About DPA
Role of the DPA
4.1. Information and Advice
DPA ensures:
- DPA members are well-informed about new developments relating to issues that affect them — in New Zealand and overseas.
- Effective representation of the views and aspirations of people with disabilities to service providers, Government, the general public and the media.
4.2. Coordination and Cooperation
DPA promotes:
- Coordination of service provision at a local, regional, national, and international level — to minimise duplication and advance the quality of community services.
- Coordination and cooperation of non-government and government organisations — to ensure the views and aspirations of people with disabilities are heard.
4.3. Strategic Planning
DPA strives for:
- Effective input from people with disabilities into Government's policy development and strategic planning processes.
4.4. Monitoring
DPA undertakes:
- Monitoring of legislation, regulations and codes of practice and their implementation — to ensure they incorporate the principles of equality of access, effective participation, and economic independence.
- Monitoring of disability services — to ensure they are designed to enable people with disabilities to have a full, meaningful and constructive life of their own choosing.
4.5. Self-advocacy
DPA promotes:
- Self-advocacy as the strongest and most effective form of communication.
- Disability awareness — to inform communities about the rights, needs, potential and contribution to society of people with disabilities.
4.6. Treaty Partnership
DPA aims to:
- Actively involve Maori (tangata whenua) at every level in DPA — to ensure that solutions to disability-related issues acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi.
4.7. International
DPA maintains:
- Effective international links through its affiliation with Rehabilitation International and Disabled People's International.