Extra Touch Award Presented to Darryl Wilson

“Extra Touch Award” presented to Darryl Wilson, Chief Executive, Abel Tasman National Park Ltd

For his outstanding contribution providing access to both travel and recreational opportunities for blind and vision impaired patrons, Darryl Wilson, Chief Executive of Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park Ltd is the recipient of Blind Citizens NZ’s Extra Touch Award.

Co-ordinating a group of 24 blind and vision impaired patrons to water taxi into the Abel Tasman National Park and giving the option of picnicking on the beach or staying on board, or assisting with the planning of a weekend in Awaroa, is all part of the service offered by Darryl Wilson and his team.

“Attention to safety instructions and how to secure our life jackets, detailed descriptions of the surroundings as we taxied into Abel Tasman National Park, and knowing we could participate in the range of recreational options, all contributed to an exhilarating sensory experience”, said Amanda Stevens, one of the patrons and Chair of Nelson Branch of Blind Citizens NZ.

Presented at Blind Citizens NZ’s Conference Dinner on Saturday 17 October, at the Commodore Hotel, Christchurch, Adam Rossal, Daily Operations Supervisor, received the Extra Touch Award on behalf of Darryl Wilson.

"Disabled people want to enjoy the same things as everyone else", said Clive Lansink, National President of Blind Citizens NZ, "but we do have additional needs because of our disabilities. We were pleased to recognise Darryl Wilson because we were impressed by the way he and his staff made sure blind and vision impaired people could safely enjoy the Able Tasman National Park outdoor experience. They will all now have wonderful memories of their adventure."

The Extra Touch Award recognises a person or company who, as part of the process of catering to the general public, makes an outstanding contribution towards improvement in access or service to blind and vision impaired people.

ENDS

About Blind Citizens NZ

Founded in 1945, the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc (Blind Citizens NZ) is New Zealand's leading blindness consumer organisation and one of the country's largest organisations of disabled consumers. Our aim is to heighten awareness of the rights of blind and vision impaired people and to remove the barriers that impact upon our ability to live in an accessible, equitable and inclusive society.

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