What the community told us
Pacific disabled people and their families have highlighted the importance of a Pacific-led and community-centered approach to developing the Action Plan.
They have emphasised the critical involvement of Pacific disabled people, their families and community stakeholders in both shaping and implementing the action plan.
Now you’ve explained who they are, wow! A Ministry that is ours, that is for us. That’s a very big deal. We can be a priority and not as an afterthought… this Pacific Disability Action Plan, with Whaikaha can be built from the bottom up, with us, and by us, and for us”
(Youth & Autism Talanoa)
The Pacific community wants Whaikaha to let them play a much stronger role and give voice in informing what's best for them, their families, their Carers, and their wider community - who are closer in knowing and understanding their needs and aspirations.
“I want Whaikaha to be the champion in the government space to help us continue to be the champions that we are, motivating and enriching lives.”
(Youth & Autism Talanoa)
Themes
The themes below summarise insights gathered from the talanoa, detailing the strengths and challenges of living with a disability, as well as the perspectives of individuals with lived experiences and the supportive roles of families.
It was important for many who participated, that all environments and settings are considered in supporting disabled people of all groups.
For Pacific the theme of increasing awareness has been consistently heard across the country and seeks to empower our Pacific community by increasing their knowledge of disability and nurturing positive attitudes towards our disability community. Despite considerable advancements for the disability sector, there remains room for progress. By educating people about disabilities, we promote respect and recognition, while also equipping them with the skills to perform jobs, identify services, and navigate systems. This approach also acknowledges the diversity of disabilities and the uniqueness of each person that allows for further acceptance and respect.
The community feedback has been themed into three categories: major themes, minor themes and other themes. While many other important issues were also shared, the majority align and contribute into these three categories.
1. Major themes
- Empowering Pacific disability communities through increased awareness.
- Developing a culturally aware workforce to enhance capacity and capability in the disability sector and Pacific disability workforce.
- Effective leadership, ‘grow our own’ from youth to family members who can advocate for our Pacific disabled person.
- Stakeholder collaboration involved local community groups to participate and share information.
- Family-centered approach: The value of the role families play in navigating the system for their disabled family member(s).
- Health focused response in addressing access and resource barriers (delayed access to child development services, diagnosis, speech therapists, counsellors and hearing aids).
- Youth focused initiatives.
- Language barriers – Pacific languages and NZSL.
- Access to services in rural and semi-rural areas (increasing cost for essential services that significantly disrupts families who heavily rely on accessible and affordable options).
2. Minor themes:
- Advocacy, representation, and inclusive decision making
- Support for family carers
- Social connections in communities
- Social determinants of Health (Transport, Housing, Employment, and Education)
- Safeguarding in disability
3. Other themes
- Involvement of Pacific Churches and organisations in promotion, understanding and acceptance of disability
- Enhancing Pacific data insights
- Creating opportunities for disability community groups to develop and promote community-driven initiatives with customised solutions.