Rehab, idea sharing wanted

Press, 13 April 1982, Page 26

Rehab, idea sharing wanted

PA . Auckland New. Zealand groups which help the disabled have an obligation to share their ideas and techniques, according to the world president of Rehabilitation International.

A member of the Hong Kong Senate and an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Harry S. Y. Fang, is in New Zealand to . present Rehabilitation International’s Charter for the 80s to the GovernorGeneral (Sir David Beattie).

The charter has taken three years to prepare and is made up of four sections: prevention, rehabilitation and supportive services, integration and full participation of disabled people in the community, and supply of information.

‘Dr Fang said the charter had the same aims that many groups in New Zealand were already working towards but because Rehabilitation International was worldwide, it ha'd the support of many other countries. "I would like to' see all your groups working in unity and co-ordination," he said. "We are working for the

future of the disabled and to help, all groups must share their message.

"New Zealanders do not realise how lucky they are and they must let us share in their progress and help iis to progress also.” It is Dr Fang's first visit to New Zealand but he said he had noticed that there were no poor people to compare with those in Hong Kong. New Zealand had the best of many things, he said. Free education, free health services but higher taxes. "There is always room for improvement but the future for disabled people in New Zealand is good." he said. "You have the expertise which you should now be exporting to help other countries. You truly do not realise how lucky you. are." • Miss Ann Ballin. the chairman of Rehabilitation International New Zealand which began in March. 1980. and who is accompanying Dr Fang on his four-day tour, said disabled people in this country had recently gained confidence.

They had become aware

that they had a future. They did not have to stay hidden away at home, and they knew that to make the future better, they had to do something about New Zealand legislation. "Government is there for us too." she said. "We have learnt where to apply the pressure to ensure that our rights are looked after." Dr Fang said he was concerned with the rights of the disabled but was also concerned with preventative measures.

“If we had done preventative work years ago. we could have saved a lot of work and finance." he said. He cited .rubella -and polio as serious, but unnecessary, causes of disability.

“What is a $2 injection if ‘it saves millions of dollars because it prevents a lifetime of care?

"Although you no longer have to worry about polio in this country, there are many cases occurring in South America, Africa and India. This should not be the case in our modern world."

Dr Fang said a good Government should be trying to prevent more people being disabled and he hoped the Charter for the 80s would give New Zealand a guideline.