Learning curve

Barrier Free Trust seminars

The Barrier Free New Zealand Trust has established itself as a 'first port of call' for accessibility advice and information. They have a Training Pathway Education Programme which is divided into four primary Modules: Experience of the Accessible Journey, The Law, Design and Assessment. The Barrier Free NZ Trust training is recognised by BOINZ, the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and the Department of Building and Housing. Seminar attendees will be eligible for Continued Professional Development points or Skills Maintenance Points after satisfactory completion of training modules.

2008 Training Pathways calendar

For more information or to register, please go to http://www.barrierfreenz.org.nz

Auckland disability resource centre offers building audits

The Disability Resource Centre Auckland has trained advisors available to do comprehensive access audits on buildings. The advisors work from a checklist devised by the NZ Barrier Free Trust for public buildings, focusing on approachability, accessibility and usability. The audits usually require a site visit of two to four hours, and advisors follow up with a detailed written report that identifies areas of non-compliance that require upgrading. An audit could also just involve viewing and advising from architectural plans before they're submitted to the council.

You can contact the Disability Resource Centre Auckland on 09 625 8069 or via email at reception@disabilityresource.org.nz

They also have contacts around New Zealand who can help in other areas.