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Merry Christmas 2024

Well we are at the end of yet another year, and it is time to reflect on all that has happened. And while I am usually upbeat and like to celebrate any little win, I think it is important to first acknowledge that 2024 has been a tough year for many, especially those of us in disability services and our communities. Some organisations in our space have not made it through this year at all, others are a little worse for wear but holding their own.

Team dogs Buddy, Mela and Winnie sitting in front of a beautiful Christmas tree. They each have tinsel around their neck

We have also lost some dear friends over the course of the last 12 months and the sector has seen many senior disability leaders move on. While now is not the time for details, please know that our thoughts are with everyone affected and your families.
 
Access Advisors has been impacted by the current situation in Aotearoa New Zealand. It has been a struggle at times. But thankfully, we have weathered this part of the storm, and even made five years in business. I am personally humbled by the hard work the team has put in and how they feel about being part of this organisation.
 
Thankfully, it hasn’t all been doom and gloom by any means. The team have delivered loads of reviews of designs, websites, apps and software. We’ve delivered many hours of training and advice to various clients around the motu (country).  And if I have to pick a favourite it is working with NZTA team on their new app, such a pleasure.
 Ross and Chandra at Christchurch ATSNZ
Our Access Panel have also been busy helping many clients see the true impact of access needs in a variety of research projects. Probably my favourite project this year was an Assistive Tech Demo when six panellists definitely left a lasting impression on the digital team they spent the afternoon with. Big thanks to all the Access Panel.

In fact, the whole Access Advisors team have been busy spreading accessibility awareness all year. I have presented at numerous conferences, Ross and I have attended a variety of conferences, Julius wowed the Wellington Accessibility meetup with his AI presentation, Kevin headed to Europe to help define deafblindness and Kirsten and Katherine also got involved at the first ATSNZ expo in Christchurch. It was a year of connecting and we all got to meet some wonderful people and reconnect with many others.

Katherine and her husband Gavin standing behind their blue Triump motorbike

On a lighter note, in their spare time the team have been fishing, motorcycling, playing with trains and showing off at doggie shows. Yes, Ross has a lovely new addition to his whanau, Mela the very beautiful golden retriever. She has turned his house upside down and captured all of our hearts with her golden/blond fluffiness. And then Julius has shown us all how to live life to the fullest with bungy jumping and blind bouldering and playing with AI.
Julius Blind bouldering
We wouldn’t have got through without all of our wonderful clients, our dream team, our partners, supporters and panellists. Thank you all. Let’s all send positive thoughts out into the universe in whatever way works best for you. Let’s hope that the next 12 months will see more people embrace the need for equity and an upturn in the economy.
 
We'll be taking a well-earned break from December 20th, reopening on January 6th to continue our mission of making Aotearoa more digitally inclusive. And in the meantime, if you have time on your hands, check out some of our blog posts and learn more about AI, the team and digital accessibility. 

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Thanks again - Wishing everyone a fabulous festive few weeks! 
Kia pai ngā hararei 

Chandra and the whole Access Advisors team (especially Mela)

Screen shot of all the amazing smiling faces of the Access Advisors team on a daily stand-up call

Pine garland with red bells, stars and berries also white sparkling lights

Office closed for Christmas Holidays

The office will be closed for the team to take a well deserved break from the 20th December 2024 and we will be back at work on the 6th January 2025. For urgent queries please email us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.