NZ Government Action on Disability Strategy
By Robyn Hunt
Eleven key government agencies have released their plans as a first step in the implementation of the NZ Government Disability Strategy.
The 11 government agencies which have drawn up implementation plans for 2001/2002 are the Department of Labour, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Department of Work and Income, Ministry of Social Policy, Ministry of Justice, State Services Commission, Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Ministry of Women's Affairs and Ministry of Transport.
"The annual plans will ensure that government agencies promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of their work. They are an essential tool for implementing the disability strategy, and monitoring government's progress," Ruth Dyson, Minister of Disability Issues said.
Plans
Plans include: projects such as physical access, staff training, communications and consultation; policy and service projects in areas like special education, disability support services and vocational services; projects of common interest across the public sector such as compliance with human rights legislation, equal employment opportunities and the development of a disability issues policy framework.
While accessible information in various formats is a theme throughout the plans, some lack detail.
Critique from disability organization
The response from Gary Williams, CEO of Disabled Persons Assembly, was not enthusiastic 'They don't surprise me with the lack of detail. I am not confident that some of the departments understand what the disability strategy is about. He gave one example of a departmental plan including making its head office accessible to wheelchairs. 'But what about accessibility for deaf or blind people.'
Physical access to government department buildings is not a new issue.
Another plan included provision of furniture and equipment now regarded as standard in most offices - ergonomic furniture and 17 inch computer screens.
Next year all government departments will be required to submit disability strategy implementation plans.
Monitoring processes are yet to be finalised. Disabled people have clearly expressed their expectation that they will have a central role in monitoring the Disability Strategy, and cabinet has agreed to this.
The Minister for Disability Issues will report to Parliament annually on progress in implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy, and the government will conduct full reviews of progress after five and ten years.
Plans are available in accessible formats at www.nzds.govt.nz
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