Building Inclusive Futures: The New Ministry for Disabled People’s Vision and Challenges

Advocating for the Community – A Conversation With Poto Williams

In the 35th episode of Kultura, we engage in an enlightening discussion with Poto Williams, shedding light on the evolving landscape of support for disabled people in New Zealand. 

Lived Experience as a Catalyst for Change

Speaker B underscores the importance of having individuals in leadership positions who come from within the community they represent. This, they argue, ensures that advocacy is rooted in a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by disabled people. This desire to pass the baton to someone from the community reflects a commitment to authentic representation and empowerment.

Autism and Community Integration

An important part of the conversation revolves around autism, with Speaker A and B emphasizing the significance of creating spaces where individuals with autism feel acknowledged and included in the broader community. Discussion points highlight the necessity of tailored support and recognition, aiming to foster an environment of acceptance and belonging.

Persistence and Resilience

Speaker C inspires listeners with a powerful message of perseverance. They stress the importance of not giving up, encouraging disabled individuals and their allies to be brave, strong, and collaborative. This spirit of resilience serves as a cornerstone for the ongoing efforts to improve disability support services.

Health Reforms and Resource Allocation

The episode delves into the opportunities presented by current health reforms. Speaker B discusses how these reforms pave the way for identifying areas in need of improvement and advocating for increased resources. A primary focus is on translating these opportunities into tangible support mechanisms for disabled people.

Addressing Systemic Issues in Education

An area of concern highlighted by Speaker A is the ongoing resourcing scheme (ORS) for autistic children, which suffers from challenges in access to funding and support within the education system. Speaker B acknowledges these issues, stressing the need for a community-wide dialogue to effectively address them and define what constitutes adequate support.

Long-term Strategic Planning

Both speakers outline their vision for long-term solutions, including embedding effective practices within the ministry and establishing a governance group to ensure community needs are front and center in decision-making. The goal is to build a foundation that consistently meets the needs of disabled people.

Equity in Health Services for Maori and Pacific Communities

The conversation extends to the recently established Health New Zealand and Maori Health. Speaker B emphasizes the critical need for the health system to evolve, focusing on equity and suitable care for Maori and Pacific communities. This includes creating legislation supporting disabled people’s access to essential services like education, employment, housing, and justice.

Enabling Good Lives – A National Initiative

A significant part of the government’s plan is the nationwide implementation of programs like Enabling Good Lives, aimed at ensuring stable and choice-based services for disabled individuals. This program symbolizes a commitment to providing consistent and personalized support across the country.

The Role of the New Ministry

The establishment of the Ministry for Disabled People is a milestone, offering unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and positive change. Speaker B discusses the ministry’s objectives, including ensuring a smooth transition of services and embedding the Enabling Good Lives framework into the ministry’s operations.

Community Engagement and Roadshows

Community engagement is set to be a cornerstone of the new ministry’s approach. Speaker B reveals plans for a nationwide roadshow to gather input and support from the disability community. This initiative aims to shape the direction of future disability support services through widespread collaboration.

Tackling Long Waiting Lists and Early Assessment

One critical issue raised is the long waiting lists for assessments and support. The new ministry aims to address these challenges, particularly in ensuring early assessment and support services for children with autism – a priority acknowledged by Speaker B.

Legislative Changes and Accessibility

Looking forward, Speaker B expresses motivation to reshape government interactions with the disabled community. An upcoming accessibility legislation is aimed at supporting disabled people’s rights comprehensively across various domains, with a projected timeline of about a year for its enactment.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Future

As the episode wraps up, Speaker A thanks Speaker B for the opportunity to discuss these vital issues, congratulating the new ministry on its inception. The conversation underscores a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive future through collaboration, persistence, and genuine community involvement.

This episode of Kultura provides a deep dive into the ongoing efforts and challenges in improving disability support in New Zealand, offering listeners an insightful perspective on the steps being taken to create a more inclusive society.