Achieving our future vision for disability supports is complex and will take time. There will be many details to work through. A principles-based approach will ensure we stay on track to progress the vision. We will use the principles in the Enabling Good Lives report to help guide decisions on the changes.
The principles are:
Self-determination
Disabled people are in control of their lives.
Beginning early
Invest early in families and whānau to support them; to be aspirational for their disabled child; to build community and natural supports; and to support disabled children to become independent, rather than waiting for a crisis before support is available.
Person-centred
Disabled people have supports that are tailored to their individual needs and goals, and that take a whole life approach rather than being split across programmes.
Ordinary life outcomes
Disabled people are supported to live an everyday life in everyday places; and are regarded as citizens with opportunities for learning, employment, having a home and family, and social participation – like others at similar stages of life.
Mainstream first
Disabled people are supported to access mainstream services before specialist disability services.
Mana enhancing
The abilities and contributions of disabled people and their families are recognised and respected.
Easy to use
Disabled people have supports that are simple to use and flexible.
Relationship building
Supports build and strengthen relationships between disabled people, their whānau and community.