Extra funding for disability support services in budget

16 May 2014

Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust celebrate extra funding for disability support services in this year’s budget

Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust are thrilled at the announcement that the 2014 budget includes an extra $112.1 million to go towards disability support services that will help meet rising needs and costs.

Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust, an organisation that supports people with intellectual disabilities, hopes that this extra funding will go towards areas such as vocational support, which they see as key to supporting those with disabilities, to help them achieve independence wherever possible.

Says Malcolm Robson, CEO of Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust, “It is absolutely fantastic news that the government has recognised the importance of disability support services in the budget. Our hope is that more emphasis will be placed on vocational support going forward, as this is, in my mind, going to be key in planning for the future.”

Vocational support, which allows mokopuna (clients) to gain and develop skills that will enable them to take part in the community, is an important aspect of Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust’s service. “Certainly vocational support is a big part of our planning, as it helps us empower mokopuna to lead fulfilled, independent lives,” says Malcolm.

Malcolm is particularly interested to see how the government allocates the $6 million set aside for promoting the use of New Zealand Sign Language. For some clients with high and complex needs, being able to utilise sign language is only one of their many needs. The timing of this announcement coincides with New Zealand Sign Language Week, celebrated by Deaf Aotearoa from 12-18 May.

Malcolm is extremely positive about this year’s budget, saying, “It shows that the government is really listening to the communities that we look after, and I think that’s a very positive sign.”

About Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust
Te Roopu Taurima has offices in Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Christchurch and is the country’s largest Kaupapa Maori health organisation. Their philosophical belief is to provide people with an intellectual disability the best possible quality of life, a safe and healthy environment and support that promotes personal dignity and respect at all times. Although a Kaupapa Maori organisation, Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust cares for people with intellectual disabilities from all cultures and walks of life.

Rangatiratanga mo tatou katoa i runga i nga tikanga o tena o tena o tena

Ensuring empowerment and self-determination regardless of disability, age, gender, race or status.

ENDS

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