercargill at DRC Queenstown. If you're just visiting the area and need help getting around, or you want to try before you buy, hiring a scooter and access ramps can be the answer.

Scooter hire: 1 day= $12, 1 week= $80.


COME SEE FOR YOURSELF AND ENJOY A TEST DRIVE.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Ready For Easter?

Easter is approaching fast so everyone coming to the Lakes District needs to book in soon to be sure that the equipment you require is in stock. We have already had bookings from the North Island so do not delay.

Remember Easter is early this year Good Friday is 21 March

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Paddy Market

On Sunday March 16th disAbilities Resource Centre Queenstown will have a stall at 'Paddy's Market' at the Memorial Hall, Gorge Rd, Queenstown. Come along to this bring and buy event and see what is on offer for the local community.

All money raised from pitch rental fees will be donated to local charity.

DRCQ will bring along a selection of our 'Daily Living Aids', examples of disability services available locally and catalogues of other equipment available at our centre.


Doors are open from 10:00-2:00- DONT MISS OUT!!!!!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Got Disability Issues LOOKING FOR HELP??
LOOKING FOR SUPPORT??
LOOKING FOR ADVICE??

We aim to point you in the right direction! Here at disAbilities Resource Centre Queenstown we aim to help clients research the best contacts to help with your situation.
Looking for resources to help in daily living, to contact people with similar conditions or if your not sure who the correct professional person is for; home adaptations, medical or transport issues, we might find the answer TOGETHER!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

OPENING SPECIAL!!!


POP INTO DRC QUEENSTOWN- SEE OUR GREAT RANGE OF EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE AND SALE. LOWEST PRICES TO BE FOUND. IF WE DONT HAVE IT WE CAN SOURCE IT FOR YOU!!


FREE ENVELOP OPENER WITH EVERY PURCHASE OVER $10.00 FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.

Monday, January 14, 2008

WELCOME TO DRC QUEENSTOWN!

( Bron Foxx, Sarah Travaglia, Carol Wood, Sonya Gale and Sallyjane Cranfield on Opening Day.)

The DRC Queenstown was officially opened on Sunday 9th December 2007 by Bronwen Foxx, Vice President of the NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres. Tangata Whenua representatives blessed our new Centre and welcomed us to their area. It was great to hear that our Centre is watched over by their Ancestors who are buried on the mountain above us. Thanks to everyone who attended on what was a beautiful sunny day.


We have so many people to thank for helping us get the Centre up and running. Marty Barwood of Bayleys Real Estate who found the premises for us and organised builders and electricians and put up with our never ending pleas for help! Scooter the Sparky of Frankton Electrical who got us wired up despite having a back injury at the time (hope you're feeling better now Scoot!) Rog the builder and team from Queenstown Scaffolding - these guys also did the painting for us as we discovered painters in Queenstown are like golddust! Joanne Sharp from Cogent Communications, Reece McDonald from Southland Copier Company and Dean Kelsall from Online Computers for organising all of our communication and computer needs. To the girls at Spazio Casa (our next door neighbours) for being the contact point until we could move in. To Bruce McDonald at Lakes Environmental for processing our signage application so promptly.


Our Centre will also be a home for other organisations so we welcome Age Concern, PSS and REAP who are busy setting up their offices. Great to have you with us!


Of course any service is only as good as its staff and we have two great people working in our Centre - Susan Maclachlan and John Brannon - so please call in and say 'G'day' to them!


Thanks to Centre Manager - Diane Leith - also known as 'Dynamic Di'! Not sure where she gets her energy from but she's like an Everyready battery - she just keeps going and going and going...!


To the DRC Queenstown and DRC Southland Boards of Trustees - thank you for having faith in us and backing us 100% with this new venture. Without your commitment to the Vision, the people of Queenstown would still be without these much needed services.


Finally, thanks to our Major Funder, the Central Lakes Trust. Your 'helping hand' is much appreciated. Special thanks to Claire Foster for your assistance and support.


Happy New Year everyone!


Carol Wood

General Manager