New Zealand’s major overhaul of disability support will see new Ministry for Disabled People
“This is the next step in transforming our approach to disability support in Aotearoa, New Zealand” - Hon Andrew Little
The new Ministry for Disabled People is being hailed as a significant move, creating a national approach to supporting 1.1 million disabled people, and built on the principle of “nothing about us without us”. These changes will deliver a more equitable, accessible, and cohesive system centered on people that will improve the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
“New Zealand is a non-disabling society - a place where disabled people have an equal opportunity to achieve their goals and aspirations, and all of New Zealand works together to make this happen.
The new Ministry will enable more Kiwis with disabilities (and their family members) greater autonomy and control over their budgets. The result? That tens of thousands of more Kiwis with disabilities will be able to use their funding to meet their needs (e.g. modifying homes to be more accessible, booking weekly cleaners to help around the house, booking social outings and holidays for physical and mental wellbeing, etc).
The new Ministry for Disabled People will also:
Lead the Disability System Transformation work
Operate as a Ministry, including providing policy and budget advice to the Minister of Disability Issues
Manage relevant legislation
Fully implement, from an initial pilot, the Enabling Good Lives approach (including funding)
Continue to work with MoH on broader health and statutory requirements
Continue to work with MoH on payment processes (until transition)
Operate the needs assessment system
Provide for long term home based and community support for 43,000 people
Provide equipment and modification services to 83,000 people
Provide 22,000 people access to hearing aid and subsidy schemes
Process 90,000 to 100,000 claims
Manage bulk funded providers
Manage 1,500 contracts and 975 service providers
Manage appropriation of $1.8b
To find out more detail about these changes, visit https://lnkd.in/gRd5MJt4