Date: Thursday, February 16 2012

ACHIEVE - The National Post-Secondary Education Disability Network - is astounded that Mojo Mathers has been asked to fund her own note-taking services.

"While New Zealand has some of the legislation, clearly the proof is not in the pudding when Parliament cannot get it right. Formal rights are merely words on paper until enacted by people who care", says Melissa Lethaby, National President of ACHIEVE.

It has been a fantastic year for ACHIEVE and all the hard work that has occurred during the past two years has well and truly paid off. We have spent a considerable amount of time rebuilding, and I am proud to say that we are now performing at a level that once made ACHIEVE a very powerful organisation. The year began in November 2010 and it was wonderful to be able to host a Professional Development Conference.

• ACHIEVE has played a key role in securing funding for supporting students with impairments in post-secondary education and training - most notably, the Special Supplementary Grant: Tertiary Students with Disabilities.
• Fostered the development of a number of networks for students with impairments.
• Advocated for, supported and played an active part in National Conferences and Gatherings for students with impairments and disability support services staff at polytechnics, colleges of education and universities.

• A commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Public and professional debate on equal opportunity policies and practices.
• Sharing of initiatives through research, publications and conferences.
• Cooperation to ensure smooth transition for students with impairments.
• Staff development for those supporting students with impairments.
• Monitoring of services and support for students with impairments.
• Best practice models for those providing services for students with impairments.

Anyone with an interest in post-secondary education and training for people with impairments can join. Corporate and individual membership is available.

ACHIEVE's membership may include:

• Students with impairments, the Deaf community, their families and support networks.
• Polytechnics, colleges of education, universities, wananga, private training establishments and other training providers.
• Disability support staff and other professionals supporting students with impairments in post-secondary education and training.
• Students Association.

• A coordinated national effort in securing quality educational opportunities for students with impairments in post-secondary education and training.
• Opportunities for members to network, support and learn from each other.
• Monitoring of equal education policies developed by Government, the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Commission and post-secondary institutions, that impact on students with impairments.
• Liaison with groups and bodies who have similar interests.
• Advice, support and information.

ACHIEVE advocates and lobbies for people with a range of impairments who are transitioning into or studying in post-secondary education or training. For example; at a university, polytechnic, private training establishment, wananga or college of education.

ACHIEVE is a national network established to ensure equal opportunity and access to post-secondary education and training for people with impairments.