Disabled person led monitoring of the UNCRPD

The funding for the project is government funding allocated through the Office for Disability Issues which has worked alongside the Disabed People's Organisations (DPO) coalition in a review of the monitoring work and identification of Donald Beasley Institute (DBI) as the research provide.

The DBI is a national, independent, non-profit organisation based in Dunedin, New Zealand, which aims to advance the health and wellbeing of disabled New Zealanders through applied research, evaluation and education. With a 35 year history, and a strong commitment both to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and to building capacity in disability research and disabled researchers, the DBI is excited to undertake this important project.

The three-year project will contribute to the New Zealand Government’s obligation to monitor the progressive realisation of the UNCRPD in New Zealand. As advised by the DPO Coalition, housing has been selected as the key issue to be investigated in year one.

Drawing on the Disability Rights Promotion International research model (DRPI), the monitoring research is a disabled person-led investigation into the housing experiences of disabled New Zealanders. In year one, data contributed by 60 disabled people will form the basis of a report on the issues that impact on their access to housing.

Dr Robbie Francis has been appointed by the DBI as Project Lead for this monitoring research. Robbie brings a vast array of research, project management and leadership skills to the role. This includes expertise in inclusive research methodologies, and UNCRPD and human rights research, and proudly identifies as a disabled woman.

As the first crucial stage of the research, the DBI is now seeking ethics approval for the first phase of research. In February 2019 it is expected that a public call for expressions of interest in monitoring roles and for participation in the research itself in keeping with the intent that the research both conducted and informed by disabled New Zealanders.

For further information contact either:

Dr Robbie Francis, Project Lead – UNCRPD Monitoring Project / Senior Researcher, Donald Beasley Institute: rfrancis@donaldbeasley.org.nz or 0275292114

Dr Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Director, Donald Beasley Institute: director@donaldbeasley.org.nz or 0274792021