MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
26 June 2006

Inquiry Terms of Reference Encouraging

DPA, a national assembly of disabled people, says broad terms of reference for a select committee inquiry into service provision for disabled people will encourage many disabled people to take part.

The inclusion of rights for disabled people, advocacy and a focus on the NZ Disability Strategy is a welcome addition to the more orthodox matters of current service arrangements, complaints systems, accountability and disability workforce conditions says DPA president Mike Gourley.

“We have been very concerned that the rights of disabled people and the values that underpin services to disabled people should not be forgotten,“ he says.

“This can happen where there’s concern only with the organisational processes and complaints systems. When this happens, disabled people are not usually encouraged to have an active and participatory role. That’s where things fall down.”

Mike Gourley is encouraging disabled people to make submissions to the inquiry. “It’s a great opportunity to change things for the better, and should be well used,” he says.

ENDS

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