Members of new working groups have been announced, tasked with developing a refreshed New Zealand disability strategy.
The strategy aims to improve the lives of disabled people in five key areas: education, employment, health, housing and justice. The groups will be led by 26 members, including chairs Grant Cleland for Education, Lorraine Toki for Employment, Dr Josephine Herman for Health, Daniel Clay for Housing, and Paul Gibson for Justice.
Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston welcomed the strong interest from the disability community in contributing to the strategy's development. The Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha received almost 350 expressions of interest before selecting members for the groups.
According to recent data from Stats NZ Household Disability Survey, disabled New Zealanders face barriers in education, employment and housing. With one in six people in New Zealand being disabled, creating employment opportunities is a key focus area. The draft strategy will be reviewed by the wider disabled community later this year before Cabinet approval.