Nationwide Disability Support Network Launched

Nationwide Disability Support Provider Network Launched Today

The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) was officially launched today, 14 April 2010, by the Minister for Disability Issues, Tariana Turia, with the Wellington event complemented by regional launches in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin.

“NZDSN aims to build a strong community based support service sector that contributes to a society that values the lives and enhances the full participation of disabled people,” said John Taylor, Chairman of the NZDSN Establishment Board, at today’s launch.

“Our intention is to work collaboratively with agencies that represent disabled people and families to set a joint agenda to shape government policy into the future. We don’t intend to ‘own’ the disability sector, but we do intend to represent service providers in their very important place within the sector.
“Among other things, we’ll be advocating for:

• Contracting with government that meets the expectations of fairness and good practice as outlined in the Treasury Guidelines for NGO contracting

• A congruent policy, contracting and pricing environment for disability support services that is sustainable, fair and can achieve the quality standards sought

• A professional disability workforce with pay rates, training framework and career structure appropriate to the important work they do

• The primary care sector to effectively address the health needs and address disparities of those with disability

• Consultation with the sector, us and advocacy groups, in areas of significant impact for service user outcomes...”

While primarily focused on the national context, NZDSN also aims to join the global community in working towards the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

Membership enquiries are currently being taken from disability support providers throughout New Zealand. For more information, email info@nzdsn.org.nz.

ENDS

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