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Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer says the New Zealand Disability Strategy is a first for the country.
"The Strategy gives the Government a framework - for the first time ever - to address disability issues across departments, policies, services and legislation," Ms Beyer said.
The strategy, Making a World of Difference, Whakanui Oranga, was launched by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Minister for Disability Issues Lianne Dalziel on Monday, 30 April.
"One in five people in New Zealand has a long-term impairment," Ms Beyer said.
"Many are unable to participate fully in our communities because of the barriers they face in everyday life. The aim of the New Zealand Disability Strategy is to remove these barriers, wherever they exist."
The Strategy outlines 15 objectives in areas such as human rights, social attitudes, education and employment, recreation and lifestyle, information, public services and support systems. More than 100 broad Government actions underpin these objectives.
Government departments will be required to prepare annual work plans outlining how they intend implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy. The plans will be monitored, with input from disabled people, and overall progress will be reviewed after five years and 10 years.
Ms Beyer said the Strategy had been developed with extensive input from disabled people and the disability sector. A 15-person sector reference group had advised Government on the content of the Strategy, there had been 68 consultation meetings around the country, and 700 submissions were received.
She said the Government had not used development of the New Zealand Disability Strategy as an excuse for delay, and a number of related initiatives were already under way.
These included a review of vocational services for people with disabilities, funding for the 2001 Disability Survey, an improved and expanded standard covering access to buildings and related facilities, and the e-government strategy.
Ms Beyer said the Strategy focused primarily on Government's performance. However, local authorities also had a huge impact on the lives of disabled people, especially when it came to physical access and the right to live in the community.
"I will be discussing with local authorities and other public bodies how they can support disabled people's full participation in Wairarapa," Ms Beyer said.
Ms Beyer also said she would be challenging her constituents to look at their own attitudes and behaviour towards disabled people.
"Consultation with disabled people has shown that public attitudes, ignorance and discrimination are the biggest barriers of all. This is a challenge for all New Zealanders. We need to ask ourselves whether we judge people by what they can't do, rather than what they can do," Ms Beyer said.
The New Zealand Disability Strategy and related information are available on the website: www.odi.govt.nz/nzds. The Strategy document and the summary of consultation findings are also available in a variety of formats, including large font, Braille, audio-cassette and an easy-to-read version.
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