Access Advisors

We will be closed this Friday to celebrate Matariki.

Matariki, also known as the Pleiades, is a rising cluster of stars. We take this time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future. This Matariki here are some words we can share with our family and friends as we celebrate together.

Don't forget to rug up warm and see what your city has to offer to celebrate the Māori New Year.



Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Celebrating Helen Keller’s Birthday & Deafblind Awareness 27th June 2024

Today, on Helen Keller's Birthday, we honor her remarkable legacy as a true trailblazer. She laid the foundation for many accessibility advancements we enjoy today. Being deafblind, Helen Keller overcame immense challenges to become a powerful advocate for people with disabilities. She even learned to speak, despite the barriers.

Her pioneering education, communication, and advocacy efforts set the stage for the digital accessibility movement. As we celebrate her achievements, let us be inspired to continue her work and make our digital spaces accessible to all.

We now have a range of tools and technologies that make the digital world more inclusive because of her efforts, especially for people who are deafblind:

Screen reader technology that help visually impaired users navigate websites and apps.

Dynamic Braille displays that provide Braille instead of speech

Speech-to-text software that enables those with hearing impairments to access audio content.

Adaptive devices and interfaces that ensure everyone can use technology, regardless of physical limitations.

Helen Keller's unwavering determination teaches us that accessibility is not just nice to have, but essential for inclusion. Let's commit to making our digital spaces welcoming and accessible for everyone.

To learn more about Hellen Keller’s incredible story, check out our blog post from Don McKenzie.
Helen Keller’s visit to NZ: A childhood memory -https://accessadvisors.nz/blog/helen-kellers-visit-to-nz-a-childhood-memory/
You can also listen to a Radio New Zealand interview with Don, who met Helen Keller or check out our YouTube to watch an access webinar about deafblindness.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2018847359/remembering-helen-keller-on-her-birthday

With NZ Disability Rights – we just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

Chandra ready for sharing more accessibility love with social media and marketing specialists.

Anyone got any questions you’d like to see her answer?

So lovely to meet up with past colleagues who have become friends. Even better to hear how they are applying accessibility knowledge from our times together in their new roles.




Image description: Chris, Walter, Carl and Jade with Chandra

Languages of Aotearoa New Zealand

Kia ora. Did you know New Zealand's official languages are Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Surprisingly, English is not a recognised as an official language of New Zealand. Despite the language being widely spoken and a significant part of New Zealand’s culture, English hasn't been given an official status. Pacific and Asian languages also add to the country's vibrant mix of cultures.

Here are our information tiles about the languages of Aotearoa.

People of Access Advisors

Chandra is in Auckland at a conference and accidentally on purpose bumped into one of our favourite teams, Sally Britnell and Guide Dog Sienna.

Always so good to be able to be neuro spicy together with a touch of dog hair, and not offend anyone. Chatting about making social media, training materials and life more accessible.

We are very excited that Dr Chandra Harrison will be joining the AI panel at the NZ Disability Employers’ Network (NZDEN) ‘Disability Inclusive Pathways’ Conference on August 6th and 7th. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from leading disability experts, connect with organizations dedicated to advancing career opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent individuals.
Make sure you come say hello when you see us there.

Today we continue our Speaker Spotlight series, and we're pleased to spotlight Prudence Walker as a distinguished speaker at the 2024 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference!

Prior to joining Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission in June 2023, Prudence was Chief Executive of the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) New Zealand. As a disabled and q***r woman, she comes from a strong social justice perspective and is deeply committed to working to achieve equity for Tāngata Whaikaha Māori, disabled people and marginalised populations.

Prudence also has a keen interest in intersecting identities and is an experienced facilitator with a specific history of working with young people, disabled people, and people who are migrants.

Join us and hear from Prudence and others at the 2024 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference.

For more details on the conference and to register, visit www.dipc.nz.

Image description: A blue and teal vignette is the backdrop for text and graphics. The NZDEN logo is at the top, title text below reads, 2024 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference. Beneath is a circular portrait photo of a light-skinned woman, Prudence Walker, who has bright pink shoulder length hair, smiling whilst leaning against the handlebars of their mobility scooter. Text beside the photo reads: Speaker, Prudence Walker, Disability Rights Commissioner. www.dipc.nz. Along the bottom on a white background are logos of the conference supporters: Intopia, Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council and Chorus.



NZ Disability Rights

People of Access Advisors

I sat down with Dr. Chandra Harrison, our Managing Director at Access Advisors, to get to know her better. Here are the fun questions I asked.

What's the most interesting or funny thing that has happened to you at work?

It would probably have to be hearing Julie Wood’s (That Blind Woman) story about refereeing a game of blind rugby.

If you could have any superpower but it could only be used for mundane tasks, what would it be?

Time bending – so that I could get more of the mundane tasks done in one day, so I could focus on the important stuff for the rest of the week.

Do you have any pets?

We have Winnie, any aging springer spaniel, and Ritchie, a lonesome but very happy zebra finch.

What would your entrance theme song be if you were a professional wrestler?

Meredith Brookes – I’m a Bitch or

Nancy Sinatra – these boots were made for walking

Explain your job description in 3 words or less.

Talking to people

What's something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish someday?

I’d like to travel through Patagonia, see the mountains, and try and figure out why they have the most Welsh speakers outside of Wales.

Why did you apply for your role at Access Advisors?

Initially, I applied as a contractor to BLVNZ because it was my dream job.

Do you have any hidden talents or unusual hobbies?

I love photography and collecting stones from the beach.

What's the most unusual food you've ever tried?

Fried lamb’s tails

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

This too shall pass.

What is your lived experience?

I have a variety of chronic illnesses and am neurodivergent. I’ve also spent my life surrounded by people with a variety of access needs who have faced disabling barriers.

If you could change one thing about digital accessibility, what would it be?

I’d want robust, enforceable digital accessibility legislation in New Zealand. This would raise awareness and hopefully compliance, making the digital world more accessible.


Chandra Harrison

Chandra will be presenting at the NZSOMO event in Auckland this year on June 25th and 26th.

We are thrilled to be invited to this year's social media and future planning conference. Chandra joins inspiring keynote speakers including people Soul Machines, Pinterest and Auckland Zoo. Join us and don't miss out on expert tips and strategies for your social media platforms.

For more information about the conference, check out https://event.brightstar.co.nz/NZSOMO2024 #/?lang=en

And make sure to make yourself know to Chandra.

Just a few stallholder spots left for Next Steps 2023! Don't miss out, register now: https://forms.gle/otVRw6x3NqGJAxAN9

Are you an accessible organisation, disability service, or disabled person with a business enterprise? Then Next Steps Expo is for you! The Next Steps expo is for disabled people and their whānau to discover what is available when considering their next steps after school. Registration is free!

We recently jumped on board with Environment Canterbury to help with some usability testing.

We assessed their upcoming in-bus information screens for accessibility. This involved a colour contrast analysis of the screen designs and a ride on one of the proof of concept buses. There are currently only 4 buses with screens installed.

Members of our team and Access Panel looked at the screens in place and evaluated them against a range of access needs (neurodiversity, dyslexia, anxiety, wheelchair, colour, light sensitivity, reading time, etc.). Our feedback will help the team from ECAN find ways to make the Christchurch bus experience even better.

Thank you to Stephanie Symns, Nico Van Gerwen, Mandi Lawrence, Luana Schramme from ECAN, and Paul Dillion from NEC.

Contact us if you would like help assessing your digital displays.

People of Access Advisors

So awesome to catch up with Julius and Nicky while in Wellington.

Spending the next couple of days in Wellington doing research at Blind Low Vision NZ Love helping clients get a bit of first hand lived experience perspective.

Great start to a big day. Introducing digital accessibility to the team at Canterbury Tech from the airport.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

As such, it is a perfect time to discuss how digital tools can help with mental health support. Dealing with mental health issues is hard, but digital solutions can make it easier to get help without judgment.

Here are our top tips for improving digital access for people with mental health issues. For more information, check out our blog post on Improving Digital Access for people with Mental Health.

https://accessadvisors.nz/blog/mental-health-issues/

Pets Of Access Advisors

Another frosty start to the day in the south. Miss Winnie is suitably dressed for her morning walk.

Pets Of Access Advisors

You asked us for updates on Ross's puppy Mela and here she is.
Mela is now six months old, she is in training for her first show later in June and takes great delight in winding up her kennel mate Buddy by stealing his favorite ball.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: An Inspiring Conversation with Kylee

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder that alters a person’s collagen. Collagen is vital for providing structure and strength to skin, joints, and blood vessel walls. As Kylee, an individual living with EDS, explains, “Imagine how a rubber band stretches and returns to its original shape; an old rubber band stays loose; my body is kind of the same, loose and fragile.” This analogy captures the essence of how EDS affects the body. Unlike a simple collagen deficiency that could be supplemented, EDS involves the incorrect structure and function of collagen, leading to significant physical challenges. EDS has many different types and affects each person differently.

Kylee's Experience with EDS

Kylee's daily life with EDS is a testament to resilience and adaptability. "Different days allow different things. Some days I can do one thing, that another day I may not be able to do at all. I can't control my circumstances and how it affects my body day by day; however, I can choose how I respond to them," she shares. A pivotal moment in Kylee's journey was when she shifted her focus from what she couldn't do to what she could achieve with the resources available to her. This mindset has been crucial in navigating her daily life with EDS.

Daily Life Challenges

Living with EDS presents unique daily challenges for Kylee. She relies on a feeding tube, an ostomy bag, and a central line due to digestions issues with and food and fluid often ends up in her lungs, posing a serious risk. Despite these obstacles, Kylee finds joy in joining in with friends, eating for pleasure, though her nutrition primarily comes from medical formula through her feeding tube. Her physical limitations are significant: "I need to be reclined most of the time, which affects my ability to do everyday tasks. I cannot do repetitive tasks that use joints, such as using knives and forks." Additionally, a severe tremor complicates simple actions like eating, she uses lightweight utensils and a glass straw to drink. Walking unaided is a challenge due to joint instability, necessitating the use of supports like her wheelchair.

Adapting to Life with EDS

Kylee’s approach to managing her condition is proactive and thoughtful. "My entire life is a balancing act, and everything I do has a cost. I live life fast and hard but then carry that cost behind the scenes," she explains. This philosophy enables her to live her best life despite the constant challenges.

Supporting Someone with EDS

Support is crucial for individuals with EDS, and Kylee emphasizes the importance of a compassionate and responsive support system. Her healthcare team, whom she affectionately calls "The Crew," plays a vital role in her well-being. "They support me by listening to me and being empathetic. We're in this together," Kylee says. Empathy and active listening are key to providing meaningful support.

Staying Connected Through Technology

For Kylee, technology is a lifeline. "My phone is my lifeline; it gives me access to my entire world," she notes. Social media plays a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering community support. Despite her physical limitations, Kylee started her business, Kylee & Co, using just her phone while hospitalised. This highlights the importance of accessible digital platforms.

Kylee's regular use of technology includes AirPods, smart technology in the home, and a wheelchair with a USB port for charging her phone. Voice-to-text features and power banks are indispensable. Captions on all platforms, she says, are life-changing, underscoring the need for accessible technology.

Challenges with Digital Access

Accessibility remains a significant barrier. "I can't sit up or hold my hands out to type, so I can't use computers or laptops. Portable and accessible technology is important so I can use it," Kylee explains. She stresses the need for websites to be optimized for phone use, including captions, proper target sizes, image descriptions, and alt text.

Assistive Aides for EDS

Kylee uses various assistive aides to manage her symptoms, such as migraine ice and heating packs, special pillows to support her joints, and an accessible controller for gaming systems. However, she also highlights the need for car modifications that are suitable for her in New Zealand, which are currently unavailable.

Enhancing Digital Inclusivity

Web designers can enhance inclusivity by ensuring websites are compatible with mobile devices, text to speech capable, providing captions, and including accessible features like alt text and appropriate target sizes. Kylee’s experience underscores the importance of digital accessibility, which can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with EDS.

Final Thoughts

Kylee encourages a deeper understanding of EDS, emphasizing that much of what individuals with the condition endure happens behind the scenes. "It is important to believe someone when they tell you about their experiences. Take time to learn a bit about my world; it takes pressure off me," she says. Thoughtful considerations like accessible venues and transportation for social events demonstrate care and inclusion. Human interaction and connection are powerful, and simple gestures can profoundly impact someone's day.

Kylee's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability required to live with EDS. By fostering awareness and improving accessibility, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those affected by this condition.

Thank you kylee for taking the time to talk to us and share your story.

Check out more about Kylee (Kylee Black Public Speaker) and support Kylee & Co by visiting her website https://kyleeandco.nz/

Kylee & Co Kylee Black - Public Speaker

Accessible Tiny Home Project seeks community feedback
The Menzshed Halswell is seeking community feedback on its Accessible Tiny Home Project in partnership with St John of God Hauora Trust.


Take the survey here.
https://forms.office.com/r/v97mSehY6n

MenzShed building an accessible Tiny Home St John of God Hauora Trust has collaborated with MenzShed Halswell for over 10 years on a range of projects that benefit tangata whaikaha or people living w...

Pets And People Of Access Advisors

This May has brought COVID, colds, and illness to many of our Access Advisors team and family. It's a reminder that the seasons are changing and we are almost in winter. My cat Panda who is my emotional support animal has also been unwell this week. Panda and I have both had colds but Pandas' needs have been greater than mine. My poor cat has been to the Vet twice and I can now say she is slowly getting better. To everyone who is starting to feel the effects of winter coming with ills and chills, we are right there with you.
Keep warm Everyone, Kirsten B 🙂

Emergency Mobile Alert is happening this Sunday, 26 May, between 6 and 7pm.

NZSL: Emergency Mobile Alert – About Emergency Mobile Alert Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies. They are sent by authorised emergency agencies to mobile phones. Emergency Mobile Alerts keep people ...

ALT text makes a difference thank you to our friends Blind Low Vision NZ. We love your work.

Alt Text 101 A nuts and bolts overview of alternative text or alt text, why it’s important, and how to add it your photos, images, and other graphics. I also cover some b...

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

GAAD is a day dedicated to raising awareness and considering all things accessibility. GAAD isn't just about acknowledging digital accessibility. It is also a reminder to embrace accessibility in every facet of our lives.

This year, we’d like to celebrate the wonderful people in our world who make accessibility real and rewarding. These are incredible individuals who champion accessibility every day.

Here is a collection of just some of the fabulous people we’ve had the pleasure of spending time with over the last year. We don’t have photos of you all, but we’d like to extend a huge thanks to all of our clients, our partners and our friends – past and present.

Thanks for raising awareness of accessibility and helping make Aotearoa New Zealand more digitally accessible.

Let's continue to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for accessibility together! 💙







Loudon Keir from Hapai Card/Trust – shout out for how far you have taken the trust, and to a long and happy retirement

Jess, Angelo and the rest of the Be Lab team – shout out for all of your awesome initiatives

The Auckland Transport team – shout out for truly embracing the need for accessibility in all you do

Genevieve, previously at Be Lab, an Access Panel member and now at MSD – shout out for raising access awareness in so many places

Kauri from NZ Ministry of the Environment – shout out for always sharing stories and smiles

The wonderful Phil from NZDEN – shout out for being mentor, friend and leading employers forward

The pre-eminent Prudence Walker, ex DPA and now HRC – shout out for taking your voice to the next level

Abbey and Ash from Foodstuffs – shout out for raising digital accessibility awareness across your organisation

Julie – that Blind Woman and Dan from BLVNZ – shout out for raising awareness with a joke and a smile.

Erin, Angela, Phil and Ashleigh – shout out for the most lovely neurodivergent conversation I have had so far.

Happy Mother's Day

This Mother’s Day we'd like to celebrate the incredible mothers of Access Advisors. These remarkable women not only pursue their passions and careers but also play a vital role in creating a more digitally inclusive world every single day. They face unique challenges with grace and determination, inspiring us all with their strength and resilience.
The mothers at Access Advisors are true champions for accessibility, often experiencing their own access needs. They understand the importance of breaking down digital accessibility barriers for individuals with disabilities, and they're dedicated to making that a reality.
We've included some photos of our mum's and us as mum's. Feel free to post your own photos in the comments. We've also written a blog post about how you can reduce access needs for new mum's.
https://accessadvisors.nz/blog/mothers-day/
To all the mothers out there, whether you're juggling careers, leading organisations, dealing with your own access needs or raising children with access needs, we see you and we appreciate you. Thank you for your unwavering love and countless contributions to our lives and communities.




Photos of our Access Advisors Mum's
Kirsten our social media person and her daughter Caitlin
Chandra our Managing director and her children Lewis and Lexi
Katherine our executive assistant and her family.
Granddaughter Caitlin, daughter Kirsten, Katherine, mother Trish, and daughter Sarah.
Chandra and her mother Tui.

We are excited for NZSL Week Kicking off on May 6th. This year's theme, "an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere," aims to spark widespread embrace and appreciation of NZSL across New Zealand.

Are you ready for NZSL Week?

Beginning on Monday 6th May, the theme this year is "an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere," which aims to inspire widespread adoption and celebration of NZSL throughout New Zealand.

Make sure you visit the NZSL Week website www.nzslweek.org.nz to download your resources, pick your challenge, and prepare to dive into the wonderful world of New Zealand Sign Language.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned signer, there's something for everyone to enjoy during NZSL Week. Discover how you can get involved with your workplace, community, and whānau.

Let's make Aotearoa a place where anyone can sign anywhere!

Who knew? Road trips are one of my favourite things and now they have audio descriptions.

Honda Scenic Audio AI-Based App Helps Make Drives Accessible (with audio descriptions) Honda has developed an innovative web application utilizing AI technology to help expand the joy of the journey to the blind and visually impaired by creatin...

Document is Empty: How Inaccessible Online Documents Impact Screen Reader Users – In Their Own Words - OpenText Blogs

This short video shows us why it is so important to create accessible websites, apps and documents. If we are not making the content that we produce accessible, we are excluding people with disabilities. it's time to move from accommodations to true inclusion. Access Advisors can help!
https://blogs.opentext.com/document-is-empty-how-inaccessible-online-documents-impact-screen-reader-users-in-their-own-words/

blogs.opentext.com