Articles tagged with Disability Community
$1.7M Funding Boost to Empower Disability Community Leadership and Governance
3 weeks ago | 236 viewsThe Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha has awarded $1.7 million in funding to disability community organisations to enhance governance and leadership capabilities. This investment aims to empower disabled people to lead and participate more actively in decision-making, improve engagement with government agencies, and support historically underrepresented groups. By building long-term community capability, the funding helps shape policy and services while upholding the rights and dignity of disabled people.
Tags: Louise Upston Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People Disabled People’s Organisations Disability Issues Minister New Zealand Sign Language disability community organisations governance capability community capability disability communitiesNew Community Consultation to Improve Disability and Carer Support Services
1 month ago | 341 viewsDisability Issues Minister Louise Upston announced a new community consultation from June 8 to July 31 to gather feedback on improving disability support services, focusing on flexible supports, better planning, and enhanced respite options for carers. The consultation will inform the development of a new carer support package aimed at providing financial aid, improved respite, and practical assistance, addressing the complexities of current formal employment arrangements for family carers. The government has committed $2.1 billion in recent budgets to strengthen the disability support system and emphasizes ongoing engagement with the disability community to create a fair, transparent, and sustainable service framework.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Issues Minister DSS Disability Support Services family carers carers New Zealand Government Disability Support Services Bill carer support package disability communityNew National Approach Improves Disability Support Services for All
5 months ago | 755 viewsA new nationally consistent approach to Disability Support Services (DSS) will standardize needs assessment and support allocation across New Zealand, ensuring fairness regardless of location. This includes personalized funding plans, consideration of families and carers in assessments, and greater choice and control for around 38,500 people with flexible funding. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, aim to simplify processes, improve wellbeing, and provide a stable foundation for the disability support system's future.
Tags: Louise Upston Disability Support Services NASCs Enabling Good Lives Independent Review My DSS Minister for Disability Issues disability community families and carers flexible fundingNew Zealand Government Advances Disability Inclusion with New Strategy and Funding
7 months ago | 738 viewsMinister Louise Upston reaffirmed the New Zealand Government’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled people, endorsing the 2025 international theme of fostering inclusive societies. The government recently launched the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on education, employment, health, housing, and justice to address ongoing disadvantages faced by disabled individuals. Key initiatives include significant investments in learning support, enhanced Disability Support Services, increased funding for residential care, and the development of a new Carers’ Strategy Action Plan.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Government International Day of Persons with Disabilities New Zealand Disability Strategy Disability Support Services Early Intervention Service Carers’ Strategy Action Plan residential care providers disabled people disability community