Health and Disability News - New Zealand - Disabled World
New Zealand Disability News
Latest facts and statistics, news, and information of interest for persons with disabilities in the State of New Zealand.
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island), and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands.
Disability Statistics New Zealand - In 2006, 82 percent of people in New Zealand with disability were adults living in households, 5 percent were adults living in residential facilities and 14 percent were children (under 15 years) living in households. The percentage of people with disability increased with age, from 10 percent for children aged less than 15 years to 45 percent for adults aged 65 years and over. An estimated 5 percent of children had special education needs and this was the most common disability type for children. Chronic conditions or health problems and psychiatric or psychological disabilities were the next most common disability types. Conditions or health problems that existed at birth and disease or illness were the most common causes of disability for children. The most common disability types for adults were physical and sensory disabilities. Disease or illness, and accidents or injuries were the most common causes of disability for adults. The most common type of accident or injury causing disability was one that occurred at work. Nearly all adults living in residential care facilities reported having a disability (99.7 percent) and most had multiple disabilities (94 percent) and high support needs (82 percent).
A post-censal Disability Survey is planned for 2011. Statistics New Zealand undertook considerable consultation in 2008 with key stakeholders to determine what statistical information should be collected regarding people with disabilities, activity limitations or impairments. Following feedback from the consultation process, a post-census survey on disability in 2011 is considered to be the best option for meeting priority information needs on disability.
New Zealand Disability Resources
The New Zealand Disability Strategy provides a framework for removing barriers to disabled people's full participation in society The New Zealand Office for Disability Issues is a focal point within government on disability issues. They promote and monitor implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy, lead cross-sector policy development, and support the Minister for Disability Issues - http://www.odi.govt.nz
DPA is the collective voice of people with disability in New Zealand based on principles of human rights and equal value of life. DPA represents People with all types of impairments - physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and neurological, acquired at any stage of life, families of people with disability, disability advocacy organisations, dsability service providers.
New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committees website provides information about the ethical review of health and disability research, and contains information for researchers, study participants and ethics committee members - http://www.ethicscommittees.health.govt.nz
To submit a news item for New Zealand see our guideline on submitting an article or press release to Disabled World News.
Articles
- Disability in New Zealand - Information, news and resources relating to New Zealand disability issues including fact sheets, pamphlets and links providing information about N.Z. Ministry of Health funded disability support services.
- New Zealand Disability Strategy - The New Zealand Disability Strategy's vision is of a society that highly values the lives and continually enhances the full participation of disabled people.
