Disability agencies demonstrate support services

Alaska Dobbs (left) and Stormie Hunter-Rogan want to see plenty of people on the Whanganui Hope Walk on December 9. Photo / Bevan Conley

The theme of this year's Disability Pride Week is "claiming our place", CCS Disability Action service co-ordinator James Price says.

One in four New Zealanders has some disability or impairment - physical or mental. Those people want dignity, rights and wellbeing, and they want to feel included in the community.

Making themselves visible, disabled people and the agencies that support them set up in Whanganui's Majestic Square at lunchtime on Friday. There was music, and people could eat free sausages, make a badge or a worry doll, or experience a sensory cushion.

Nga Tai o Te Awa staffers were there promoting December 9's Hope Walk, aiming to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

The day was organised by 15 agencies, each of which supports people with disabilities. They range from Jigsaw Whanganui to Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority and Workbridge.

"We wanted to give the community an idea of what support services are out there, and show that we actually all work together," Mr Price said.