Transport Service for disabled on cards

Disability advocacy groups want to start a transport service for the disabled in the mid-north and are seeking volunteers to run the service.

A NorthAble Trust survey shows there is demand for wheelchair accessible transport in the area. Tiaho Trust chief executive officer Jonny Wilkinson says his trust has a van equipped with a wheelchair hoist it can loan to the mid-north. However, getting a service running will depend on the trusts being able to find enough responsible, reliable adults with a clean driving record to drive the van. “This is a really tangible community project to get behind. Transport for disabled people has been an issue in the mid-north for years.” If the service goes ahead, it is likely the trusts will run it on a roster and on-call basis, says Mr Wilkinson.

Unlike a similar service in Kaitaia - which only allows the disabled to use its three vans for hospital and GP appointments - the mid-north service will allow transport for educational, social and recreational purposes. “We want to provide disabled people with the same opportunities as able-bodied people,” he says. The trusts will hold a public meeting at the Baptist Church in Kaikohe on February 21 at 5pm to gauge public support for the service and identify the geographical area a service would likely serve.

Those wanting to volunteer as a driver, can phone Mr Wilkinson on 430-3406 or email and Maria Wihongi, 401-0942 at NorthAble’s Northland Disabilites Resource Centre.

Courtesy of the Northern News | Thursday, 8 February 2007