About DPA
This page is the Summary of and Introduction to:
OUR VISION: To Matou Tirohanga Whakamua (2005-2008)
The full document is approx 36 printed pages. You can download the word document here.
Our Message:
We Can Speak For Ourselves — LISTEN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There is still much to be done so that we are fully able to participate in New Zealand society. Those we elect to form a Government can make decisions which will help put the New Zealand Disability Strategy (NZDS) into action. They can also make decisions which make our participation even more difficult.
Our Vision: To Matou Tirohanga Whakamua (2005-2008) outlines our priorities, based on the NZDS and on our own experience, which we know can be tackled by the next Government during their term. To do this well requires continuing dialogue with disability groups, understanding and expertise in those who draft and shape policies and, above all, political will.
But we must be involved: Nothing about us, without us.
An incoming Government must ensure the following:
Principles and policy development- A Disability Rights Act is drafted and passed This Act sets up a Disability Commission with a strong advocacy role, similar to the Children's or Mental Health Commissions, and is well-resourced and staffed. This Commission would complement the work of the Human Rights and related Commissions.
- The Human Rights Act is changed to remove excuses for exclusion on grounds of disability. It is then entrenched, requiring a 75 percent majority to amend it.
- The priorities of the disability section in the New Zealand Action Plan for Human Rights are fully implemented in the five years 2005-2010.
- The Treaty of Waitangi is recognised in developing and providing disability services for Maori.
- Local bodies are required by law to comply with the NZDS and all public body employees are trained in disability awareness.
- The NZ Sign Language Bill is passed and the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion Act repealed.
- Public education on disability is enhanced by a nationally-coordinated and well-funded media strategy, and training of members of the 'helping professions' includes disability awareness.
- We have the same educational opportunities and facilities as all other students at all levels of the education system.
- The Education Review Office and Tertiary Education Commission extend their reviews to include inclusiveness and accessibility of educational facilities.
- Equal opportunity legislation is extended to private sector employment.
- Our school to work transition is managed smoothly and without delays.
- Benefits are fair, equitable and adequate, based on need not cause of disability, paid directly to the individual, and benefit abatement does not act as a barrier into open employment.
- Disability Support Services (DSS) put the person with the disability at the centre of the service, meet safety and quality standards and are nationally consistent.
- There must be a single national funder of DSS to ensure consistency of service, availability and standards regardless of location.
- Housing policy work continues, with us actively involved, and a range of supported living options are available in the community.
- Building and related laws are changed to ensure consistency with the NZDS.
- All new public housing is accessible, and at least one in five new housing permits ensures the new home can be easily modified to enable full access.
- We are the majority on the boards of all residential services.
- All buildings except non-rental private dwellings are fully accessibly by 2015.
- It is possible to have a door-to-door accessible journey involving public transport.
- All public toilets are accessible.
- New public gardens, parks and walkways are accessible.
- All new public transport purchases are accessible and non-accessible vehicles phased out by 2015.
- A disability transport group is established to advise the Ministry of Transport and report to Parliament.
- Eligibility for the Total Mobility scheme and the level of subsidy are nationally consistent.
- Total Mobility is available throughout the country, adequate taxi vans and taxis are available without unduly delay or unrealistic advance booking.
- Our health treatment is not prejudiced by the existence or nature of a disability, and complaints procedures are simple and well-publicised.
- Medical research involving us includes informed consent and ethical input, and our involvement in its development and monitoring.
- Health professionals and members of the 'helping professions' are well-trained and continually upskilled in disability support.
- We and our families/whanau have access to an advocate of our choice and/or to self-advocacy training and leadership development.
- All public information is routinely offered in disability-friendly formats at no extra cost.
- The Census disability question and follow-up survey continues at 5-yearly intervals.
- We are included in all community social activities, including developing our own, and are catered for in tourism and other promotional campaigns.
- Professional and amateur sportspeople with disabilities are given the same status and training opportunities as their non-disabled peers, including funding for high achievers.
- Children and youth services cater for disabled children and their families, and relevant Ministries establish positions with disability expertise.
- Leadership forums and child and youth programmes involve and meet the needs of young disabled people.
- More services by, with and for Maori people with disabilities are developed, and Maori-led debate includes traditional attitudes, spiritual and mental health perspectives of disability.
- Pacific people are trained as providers of disability information and services to their local communities, and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs establishes a position with disability expertise.
- Similar provisions are made for members of ethnic minority groups.
- Perspectives of disabled women are included in all relevant Government programmes and delegations, and disabled women are involved in their planning and implementation.
- Our families/whanau are offered free, independent advocacy services, and the value and responsibility of the caring role is recognised, including payment where appropriate.
- The New Zealand leadership role in developing the UN Disability Convention continues.
- International Labour Organisation Convention 159 is ratified.
- Disability work in the Pacific continues to be supported.
- Migrants and refugees are not prohibited on the grounds of disability.