Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment to Accessibility

At Kāpō Māori Aotearoa, accessibility is not just what we advocate for—it's who we are and the foundation of everything we do. As an organisation founded by and for blind, deafblind, and vision-impaired Māori, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can participate fully and with dignity.

Our Accessibility Principles

Tino Rangatiratanga (Self-Determination)

We recognise that tāngata kāpō Māori have the right to determine their own accessibility needs and solutions. We empower our community through:

• Self-advocacy support and training
• Opportunities for leadership within our organisation
• Designing services with, not for, tāngata kāpō Māori

Whānaungatanga (Relationships)

We believe accessibility is enhanced through strong relationships and connections:

• Family/whānau inclusion in all aspects of our mahi
• Creating supportive networks among our members
• Building partnerships with organisations that share our values

Mātauranga Māori (Māori Knowledge)

We honour traditional Māori knowledge and practices in our approach to accessibility:

• Incorporating tikanga Māori into all our services
• Recognising the unique cultural needs of tāngata kāpō Māori
• Using Te Reo Māori alongside English in our communications

Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship)

We take responsibility for creating accessible environments:

• Ensuring our physical spaces are accessible to people with diverse needs
• Providing information in multiple accessible formats
• Advocating for systemic changes that remove barriers for our community

Our Accessibility Practices

Information and Communication

We are committed to making our information accessible by:

• Providing materials in multiple formats including large print, audio, braille, and electronic text
• Using clear, simple language
• Ensuring communications are culturally appropriate and responsive
• Offering translation and interpretation services when needed

Physical Environment

Our physical spaces are designed with accessibility in mind:

• Step-free access to our facilities
• Tactile indicators and clear signage
• Consideration of acoustic environments
• Flexible seating and lighting options

Events and Meetings

We ensure our gatherings are inclusive through:

• Accessible venue selection
• Sign language interpretation when required
• Audio description for visual content
• Advance distribution of materials in accessible formats
• Flexibility in participation methods (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)

Staff and Volunteer Training

Our team members are prepared to support accessibility through:

• Regular training on disability awareness and accessibility
• Cultural competency development
• Understanding of assistive technologies
• Person-centred approaches to meeting individual needs

Continuous Improvement

We recognise that accessibility is a journey, not a destination. We commit to:

• Regularly reviewing and updating our accessibility practices
• Seeking feedback from our community
• Staying informed about new approaches and technologies
• Learning from both successes and challenges

Beyond Compliance

While we meet all legal requirements for accessibility, our commitment goes far beyond compliance. We strive to exemplify best practices in accessibility because we understand firsthand the difference it makes in people's lives.

Feedback

We welcome your suggestions on how we can improve accessibility. Please contact us at:

Kāpō Māori Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated
Email: accessibility@kapomaori.org.nz
Phone: 0800 770 990

Our Vision

We envision a world where accessibility is understood not as an accommodation but as a fundamental human right—where tāngata kāpō Māori can fully participate in society, maintaining their cultural identity and dignity. Through our collective efforts, we work towards this vision every day.

"Ahakoa kāhore mātou i te kite, kei te kite"
(We may be blind, but we have vision)