People with disabilities
The disability community is complex, and keen to participate in government decision-making.
Groups to consider
When planning a participation exercise, consider these groups:
- individuals with disabilities, their families and whānau
- organisations that work for and with people with disabilities
- providers of services.
To find out what disability groups exist in your area, the following organisations can help:
- consult the Citizens Advice Bureaux
- check the local disability resource centre.
For national lists of disability organisations:
- see Office for Disability Issues for key contacts
- contact CCS: Disability Action, phone 0800 227 200, email: info@no.ccs.org.nz
- contact Enable New Zealand: phone 0800 171 981, email: info@enable.co.nz
The Office for Disability Issues provides policy advice on disability issues and leads, monitors and promotes the NZ Disability Strategy, a long-term plan for changing New Zealand from a disabling to an inclusive society.
Questions to ask
When consulting people with disabilities, ask what they need:
- a wheelchair-accessible venue
- user-friendly furniture and lighting
- special parking or transport requirements
- a hearing loop
- an interpreter – contact the Deaf Association of New Zealand
- any special dietary requirements.
Some participants may need to bring a support person.
Basic courtesy:
- make sure people know where the bathroom is
- go through fire procedures
- introduce everyone, and say your name when speaking
- allow people time to finish what they are saying
- provide breaks
- if you provide food, make sure people are helped if necessary.
