Richard Buchanan grew up in Paroa, near Greymouth. He was supported by a local field officer from what was then called the Crippled Children Society. Richard has had a long career within the disability sector and a strong personal and professional affiliation with CCS Disability Action in particular. He became the CCS Disability Action General Manager Southern region on 12 July 2021. There are six branches in the South Island managed from a hub in Christchurch.Richard said that CCS Disability Action focuses on assisting individuals and their families to obtain the life outcomes that they want, not what others think is best for them. Richard explained how the organisation is governed and managed. The organisation has strong relationships with disabled people, families/ whānau, other organisations, companies, government departments and current/potential funders. A key focus is to involve disabled people are included in all decisions effecting their lives from the outset.
The CCS Disability Action support about 5000 people nationally and around 360min Otago. The disabled receive support with employment, health, education and other things such as disability parking. Richard says that the key idea is to provide disabled folk with a “fair go”.As with all other organisations funding is tight and inflation is providing added financial pressure.
Richard reminded the club that the Dunedin Rotary Club was instrumental in forming the Dunedin project for the CCS way back in 1934/5.
(Perhaps there are lessons for our club about access and inclusiveness for disabled people.)
