Disabled candidate key in council accessibility drive

Friday, 11 October 2019

Hamilton East candidate Tim Young is proud he's already made a difference at council, even if he isn't voted in on Saturday.

As a would-be councillor Tim Young's fate is in the hands of voters.

But he's already made a difference at Hamilton City council as the catalyst for upgrades to accessibility for those with disabilities.

Young, 31, was left a tetraplegic in 2009 after a snowboarding accident at Whistler, Canada where he fractured his C5 and C6 vertebrae.

He is running in the Hamilton East ward for city council in this year's local body elections.

If he's elected, immediate adjustments will be made to make the space functional, but council said accessibility upgrades were in the works before Young put his hand up.

'I'm glad it's happening regardless of whether I get in, not only if I get in,' Young said, 'because it makes me feel like I've already helped to bring down some barriers for other disabled people getting into local politics.

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Tim Young, 31, is running as a candidate for Hamilton City Council east ward.

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'If you can't even get in there by yourself it's as much of a barrier as you can imagine when you physically can't move into somewhere. It definitely plays on your psyche.'

The uninviting space may play a part in why many people with disabilities don't stand for council, Young said.

'It definitely makes you feel unwelcome and already this process has made me feel a lot more welcome. I'm really stoked about it.'

'All the staff and the governance team have been incredible, it's a shame that I do have to be the catalyst but I'm also proud to be the catalyst.

'But it's interesting that It has been in the long term plan but It hasn't been a long term priority for them.

Hamilton City Council chief executive Richard Briggs says the upgrades will happen regardless of the election outcome.

'It's not like council can fix all of society's problems on it's own, but as a leader in the community you should take a leadership role, be bold and try to create change that you think is right.'

A review into council's accessibility was undertaken before Young was on the scene, but he has become its first point of call for discussion, chief executive Richard Briggs said.

'Anyone and everyone should be able to partake in the democratic process and it's a real core part to make sure we're representing our community.

'It was part of ensuring that we're readily accessible to anyone who wants to attend meetings, but also if someone chooses to run for council that there's no barriers from doing that.'

About six doors will be upgraded to open automatically rather than being physically pushed, when an access card is swiped.

The elevator will to be 'tidied up' as will the wheelchair lift with an easier angle of approach, and the disabled bathrooms on the ninth and first floor will be upgraded to suit more disabilities.

Chamber's microphone and voting systems will also be upgraded so those with limited hand movements can actually participate, Briggs said.

'It's a commitment we're going to follow through on regardless of whether Tim is successful or not … the goal would to be have it running early next year.'

Council is also working towards putting subtitles on meetings it live streams, raising desks and adopting a user friendly layout for the chamber.

There's no quote yet on how much the upgrades will cost, but Briggs is confident it will come from the existing budget.

Those who may need assistance to cast their vote in the city's local election are encouraged to contact Hamilton City Council on 07 838 6699 or email elections@hcc.govt.nz.

'We will travel to you,' Briggs said.

Voting closes midday, Saturday.