Disability News

Building a new disability strategy

The first phase of updating the New Zealand Disability Strategy has drawn to a close.

The initial part of the process lasted for five weeks, and asked disabled New Zealanders, their friends, whanau and supporters to join the conversation and share their ideas about how they could live a good life, feel valued and participate in their communities.

Thousands of people visited the Join the Conversation website, and hundreds attended events around the country. The next step in the process is the dafting of a new disability strategy.

In late July, another conversation will take place with the public – this time on the draft strategy. So keep an eye on the website to make sure you don’t miss out on having your say on the new disability strategy.

Minister launches Hidden Talent Tour

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner is touring the country to encourage employers to take on more disabled people.

“In New Zealand, we know that only 45% of disabled adults are employed compared with 72% of non-disabled adults. There is a vast array of talented, loyal employees that employers aren’t tapping into. It’s a missed opportunity,” says Ms Wagner.

The tour has already stopped in Hamilton, but continues to a number of centres over the next four months. It will feature a range of speakers to show perspectives from both disabled employees and their employers, and to dispel some of the myths around employing those with disabilities, such as extra costs and health and safety concerns.

Take a look at upcoming tour dates in our what’s on page and contact the ministerial office of the Minister for Disability Issues on (04) 817 9839 for more information.

New services for carers

Carer Matching and Care Matters are two national disability support services, recently developed out of the NZ Carers’ Strategy Action Plan.

Carer matching, provided by MyCare, can help people with disabilities and their families to find support. If you receive Disability Support Services funding, including Individualised Funding and Carer Support Subsidy, you can gain free access to MyCare’s database of support workers in your area.

MyCare allows you to search worker profiles, post jobs, and contact workers. More than a 1000 workers across New Zealand are profiled at MyCare. Joining the service is easy. All you need is the NHI number of the person who receives DSS funding and the name of their NASC (needs assessment) service. Then you can fill in a Carer Matching Referral form online. Visit the website or phone 0800 677 700 for more information.

Care Matters is a carer learning and wellbeing resource. Carers can access free resources such as advice on managing conflict and stress; information on how they can connect with other carers; and find available courses. Call 0508 236 236 for more information.