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Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
NZSL name

Outcome 5: accessibility

We access all places, services and information with ease and dignity.

What our future looks like

We have access to warm, safe and affordable housing that meets our needs and enables us to make choices about where we go to school or work and to fully participate as members of our families, whānau and communities.

We can get from one place to another easily and safely, for example from home to school, work or to a friend’s house. We can also access all public buildings, spaces and facilities with dignity and on an equal basis with others.

We feel safe taking public transport to get around and are treated well when we do so. Our needs are also appropriately considered when planning for new transport services. Private transport services are responsive to and inclusive of us. For those of us who need it, there is access to specific transport options that are affordable, readily available and easy to use.

Information and communications are easy for us to access in formats and languages that are right for us, including in our country’s official languages of Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. This helps us to be independent because we do not have to rely on other people. We use technology on the same basis as everyone else; those of us who need specific technology solutions will have access to these in a way that is innovative, progressive and helps to eliminate barriers. The evolving opportunities presented by new technology helps us to achieve our goals.

Our accessible communities are free of barriers (for example, access to shops, banks, entertainment, churches, parks, and so on), which enables us to participate and contribute on an equal basis with non-disabled people.

What this means:

  • Disabled people are consulted on and actively involved in the development and implementation of legislation and policies concerning housing (home ownership, social housing and private rentals), transport (public and private), public buildings and spaces and information, communication and technology.
  • Universal design is understood, recognised and widely used.
  • All professionals involved in accessibility have a good understanding of the principles of universal design and the needs of disabled people and take these into account in their work.
  • We enjoy and are fully included in artistic, cultural, sporting and recreation events whether as spectators or as performers.
  • Decision-making on issues regarding housing, transport, public buildings and spaces and information, communication and technology are informed by robust data and evidence.