Whakatāne Accessible and Inclusive (WAI) is continually looking for ways to make life just a bit easier for disabled people and seniors and highlighting the need for changes.

But it is not all “glass half full”. They also wish to focus on the good work already happening in our communities.  Grant Chase, co-chair, says there are many “unsung heroes” and they want to show their appreciation to them.

“Living with an impairment, it is really nice to have people around who go out of their way to help,” Mr Chase said.  “I really appreciate people in businesses, supermarkets, and banks who are friendly and patient; people who take the time to ensure I have the support I may need.  Hospital staff have been especially helpful as I am often there without my pou awhina, my support workers.”

Co-chair Simon Cossey echoes these words. He said there were so many people who had given him great support since his spinal cord injury in 2016. His partner though, is special. “She has been there throughout, learning how to support my rehabilitation and training the other support workers.”

To sing songs for these unsung heroes, WAI will hold the second Bev Grammer Awards for Respect in early December.  Miss Grammer was a young Whakatāne woman who made a real difference by speaking up on issues of importance to the lives of disabled people locally and nationally.  She died in 2014, aged 34, and the awards honour her legacy.

WAI is calling for nominations from people with a disability or mental illness and their whānau, and from seniors.Who has made a real difference to your life, who would you like to thank in this special way?

There are five awards:

Inclusion: Any setting – employment, education, sports and recreation

Accessibility: Clear communications or reducing environmental barriers for people with learning, sensory, physical disability and tāngata whaiora (people with mental illness).

Respect: For pakeke/seniors; someone who has contributed greatly to a senior’s quality of life

Excellence in the disability sector: For someone in a paid role in the sector

Public sector staff, professionals: Someone who has gone above and beyond

Nominations close on 10 November.

Forms are available at the Citizens Advice Bureau, through WAI's Facebook page and by emailing [email protected]