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One In Five for Sunday 5 December 2010

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Disability issues are front of mind for many as we mark the International Day of Disabled Persons, (Friday 3 December). Although there are some who think the Day doesn't command enough attention. There's the annual Te Papa celebration organized by Wellington rights activists, but not a lot else. That's according to Iris Chief Executive John Wade,(above) who says it's hard to understand the lack of profile, given the significance of the UN disability rights Convention to New Zealand

Office for Disability Issues director Dr Jan Scown updates us on progress with implementing the UN disability rights convention - what are the priorities for the Ministerial Committee? But first, is the glass half full or half empty? Or does the truth lie somewhere in the middle?

DPA President Wendy Neilsen (left) with Associate Education minister Rodney Hide, and DPA National Executive Committee member, Matt Frost
The report on special education - reason for optimism? DPA President Wendy Neilsen (left) with Associate Education minister Rodney Hide, and DPA National Executive Committee member, Matt Frost.

Dr Jan Scown says she believes there is reason to be positive about progress, if the sentiment evident in the Ministerial Committee is anything to go by.

Dr Jan Scown (2nd from left) with the former Minister for Disability Issues, Ruth Dyson and members of NZ's delegations to the United Nations negotiating sessions.
Dr Jan Scown (second from left) with the former Minister for Disability Issues, Ruth Dyson and members of NZ's delegations to the United Nations negotiating sessions.