Pilot scheme for disabled gains ground

Julia Hartshorne, founder of Achieve 2B which will set up overseas live-in experiences for disabled New Zealand high school children. Photo / Lindy Laird

It will be some time before disabled youngsters from Northland wing their way to an overseas exchange experience but a Ruakaka woman's plan to see it happen is beginning to fly.

Julia Hartshorne said the Achieve 2B (A2B) Trust she founded is moving closer to its inaugural pilot scheme where a disabled youngster will be able to live abroad in the kind of programme available to non-disabled students.

Ms Hartshorne said she continues to be amazed and inspired by the heart-wrenching stories and tenacity of young people and their experiences of applying for exchanges and other opportunities: "Some with success and others not, all because of their disability."

As a high school student Ms Hartshorne, who has mild cerebral palsy, spent a year in the US under the international AFS programme. She was turned down twice because of her disability, but her determination saw her become the first disabled Kiwi student to live overseas with that scheme.

Achieve 2B has recently established a partnership with an Australian organisation, Interchange-Outer East, which also creates opportunities for young people with disabilities. The partnership is expected to lead to an Australian-based co-ordinator role for Achieve 2B student placements there, Ms Hartshorne said.

The organisation is also seeking similar partners in other countries, and more backing in New Zealand.

"As Achieve 2B reaches charitable trust status, it welcomes the opportunity for community engagement. It is currently seeking partnerships and sponsorships," Ms Hartshorne said. "The more community collaboration we can engage with, the stronger Achieve 2B can become."

Tiaho Trust chief executive Jonny Wilkinson was elected chairman last year.

"Jonny is a true, shining disability advocate in Northland. He brings a wealth of multi-faceted skills and experience," Ms Hartshorne said.

A2B has a website (www.achieve2b.org.nz) and "has entered the youth zone of social media with Facebook and Twitter", she said.

"Anyone wanting to be a part of making a difference and embarking on this mountainous endeavour of creating a greater future and greater opportunities for our talented young people, future leaders in the making, please feel free to contact us on 0800 223 82."