Be Update May
May 2017
Autumn is often a time of reflection and can sometimes even be melancholic. Here at
Be. we are certainly feeling both those emotions with the very sad passing of two
amazing women from our Disability community. We were all devastated to hear that the
gorgeous Alex Smith, a Be. Leadership alumni from 2012 and an incredible dancer,
artist and activist, passed away over Easter after a long struggle with depression. We
will miss her dreadfully and send all our love to her family and friends.
We are also shocked by the news that the Great Dame of Accessibility Alexia Pickering
passed away on Thursday 27th April…. Alexia was the key instigator for much of the
legislation and policy that underpins our building code today and was a staunch and
fierce advocate for access for all! Her legacy is incredible and we greatly value all she
has done for New Zealand society.
Here at Be. we are committed, more than ever, to keep up the work towards a 100%
accessible New Zealand. With this in mind, we dedicate this newsletter to those who
have gone before and all the amazing work they have contributed.
It’s timely to also reflect on the great work than many New Zealand organisations are
doing in the accessibility space and this month our newsletter features two stories on
our Platinum-rated shopping centre, Bayfair, and Yellow’s New Zealand Tourism Guide
that recently received a gold rating from us. One of our amazing Be. Leaders, Alice
Campbell, gives us some insight into the March/April Be. Leadership session and
Minnie writes about why it’s time for Aotearoa to talk about the human, and the
economic costs of inaccessibility. She also talks about where Be. is heading – and the
support we need to get the Be. Lab and the innovation fund up and running.
Let us all Be. the possibility and work together to create a truly accessible world where
each individual can meet their full potential.