A long awaited overhaul of disability services has been unveiled today by Minster Carmel Sepuloni. The reforms create a ministry for the disabled, new stand-alone legislation which is intended to make Aotearoa more accessible and a new Accessibility Governance Board. Describing the disability system as broken and riddled with barriers, Minister Sepuloni says these changes will transform a fragmented sector and link all of the supports and services available to improve overall outcomes for disabled people. Dr Huhana Hickey is disabled and advocates for the health and disability needs of others. She says the changes are a good start from the Government but not everyone was consulted.
Dr Huhana Hickey, an advocate for people with disabilities. Photo: Sharon Brettkelly
