Tiaho Trust films and fun focus on 'ability'

Premier of two Northland videos about living with disability at Forum North Exhibition hall Solgy Antony, left, with Isabell Alex and Sijoy Alex with Ivaana Alex.

Tiaho Trust, an organisation that helps get or keep disabled people mobile and connected, has walked the talk this year.

On Wednesday evening at an event attended by more than 100 people, Tiaho celebrated at the premiere of two productions it has been involved in.

The videos are aimed at encouraging communities and individuals to be more aware of disabled people's needs.

They were the New Zealand Sign Language television series Sign High and a video No Problem You're Welcome to be used as a training tool next year for Northland businesses to improve their customer services for people with disabilities.

No Problem You're Welcome features local abled and disabled identities in several scenarios.

The main presenters were local man Wally Noble and professional actor Jacqueline Geurts.

The video was funded by Foundation North and filmed by Channel North.

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai officially launched the premiere screening at the social event at Forum North as a forerunner to today's International Day of People with Disabilities.

Events at the Canopy Bridge between 10am and 2pm will include stalls, entertainment, competitions and fun rides.

Among celebrities taking part will be Northland Paralympians Cameron Leslie (swimming), Emma Foy (cycling) and Chris Sharp (sailing), who will be there between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.