We work on systemic change for the equity of disabled people
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA) is a not-for-profit pan-impairment Disabled People’s Organisation run by and for disabled people.
Since our formation in 1983, DPA has brought disabled people together and shaped our collective input in a way that drives system level change.
We recognise:
Māori as Tangata Whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand;
disabled people as experts on their own lives;
the Social Model of Disability as the guiding principle for interpreting disability and impairment;
the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as the basis for disabled people’s relationship with the State;
the New Zealand Disability Strategy as Government agencies’ guide on disability issues; and
the Enabling Good Lives Principles and Whāia Te Ao Mārama: Māori Disability Action Plan as avenues to disabled people gaining greater choice and control over their lives and supports.
We drive systemic change through:
Leadership: reflecting the collective voice of disabled people, locally, nationally and internationally
modelling disabled leadership;
as a member of the Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition;
as a member of Disabled Peoples International;
as a member of the Pacific Disability Forum, a member of the International Disability Alliance; and
creating and supporting disabled-led initiatives such as Mahi Tika – Equity in Employment.
Information and advice: informing and advising on policies impacting on the lives of disabled people
providing a channel for information between disabled people and government;
providing advice, commentary, and submissions to Parliament, government agencies, and local authorities;
providing advice to businesses and non-government organisations; and
research.
Advocacy: supporting disabled people to have a voice, including a collective voice, in society
listening to disabled people and identifying barriers to equity;
engaging both nationally and regionally with our members and the wider community - disabled people, whānau, allies and organisations;
building the capacity and capability of disabled people;
partnering with other organisations on projects and campaigns; and
engaging with the media.
Monitoring: monitoring and giving feedback on existing laws, policies and practices about and relevant to disabled people
monitoring existing and proposed laws, policies and practices relevant to disabled people and whānau; and
supporting government, organisations, businesses and the public to recognise, understand and address barriers to equity.
