Part One: Office for Disability Issues and government news.

01: Message from Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for Disability Issues

At this time of year our thoughts turn towards our whānau and families as we have more time together, away from our work obligations. I think of carers whose work does not take a break as I know from my own family circumstances that caring for a person with a disability continues no matter what season or holiday it is.

I thank all people who care for family members and praise the efforts of their continued commitment through this holiday period. It is a time of great love but also can be a time of added responsibility.

I am fortunate that I have a loving whänau to support me during my time of convalescence. I have received many kind wishes and for that I truly thank you. It is really encouraging to hear from people their own stories of recovery.

Next year, 2010, will be important for me as Minister for Disability Issues and for you as New Zealand's first report on implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is due. I look forward to the discussions we will continue to have

 Mauriora!

Na Tariana Turia.

02: Hon Pansy Wong, Associate Minister for Disability Issues

I was so pleased to be included in several events occurring on International Day of Person's with Disabilities, 3 December 2009.

I was able to launch Accessing our Services a DVD on social development information in New Zealand Sign Language.  This is such a useful resource as it provides information on looking for work, exploring study options, helping children be cared for and protected, and applying for financial assistance.

I know that a lot of care went into making this video right. It's a job well done, and a great example of what can be accomplished when we all work together. I thank Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand and Ministry of Social Development for making this information accessible.

Later that evening I attended the Attitude Awards which celebrate the outstanding achievements of disabled New Zealanders.  Sir Murray Halberg and I presented the Attitude ACC Supreme Award to Robbie Francis.  Robbie is an outstanding young woman who is a youth advocate, a volunteer overseas and a recent graduate from Waikato University.

I was thoroughly inspired by all the finalists and their great achievements.

On White Ribbon Day, 25 November 2009, I launched the Disability Clothesline project, funded by the Community Assistance Fund, which highlights the problems of abuse and violence against disabled people.  The clothesline project encourages disabled people to gather stories and share experiences to give some visibility to the abuse.  The reality is that disabled people are often chosen as targets because of communication difficulties and other factors that see them remain silent while the violence continues.

This holiday period is often, not only a time of celebration but can also cause some stress on families.  Please keep our families and friends close and safe.

Wishing you a happy holiday.

03: Minister Turia on leave

Hon Tariana Turia, the Minister for Disability Issues, is expected back at work 5 January 2010.  Hon Pansy Wong, the Associate Minister for Disability Issues, is the acting Minister.

04: Message from Dr Jan Scown, Director Office for Disability Issues

2009 has been an eventful and busy year for the Office for Disability Issues.  It began with the Government's Response to the Select Committee Inquiry into the Quality of Care and Service Provision for People with Disabilities.  The Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues was set up as part of the Government's response to provide leadership and a coherent overall direction for disability issues across government.

One of the first things the Ministerial Committee has done is to ask government agencies to report on practical actions they are planning to do that have an immediate impact on the lives of disabled people and their families.  A Chief Executives group is being set early in 2010 to drive these actions and to get departments to think about what more can be done.

The Office has commissioned a report on "Disability and Maori in New Zealand in 2006" based on results from the New Zealand disability survey. The report will be published early in 2010.

We think it is really important that the information from the survey is made accessible for as many people as possible to use.

Next year the Office has to put together New Zealand's first progress report on implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will be working with disabled peoples organisations and others in the sector, as well as government departments to prepare our report ready for the United Nations in October. 2010 will be another busy year.

On behalf of everyone in the Office, I would like to wish you a happy and peaceful holiday over the Christmas period.

Jan Scown

05: New Zealand Disability Strategy Progress Report 2009

The annual report from the Minister for Disability Issues to the House of Representatives on implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy has been presented. The New Zealand Disability Strategy Progress Report 2009 is now live on the Office for Disability Issues website.

06: Mainstream Awards celebrate good employers

Hon Paula Bennett, Minister for Social Development and Employment present the Mainstream awards in Wellington.  The awards are held to recognise employers in the state sector for going the extra mile for disabled staff.

2009 Mainstream Employment Programme award winners:

Mainstream Employer of the Year 2009

New Zealand Defence Force (Wellington) for excelling in the provision of high quality supported employment.

Mainstream Employer of the Year Runner up 2009

Bay of Plenty District Health Board (Tauranga) for creating an excellent supported employment opportunity.

Mainstream Employer of the Year Merit 2009

Work and Income Thames for providing a high quality supported employment opportunity.

Mainstream Employer of the Year Merit 2009

Ministry of Education (Wellington) for providing a high quality supported employment opportunity.

Mainstream Placement Specialist of the Year 2009

Tony Pike (Workwise Rotorua) for excelling in the provision of support to Mainstream programme participants.

Mainstream Placement Specialist of the Year Special Merit 2009

Denise Kelly (Work and Income Dunedin) and Sandy Nicol (RNZFB Dunedin) in recognition for working as partners in finding quality Mainstream placements.

Mainstream Placement Specialist of the Year Special Merit 2009 Agency Award

Elevator (Auckland) in recognition of creating excellent job opportunities through the Mainstream programme.

07: Contracting overhaul for social services sector

The Minister for Social Development and Employment, Hon Paula Bennett has announced the trial of a new High Trust Model for the way Government contracts services to social sector groups. "I believe these providers will be able to do more with the money we give them if we simply let them get on with the great work they do in supporting Kiwi families," Paula Bennett said.

08: Voluntary Guidelines to improve access to banking services

The New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA), along with the Human Right Commission, has developed a set of voluntary guidelines to help improve access to banking services by the older and disabled people.

The main areas covered by the guidelines are:
- improving access to banking services including initiatives such as low tables and teller counters, user-friendly ATMs, meeting spaces and queuing aisles able to be used by wheelchairs, power assisted entry doors, and layout and signage suitable for customers who are partially sighted
- staff training to cover disability awareness including spotting signs of financial abuse
- express tellers and queuing by numbers
- observing international W3C web accessibility best practice standards
- easy to read information in alternative formats, including easy read, large print, Braille, DVD, including NZ Sign, and audio.

09: Volunteers needed to trial Disability Survey

Statistics NZ are looking for people aged 15 years and over who would help trial Statistics New Zealand’s Disability Survey. Every five years, Statistics NZ surveys disabled people to collect important information that Government and community organisations use to make decisions that affect everyone living with a disability, including their families and carers. Between January and April 2010, Statistics NZ will test the New Zealand’s Disability Survey to make sure the questions are easy for everyone to understand and answer.

If you have a disability or look after a disabled child, you can contact Statistics New Zealand from now through to early February 2010 if you are interested.

Further information:
Contact: Ninya Maubach
Phone: 04 931 4172
Toll free: 0508 525 525 (by voice or through NZ Relay)
Email: Ninya.Maubach@stats.govt.nz.