John Wade (CEO Iris Ltd) and Stephen McKernan at launch

Iris board Chair, Dianne Kidd acknowledged the board who governed the expertise in health, to ensure people with higher needs receive the quality of life they deserve. She said the board was very keen to work together and promote independence, so that people can have regular lives.
Perhaps the most poignant moments came when the two guest speakers with Cerebral Palsy spoke about their lives and experiences. Allyson Hamlett revealed her new musical composition “Open your eyes.” A belated musical experience, denied her in her youth when a music teacher refused to give her lessons. She also spoke about the futile attempts to obtain employment despite completing BA and Diploma of Library and Information studies degrees.
Adventurer and now disability advisor for Ministry of Education, Gary Endacott spoke about the importance of attitude. "Disability is not a licence to underachieve” said Gary. In his view we spend far too much time arguing about appropriate language and not enough time focusing on becoming independent.
Obviously Allyson and Gary are strong individuals, who have accepted their disability and have moved on to carve out a life of quality for themselves. The disabled community looks forward to the support of Iris, which will give their clients every chance of exploring opportunities that come their way.

(Check out Iris Ltd's new website at www.iris-health.org.nz )