This episode was recorded on September 2022.

Navigating Change: Transforming Lives with Whaikaha – Ministry for Disabled People

An In-Depth Conversation with Paula Tesoriero on Building Inclusive Futures

In this episode, hosts delve into meaningful topics with Paula Tesoriero, the Chief Executive of Whaikaha – the Ministry for Disabled People in New Zealand. This enlightening discussion covers not only Paula’s transition from Disability Rights Commissioner to her current role but also dives deep into the objectives and aspirations surrounding the disabled community, with a specific focus on autism.

Understanding Whaikaha’s Mission

Whaikaha’s mission is dual-fold: to transform the delivery of disability support services and to advocate for systemic changes across all government agencies. Paula emphasizes that the key responsibilities transferred from the Ministry of Health are now focused on giving more choice and control to disabled people and their families regarding their support services.

“The intention is to really steward change across agencies like education, housing, justice, and many others impacting our community,” Paula explains. This highlights Whaikaha’s vision for integrated service provision that incorporates the needs and voices of the disabled community at every level.

The Journey from Advocacy to Leadership

Paula’s decision to transition from her role as Disability Rights Commissioner to CEO of Whaikaha was driven by the opportunity to be at the heart of governmental change. As she puts it, this move allows her to shift “from being outside of government, trying to influence government, to being inside government in a key leadership role to effect change.”

This illustrates Paula’s commitment to leveraging her extensive experience in advocacy to spearhead impactful change within the government, working from the inside out.

Embracing the Social Model of Disability

When discussing what disability means within the New Zealand context, Paula strongly supports the social model of disability, which focuses on removing societal barriers rather than viewing disability from a medical or condition-focused perspective. “It concentrates on the barriers that exist, which mean people have to work through those barriers to participate fully in society,” she elaborates.

This framing encourages everyone to recognize their role in removing these barriers, thus promoting inclusivity and accessibility.

Collaborating with the Autism Community

On addressing the needs of the autism community, Paula emphasizes the importance of collaboration and listening. She shares her commitment to ensuring that the autism community’s voice is heard and integrated into Whaikaha’s strategy.

“My job is to make sure that Whaikaha is listening, that we work in partnership,” Paula states, indicating her willingness to engage deeply with the community to understand their needs and expectations.

The Path to Inclusive Education and Justice

One recurrent theme in the conversation is the notion that early support leads to better outcomes. Paula confirms that “the earlier disabled young people and their families have the right support, the better the outcomes.”

Whether in education or justice, this early intervention is critical. Whaikaha’s goal is to advocate for timely and adequate support across all areas to ensure equity and accessibility for all disabled people.

Building Partnerships for Better Outcomes

A cornerstone of Whaikaha’s strategy is building strong partnerships with various stakeholders. Paula discusses the tripartite relationship involving tangata whaikaha Māori and other disabled representatives to collaboratively influence strategic directions.

This model of partnership is seen as a way to amplify the community’s voice and ensure that the organization’s priorities align with the needs and aspirations of disabled people. Paula encourages the autism community to stay connected and contribute to this evolving partnership.

A Call to Action for the Future

Paula extends a heartfelt message to parents, caregivers, and the autistic community, acknowledging their ongoing challenges and expressing her commitment to making tangible changes. She emphasizes the collective effort needed to transform the disability support landscape.

“Our role at Whaikaha is to make sure that the services and supports we deliver are transformed in a way that meets community expectations,” she assures, signaling a future where the disabled community can expect significant improvements.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

As Paula Tesoriero and the team at Whaikaha embark on this transformative journey, the conversation in this episode of Kultura sheds light on the comprehensive and inclusive approach needed to advocate, support, and uplift the disabled community in New Zealand. By fostering partnerships and centering the voices of the disabled, Whaikaha aims to create a future where everyone can live with dignity and opportunity.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that collaboration, commitment, and community engagement are key to driving positive change, ensuring that every individual’s rights and opportunities are upheld and celebrated.

Watch the video episode here: