At this year's DPA AGM in November, Marie Zittersteijn from Christchurch was voted in as our newest Life Member. Marie was presented her Life Membership certificate at the Christchurch Christmas get together for members last Monday.
Marie's membership at DPA dates back to 1983. As an active advocate she's supported the people around her who have different disabilities than her own, as well as speaking up for people who are non-verbal.
She enjoys talking about disability and networking with Christchurch members/supporters and people associated with disability in the community, including city council members.
Since 2003 Marie has been a Total Mobility Committee Member/Vice Chairperson, which continues today. She was also a Committee Member of DPA Christchurch and Districts Regional Executive Committee for about 15 years.
She was one of the main speakers at the Young People in Rest Homes Forum in 2013, and from 2017 to 2018, she was a Member of Ministry of Health Working Group on Younger People in Residential Care.
Keeping in contact with what's going on in the community is important for Marie. She's a member of the Christian Fellowship For The Disabled and also goes to a coffee group once a month run by the Cerebral Palsy Society.
She lives at St John on God in Halswell and has an interest in computers and helping people with their computers in the home.
On behalf of DPA members, the National Executive Committee (NEC) extends thanks to Marie for her extraordinary service to DPA and tireless advocacy for the rights of disabled people.
