Dan Shepherd Appointed General Manager Community and Inclusion

Our General Manager, Community and Inclusion

Dan Shepherd, Blind Low Vision NZ’s new General Manager,Community and Inclusion is passionate about creating a more accessible, inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand. Dan, who has been with the organisation since 2019, brings a wealth of experience to his new position from his previous roles in Client Services, Awareness, and Accessibility.

With a lived experience of vision loss, having been diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of 15, Dan’s appointment adds a valuable client voice to our Executive Leadership Team.

His leadership will focus on creating inclusive communities that remove access barriers for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

A drive for accessibility and inclusion

Dan’s passion for social inclusion drives his commitment to influencing positive change, ensuring all New Zealanders can participate fully in their communities. Dan and his team will work closely with individual communities to raise awareness, improve accessibility, and foster an environment where people with vision loss can live the life they choose.

Helping drive our Strategic plan

This role is a key part of Blind Low Vision NZ’s renewed commitment to social inclusion, one of the three pillars in our strategic plan. Dan will lead initiatives to promote accessibility in the built environment, digital spaces, and through community partnerships.

Chief Executive Andrea says, “Having someone with lived experience on the Executive Leadership Team brings a unique perspective to our decision-making. Dan’s leadership will ensure that our work is always client-focused and that we continue to set the standard for accessibility in New Zealand.”

We look forward to the positive change Dan will bring to the role and the impact this will have on the lives of the people we serve.