Ensure that government agencies and publicly funded services are aware and responsive to people experiencing disability.

Key steps:

• Government agencies and publicly funded services will have training and mechanisms in place to ensure that all legislation, policy, service development and service delivery are consistent with the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
• Government agencies and publicly funded services will co-operate to ensure that the person experiencing disability is at the centre of service delivery with a single key contact point. Agencies will review current processes, with the aims of eliminating the replication of requirements and ensuring agency responsibilities are clear.

"Each day I wake up I know I should be thrilled that I can share the breath with my four children and husband. At night I dream that this muddled brain will wake up refreshed, my body pain-free and energy restored.

I knew this life several years ago and dreamed of being amongst New Zealand’s elite equestrians. Then four years ago I took a heavy fall show-jumping and knocked myself out. From that day onward I am a different person.

I have had a long and difficult process trying to get help. All I ever asked for was some help to cope with changes and challenges I faced coming to terms with the new me. I’m still waiting and wondering how you work with the system and get well.

If I could get a message to the system, I would say, "Please give me your time, concentrate your efforts, just for a bit and complete the paper work, then put in place the recommendations and supports. Then I’ll not have to keep writing, ringing and reminding."

Marg

Question

 14. Are there other things that government agencies and publicly funded services can do to remove barriers faced by people experiencing disability?