Annual Report 2001
Vocational Commission
The past twelve months have been full of activity as the world of disability and work is changing rapidly. A number of changes and advances have already taken place, and new projects are being developed:
The New Zealand Disability Strategy: New Zealand's first Disability Strategy, Whakanui Oranga — Making a World of Difference, was launched in April 2001. Objective 4 of that Strategy reads: 'Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people.'
The 16 actions listed cover access to training, education of employers, transition from school to work, equal employment conditions, rights and entitlements, equal employment opportunity, and income support provisions. Eleven government departments, including the Departments of Labour, and Work and Income have already produced plans to implement the strategy.
Copies of the plans and the strategies can be obtained at: http://www.nzds.govt.nz or from DPA http://www.dpa.org.nz The strategy is also available in a wide variety of formats from the Ministry of Health.
1. Vocational Services Review
The Department of Labour and officials from other relevant government agencies have undertaken this review. The first stage of the review covered services funded by the Department of Work and Income and included consultation with disabled people and the disability sector. A sector reference group with representation from the sector was established. Clear vocational outcomes are being sought. There was also agreement that there should be changes in the area of sheltered employment. Transition from school to work was also discussed. An announcement on the outcome of Stage One was expect late in September 2001. A broader overview of vocational services is also planned.
2. Action Demonstration Projects
This new project is being lead by the Ministry of Social Policy as part of its contribution to the Disability Strategy. The project aims to improve participation in employment of people on long-term sickness and invalids benefits. The project, planed to run until 2004, will develop demonstration projects for improving support and opportunities for employment for these groups of people. The project will develop new ways of providing services, assisting people who have been under-served, and/or combining the two.
3. Human Rights
The Human Rights Commission has identified disability as one of its priority areas for its work. Complaints of discrimination relating to disability in employment are the largest group of complaints the Commission receives.
4. Accident Compensation and Rehabilitation
Legislation is currently being debated in parliament following submissions from the public. It is concerned with the return of lump sum compensation, and the development of a code of claimants rights, and. The principle focus of the Corporation is moving towards rehabilitation, including vocational rehabilitation.
The Federation of Vocational and Support Services has developed best practice guidelines for their work. Launched in August, Aiming for Excellence through Best Practice Guidelines for Vocational and Support Services, is a resource for service providers and service users. The evidence-based guidelines involved extensive consultation with service users. A series of implementation workshops have been held around the country. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Disabled people were represented on an Equal Employment Opportunities Advisory Group, appointed by the Government as part of its labour market strategy work. The group comprised representatives from employer and trade union groups as well as representatives from other groups with a particular interest in the group's work (eg Maori, Pacific people, disabled people and the EEO Trust). The group's report, entitled Success through Diversity was presented to Hon Margaret Wilson and Hon Leila Harre at the end of May. It can best be summed up as being about creating a working environment that provides fairness for everyone.
4. VASS Guidelines
The Federation of Vocational and Support Services has developed best practice guidelines for their work. Launched in August, Aiming for Excellence through Best Practice Guidelines for Vocational and Support Services, is a resource for service providers and service users. The evidence-based guidelines involved extensive consultation with service users. A series of implementation workshops have been held around the country. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Disabled people were represented on an Equal Employment Opportunities Advisory Group, appointed by the Government as part of its labour market strategy work. The group comprised representatives from employer and trade union groups as well as representatives from other groups with a particular interest in the group's work (eg Maori, Pacific people, disabled people and the Equal Employment Opportunity Trust). The group's report, entitled Success through Diversity was presented to Hon Margaret Wilson and Hon Leila Harre at the end of May. It can best be summed up as being about creating a working environment that provides fairness for everyone.
Robyn Hunt, appointee to Vocational Commission
More from the 2001 Annual Report
Index
Vision, Mission, Philosophy
Acknowledgements
President's Report
Chief Executive's Report
National Executive
Goal 1: Providing Leadership
International Relations
Charter for the Third Millennium
RI Social Commission
Vocational Commission
Leisure, Recreation and Sport Commission
Goal 2: Quality Advice
Goal 3: Advocating
Goal 4: Monitoring
Financial Statements
For previous reports contact gen@dpa.org.nz.