Call us: 0800 866 877
Please be assured all Disability Support Services you have currently allocated will continue throughout this crisis
Covid-19 (novel coronavirus): Information for disabled people who need support for daily life and their family/whanau
The NZ Disability Strategy 2016-2026 (Strategy) was launched by the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Nicky Wagner, on 29 November 2016.
The vision for the Strategy is: 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 strategy has 8 outcomes that contribute to this vision.
The Disability Action Plan includes programmes and actions that will advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2026.
The Action Plan has 25 work programmes across government agencies that have an explicit focus on improving outcomes for disabled people.
Some examples of the programmes:
• Improve accessibility across the New Zealand housing system – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Kāinga Ora.
• Development of a Disability Employment Action Plan - Ministry of Social Development
• Development of an Early Learning Strategic Plan – Ministry of Education
• Improve access to quality healthcare and health outcomes – Ministry of Health
• Disability awareness programme for bus drivers – New Zealand Transport Agency
Read or download the Disability Action https://www.odi.govt.nz/disability-action-plan
Launched in 2017, the Ministry of Health’s respite strategy seeks to make it easier for carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities.
There are a range of organisations operating in New Zealand’s Disability Sector. They include:
Disability Information and Advice services provide independent information and advice to disabled people, their families, whānau, aiga, caregivers and providers and the general public. Contact details for DIAS in your local area can be found on the Ministry of Health website: http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/disability-services/more-information-disability-support/disability-information-advisory-services
Within the geographical area that LifeLinks works, the NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres has three disability information and advice centres:
The contact details for these services is located at the following link: http://www.nzfdic.org.nz/centres-south-island
This brings together some of the support available for those affected by the Christchurch tragedy.
Victim Support
For victims directly affected by the tragedy, Victim Support offers financial, practical and emotional support. Contact 0800 842 846.