Disability Leadership Canterbury report on impact of funding cuts

Posted in Research; Tagged Flexible Funding; Posted 5 days ago by Miriam O’Connor Less than a minute to read

In November, Disability Leadership Canterbury released their survey report, “Whaikaha Whaimana – Our Voices Count”, offering a local perspective on the impact of the March 2024 disability funding changes.

The report found “unequivocal evidence that the changes inflicted widespread harm on disabled people and their whānau in Canterbury and across Aotearoa”.

A review of prior surveys, including DPA's survey in March 2024, positions the local data within a national and international conversation about individualised funding support flexibility and disabled-led decision-making.

In addition to collecting experiences, the survey asked disabled voices to articulate the policy/system solutions needed now. Respondents called for a system led by people with lived experience, flexible and personalised in its supports, transparent in communication, and grounded in the Enabling Good Lives principles.

The respondents emphasised the vital role of whānau and caregivers, the need for genuine co-design, and for more accountability to restore trust.

Disabled Leadership Canterbury found that reinstating flexibility, improving system navigation, and embedding community leadership are all needed to uphold equity, cultural safety, and dignity for disabled people.

Download the Whaikaha Whaimana – Our Voices Count report (PDF only)

Read the summary of the Whaikaha, Whaimana: Our voices count report (Word)

Find out more about Disabled Leadership Canterbury.