Hon Tariana Turia
Minister for Disability Issues

ACHIEVING A FULLY INCLUSIVE SOCIETY 2011

The Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Tariana Turia, says good progress is being made on implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy through the Disability Action Plan.

"I am pleased the Government has taken some significant actions in the last year that will make a real difference in disabled people's lives by working to achieve a fully inclusive society," said Mrs Turia.

These actions form part of the Disability Action Plan. Three key priorities now form the basis on which we report against the New Zealand Disability Strategy. This will also help us meet our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The three priorities for government agencies are Supports for Living, Mobility and Access, and Jobs. The plan also includes initiatives that aim to meet the needs of specific groups.

In 2011 the Government decided to focus its new cross-government work under the Disability Action Plan on Canterbury.

"It is important that the Government works with and hears from disabled people on how to make the new built environment more accessible and to redesign disability supports so they are more flexible," said Mrs Turia.

"This is why I ensured that disabled people are part of developing recovery plans for Canterbury."

The New Zealand Disability Strategy sets out the vision of achieving a fully inclusive society. Its key objectives are: supporting families and whanau, promoting the participation of Maori and Pacific disabled people and improving support services. It also covers access, attitudes, education and employment, as well as promoting the participation of disabled women and a full and active life for disabled children.

Going forward, the Government will continue to build and enhance its leadership and improve the lives of disabled New Zealanders.

ENDS

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