Disability: Jointheconversation.nz

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner is encouraging New Zealanders to give feedback on the first draft of the disability strategy as the second round of public consultation begins. The consultation opened on 25 July, and will go on till 21 August.

“The current Disability Strategy was released in 2001. Since then there have been fundamental shifts in the way New Zealand, and the world, look at disability. That is why we’re building a new disability strategy. In April and May, the first round of consultation received more than 600 submissions. We now want to hear from disabled people, their families and the disability community to see how they feel the draft strategy reflects the initial consultation,” said the Minister.

With one in four New Zealanders having a physical, sensory, learning, mental health or other impairment, the draft strategy - aimed at establishing a clear direction for the Government over the next decade - has targeted eight key outcome areas. These include education, employment, health and well-being, justice, accessibility, attitudes, choice and control, and leadership.

For information on how to take part and to see the draft disability strategy, please visit jointheconversation.nz