Workbridge Issues Paper October 2011

Workbridge Issues Paper – October 2011

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES

1. Department of Labour Quarterly Statistics for April-June 2011 The Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) released 4 August 2011 The labour market stabilised over the June 2011 quarter after strong growth in employment last quarter. This quarter’s modest employment growth of 1,000 people is characterised by an increase in full-time employment and a decrease in part-time employment. Actual hours worked increased by 1.6% during the quarter. This suggests that employers are increasing staff hours rather than recruiting for new positions.

Employment is 2.0% higher than a year ago, and labour force participation has increased. Much of the employment increase during the year was for people who are self-employed without any employees. Rising wage growth, increased employment intentions, and continued growth in online job advertisements point to a gradual strengthening in the demand for labour over the past year.

The unemployment rate was unchanged this quarter at 6.5%, representing 154,000 people. This is below the peak of 7.0% recorded in the December 2009 quarter.

The regions with the highest unemployment rates were Northland (7.3%), and Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay (7.2%). Auckland also had an unemployment rate of 7.3% but had strong employment growth during the year balanced by strong growth in participation.

The unemployment rate is expected to continue to trend down slowly, falling below 6.0% in the first half of 2012. By that stage economic growth is forecast to strengthen more rapidly as the Canterbury rebuild gains momentum.

Source: http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/lmr/lmr-hlfs.asp

2. Work and Income Benefit Numbers

At the end of June 2011, it was reported that 328,000 working-age people (aged 18–64 years) were receiving a main benefit. Over the year to June 2011, the number of recipients of a main benefit decreased by 5,000, or 2%.

Figures for the July-September quarter have not yet been released. On 7 September Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said: “Unemployment Benefit numbers dropped last month by 1,145 with half of the decrease due to more young people going into work.” The total number of people on the Unemployment Benefit is now 55,974, the lowest it’s been since July 2009. Last month 7,238 beneficiaries went off welfare into work.

“ By the end of August Work and Income had 380 vacancies for Rugby World Cup jobs, mostly in hospitality and security roles,” says Ms Bennett. Work and Income get an average of 1,200 new jobs each week, but currently have around 15,000 jobs in total, due to an influx of positions from the Electoral Commission for very short-term election–related jobs.

Recent figures show all advertised job vacancies have continued to grow. Seek New Zealand figures show new job ads are 16.3% higher than last year and Department of Labour figures show all vacancies have risen 49.7% since the lowest point in June 2009.

There are now 328,355 people on benefits in New Zealand.

Source: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/unemployment-benefit- numbers-drop

3. Canterbury Recovery

Canterbury showing resilience after February earthquake The February earthquake appears to have had a muted impact on the labour market so far, with the fall in employment less than anticipated. The labour force participation rate in Canterbury stood at 69.5% during the year to June 2011 down from 69.8% the year before. In comparison, the national average participation rate was 68.3% for the year to June 2011.

The unemployment rate in Canterbury increased to 5.7% for the year to June 2011 from 5.5% in the year to June 2010. The national average is 6.6%. (NB This rate is reported as 6.5% in the DoL information above.)

There were 7,055 working aged people receiving unemployment benefits from Work and Income in the Canterbury region at the end of June 2011. This is against a backdrop of significant reductions in the number of unemployment benefits at the national level.

Source: http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/lmr/regional/joint/lmr-regional- can.asp 4. Future focus

8 August 2011 Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says Future Focus changes implemented last September have saved taxpayers more than $6 million. “ The changes implemented last September as a pre-cursor to major reforms introduced clear obligations and greater fairness to the benefits system.”

Future Focus changes include requiring: • Unemployment Beneficiaries to reapply if they remain on the benefit after a year and prove their eligibility to continue receiving assistance. • DPB recipients with children over six to look for part-time work.

“ This common sense approach has seen 7,400 people go off Unemployment Benefits and taxpayers have saved more than $6 million,” says Ms Bennett.

About half of the 7,400 didn’t complete the process, more than 2,000 were in work and 1,400 had left the country, were studying or just failed the work test.

“This simple policy change alone is expected to save a further $3.5 million by October,” says Ms Bennett.

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1108/S00146/welfare- changes-save-taxpayers-millions.htm

5. Welfare Reform

The ministerial group considering the Welfare Working Group’s recommendations on long-term welfare dependency, led by Paula Bennett, has been quiet of late.

On 14 August Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said: “Over the coming months, we’ll set out a clear direction for welfare reform and New Zealanders can expect a series of policy announcements, each with a focus on better opportunities,” says Ms Bennett.

“ We intend to make extensive reforms because the social costs of long- term and intergenerational welfare dependency are unsustainable. “We are starting our programme by focusing on young people who are not in education, training or work, because this group is very much at risk of long-term benefit dependency,” Ms Bennett says.

“ When these young people turn 18, 90 per cent of them will go onto a fully-fledged adult benefit, unless we do something to intervene.” A suite of extra supports and services will be balanced with fresh expectations for young people to be in education, training or work. For young people who are not in education, training or employment, the Government will fund organisations to support them into education and training programmes and help to keep them there. The Government will also amend the Privacy Act and the Education Act so that the most at-risk young people can be identified and contacted.

Source: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/welfare-reforms-start- young-people

6. Young beneficiaries get opportunities to work

28 September, 2011 Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says Work and Income’s youth focused seminars are getting results, but non-attendance is a real issue. Turnout rates for the young people booked in to attend the seminars range from as low as 50% to up to 80%.

“ These seminars provide opportunities for young people to connect with local employers, or take up education that will lead to a job,” says Ms Bennett. “Those who don’t bother to take a few hours out of their day for a workshop could face a fifty percent sanction or even lose their benefit altogether.”

Source: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/young-beneficiaries-get- opportunities-work

DISABILITY ISSUES

1. New Appointments

1.1 New Human Rights Commissioner for disability issues

On 2 September, 2011 Justice Minister Simon Power and Minister for Disability Issues Tariana Turia announced the appointment of Paul Gibson as a part-time Human Rights Commissioner responsible for disability issues.

Mr Power said Mr Gibson, who was until recently the senior disability adviser at Capital and Coast District Health Board, brings a wealth of experience and skills to the newly created role. “Mr Gibson has been a strong advocate for disability rights. He has extensive experience in leadership roles in disability policy, management, and governance.”

Mrs Turia said the appointment is initially for 18 months and she hopes that legislation will be passed by the next Parliament to make the position a permanent full-time role. “In late 2009 I began advocating for a dedicated Disability Commissioner in the Human Rights Commission to promote and protect the rights of disabled people.

“ Having a dedicated disability commissioner will send a very clear message that disabled people have been heard by this Government and that we are putting in place promotion and monitoring mechanisms that will really make a difference. “Independent monitoring will ensure that Government agencies concentrate on the things that really matter to disabled people.”

Background: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires the Government to establish a framework to promote, protect, and monitor implementation of the Convention. This appointment completes the independent measures which include a protection and monitoring role for the Office of the Ombudsmen and resourcing the Convention Coalition to monitor rights of disabled people.

Source: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/portfolio/disability-issues

Paul Gibson chose 26 September to take up his position as Commissioner with responsibilities for disability issues. On this day in 2008, New Zealand ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“I’d hope that in the years to come more people realise the significance of this day. It’s the day we accepted that the one in five New Zealanders with a disability have a voice backed by international law that says they are part of the mainstream and should expect to share the same rights and responsibilities as any New Zealander.”

He noted that complaints to the Human Rights Commission on the grounds of disability, continued to be the largest single ground of complaint. “That’s not good enough,” he said, “It shows that for far too many people, there remain hurdles that exclude them from the lives they should be leading.”

Grant Cleland attended the powhiri for Paul Gibson at Parliament.

Source:http://www.hrc.co.nz/news-and-issues/disability/disability- commissioner-takes-up-role-on-anniversary-of-ratification/

1.2 New CEO for CCS Disability Action 7 August 2011 The Board of CCS Disability Action is very pleased to announce the appointment of David Matthews as CEO of CCS Disability Action. David took up the permanent role on September 5.t He was Regional Manager for the Upper South Region and Deputy Chief Executive leading up to this appointment. He displayed incredible leadership while responding to the Christchurch earthquakes, ensuring disabled people and staff in the region were supported through this challenging time. David has 30 years’ experience in leadership and management in the education and disability sectors, working at local, regional and national levels. He brings to the position an enduring passion and knowledge of the disability sector that spans his eleven years with the organisation. Source:S http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1108/S00032/new-ceo-for- ccs-disability-action.htm 1.3 ACC appoints new CEO 22 August 2011 ACC has appointed Ralph Stewart as chief executive, based in Wellington. He took up his new role on 19 September. Announcing the appointment, ACC Chairman John Judge says Ralph Stewart replaces Dr Jan White who announced in April she would be stepping down at the end of the year after six successful years leading ACC. Mr Judge says with the pending national election, the ACC Board agreed with Dr White to appoint a new chief executive earlier than first announced. "Ralph has 27 years experience in insurance and asset management, was deputy chair of the Investment Savings and Insurance Association, a director of AMP New Zealand and for the last seven years was the CEO of AXA New Zealand," Mr Judge says. "He holds a Masters degree in business administration from Manchester University and under graduate management qualifications from Victoria University in Wellington." Mr Judge acknowledged the excellent contribution Dr White had made to the organisation, particularly over the last two years which had seen ACC’s performance improve significantly, driven by improved rehabilitation of injured New Zealanders, lower claim rates and better investment returns. He says Ralph Stewart has the experience and ability to continue ACC's success. "ACC is committed to delivering world class work place insurance and accident rehabilitation services. With the team at ACC, Ralph will continue the successful work completed to date to build ACC into a stable enterprise all New Zealanders can depend on." http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1108/S00296/acc-appoints-ralph- stewart-as-ceo.htm

1.4 New CE for Manawani inCharge

Marsha Marshall leaves her role as Manager of the Family and Community Support Team at the Ministry of Health to take up her new role as the Chief Executive of Manawani inCharge effective 2nd November 2011. The Ministry of Health contracts with Manawani to provide Individualised Funding which covers disability support services for household management and personal care hours under Home and Community Support Services a subsection of Disability Support Services. 1.5 Interim CE of NZ Disability Support Network

Viv Maidaborn has been appointed interim CE of the NZ Disability Support Network. Viv is an existing NZDSN Board member who has just completed seven years as CEO at CCS Disability Action.

2. Launch of new model for supporting disabled people

On 23 August 2011 the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Tariana Turia, welcomed the New Model for Supporting Disabled People launched in Tauranga.

“ The overwhelming priority for me as Minister has been to support disabled people and their whanau with greater choice and control over the supports they receive” said Minister Turia. “I have been determined to act on the aspirations disabled people have shared with me, to identify and achieve what represents a good life for them.”

“This new model allows disabled people the flexibility they have sought to lead more fulfilling lives. The co-ordinator will work with family and community resources to make that happen”.

One of the key drivers under the New Model is the development of Local Area Coordination, which involves a person working with individuals, families and communities to make a practical difference to disabled people's everyday lives. It is based on developing ongoing and in-depth relationships with disabled people and their families.

“Another major feature of the New Model is the move towards allocating direct funding rather than services. The emphasis is on reinvigorating their own natural networks, their ‘circle of friends’, to enable disabled persons and their families to build a good life for themselves. I am really proud to know that we have been able to act on their ideas and ambitions with such a promising new approach.”

Source: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-model-reflects-vision- disabled-persons

A National Reference Group provides strategic input into the New Model. Members consider information from the Western Bay of Plenty Demonstration Project, provide thoughts and ideas on the New Model and suggest changes to improve how it works.

At the August meeting the following topics were discussed: eligibility, how Whanau Ora will work alongside Local Area Coordination, resource allocation, workforce issues, and how the New Model was being communicated in the wider disability community. Inclusion Aotearoa and the Ministry of Health will put together some more FAQ. The Western Bay of Plenty Demonstration Project has a Local Working Group. Summaries of their work are on: http://inclusionaotearoa.co.nz/the-new-model.

Source: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/disability-keyprojects- model

3. Communications upgrade for hearing and speech impaired communities

28 July 2011 The Deaf, deaf-blind, speech and hearing-impaired community will soon benefit from an expanded range of communication services, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Steven Joyce, announced today.

New services to be progressively introduced from late this year will include captioned telephony, which allows people to read live captions of spoken phone conversations. People will also be able to contact the relay contact centre by mobile phone, and use a prepaid calling card to make international calls by Internet relay.

“We are enhancing traditional relay services such as internet relay access, speech-to-speech, and video-assisted relay. We will provide captioned telephony and cellular messaging, and we’ll lead the world in video- assisted speech-to-speech relay services.

“We are committed to providing all New Zealanders with the benefits that new telecommunication technology and innovation can offer.”

Mrs Turia says the telecommunication relay services are vital for New Zealand’s Deaf, deaf-blind, speech and hearing-impaired community. "Accessibility has been a huge priority for me - and for disabled persons and their whanau. The great thing about captioned telephony is that it will enable far better access for disabled persons to keep in touch with family, to assist with learning and open possibilities for employment; indeed to enhance a sense of whanau wellbeing.

It has been proven popular overseas in that it is much more natural and occurs in "real-time" which will make it much easier for people to phone people with hearing loss".

The new services have been negotiated through a new supplier agreement awarded to Sprint International New Zealand, and will be progressively introduced after the new agreement begins on 1 October 2011.

Source: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/communications-upgrade- hearing-and-speech-impaired-communities

4. Reduction in State agencies confirmed 11 August, 2011 The Government has announced final decisions on changes that will further reduce the number of government agencies, State Services Minister Tony Ryall announced today.

“ These changes will provide greater value for money, reduce duplication and improve coordination across the state sector,” Mr Ryall said.

“ In May the Government signalled our intention to review a number of Crown entities as part of our overall programme of state sector reform. We’ve decided to proceed with the changes that a process of due diligence confirmed had value.

Among the decisions announced is to bring forward the disestablishment of the Mental Health Commission, transfer its functions to the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) and establish a new Mental Health Commissioner within the HDC.

This is estimated to bring savings of $3.33 million in the four years from 2012/13, with transition costs of $350,000 estimated in 2011/12. The Mental Health Commission was due to be disestablished in 2015.

Another decision is to transfer the functions of the Charities Commission to the Department of Internal Affairs, while providing for independent registration and related functions through a statutory board. “For example, decisions on charity registrations will remain independent from Ministers through a statutorily independent board in the Department of Internal Affairs.

“ All these changes will be subject to legislation. This means interested groups will be able to have their say on the proposals through the select committee process”.

A proposal to merge the back office functions of the Privacy Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission will not be proceeding.

Source:http://beehive.govt.nz/release/reduction-state-agencies- confirmed

5. Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill introduced

27 September 2011 The Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill will confirm the agreement reached between IDEA Services Ltd and its employees, and provide the framework to resolve other employers' and employees' claims. The Bill resolves a court dispute that dates from 2007 and addresses recent decisions made by the Court of Appeal and the Employment Court in relation to Idea Services Limited V Phillip William Dickson.

The Government will fund employers to pay 50% of the current minimum hourly wage to workers for sleepovers from 1 July 2011, and then 75% from 1 July 2012, then 100% from 1 July 2013. The Government will also contribute $27.5 million for back pay which will be paid at 50% of the appropriate minimum wage for the period 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2011 to past and present employees in respect of all claims lodged to 2 September 2011. This Bill will ensure that some of the most vulnerable people continue to receive quality care in the community. It is the Government's intention to pass the legislation before Parliament rises before the general election.

Background: The Support Workers Sleepover case is a joint case involving Service and Food Workers Union and NZ Public Service Association members. Earlier this year the Court of Appeal ruled that under the law, disability support workers are entitled to the minimum wage for each hour of a sleepover night shift. Currently they are paid around a third of the minimum wage for these overnight shifts.

After the ruling the government said it may change the law to avoid paying the minimum wage. The employers then appealed to the Supreme Court to have the ruling overturned.

Many disabled people support these workers in their claim for the minimum wage. This is because they want to ensure that the people who support them are properly paid and trained for the important work they do.

Sources: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sleepover-wages- settlement-bill-be-introduced http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1109/S00225/cabinet-approves- sleepovers-agreement.htm

6. Auckland Disability Law Read what Auckland Disability Law has been doing lately, including updates on the Welfare Working Group and Welfare Justice: Alternative Welfare Working Group, Domestic Violence and Disabled People booklet, union campaigns: Up Where We Belong, and Auckland Council Disability Strategic Advisory Group

Source: www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1108/S00025/auckland-disability- law-respect-respond-resolve.htm. 7. Domestic Violence and Disabled People Booklet

In March the Domestic Violence and Disabled People booklet was released for disabled people and carers. The booklet was developed by the Auckland Domestic Violence and Disability Group. This resource contains information on disability, domestic violence and abuse, getting help, putting in place safety plans, and contact agencies.

If you would like a copy of the resource, you can download or order multiple copies at http://www.areyouok.org.nz/publications.php

8. Vulnerable people to benefit from improved information sharing

16 August 2011 A bill that improves the sharing of personal information between agencies was introduced to Parliament today by Justice Minister Simon Power.

The Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill responds to the Law Commission’s review of the Privacy Act in regards to information sharing. “As the Law Commission put it, information sharing has major benefits in allowing agencies to see all sides of an individual’s case rather than just through their own narrow lens. “Although agencies are already able to share a great deal of personal information under the Privacy Act, the Act itself is unclear and misunderstood around when and how personal information can be shared."

Mr Power said the bill aims to improve the rules around the collection, storage, and use of personal information while ensuring there are safeguards in place to protect an individual’s right to privacy.

The bill:  Allows agencies to share personal information at an earlier stage when it is deemed there is a ‘serious’ threat to public health or safety, or to the life or health of an individual. Currently, the threat must also be ‘imminent’ for the information to be shared.  Inserts a new mechanism into the Privacy Act to allow for the approval of information sharing agreements between agencies. This mechanism will apply only to information sharing for public purposes and may include non-government organisations when they are providing public services on behalf of a public sector agency.  Sets out the process for drawing up an information-sharing agreement. This requires consultation with the Privacy Commissioner and for the agreement to be approved by Order in Council. The bill will specify the criteria for approval, the matters that need to be covered in the agreements, and general rules for the operation of such agreements including appropriate safeguards, as well as suitable transparency, accountability, and review processes. Mr Power said the information-sharing aspect of privacy reform was fast- tracked ahead of other privacy work because of its potential to help vulnerable people, including children.

The bill is also expected to save information-handling costs across government. The Government will respond to the remainder of the Law Commission’s Privacy Act report within the 120 working days allowed.

The Cabinet paper can be found here.

Source: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/vulnerable-people-benefit- improved-information-sharing

9. 2011 NZ Diversity Award winners announced

The winners of the 2011 New Zealand Diversity Awards were announced at the conclusion of the 2011 New Zealand Diversity Forum in Hamilton on August 22nd.

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said he had been impressed at the depth and breadth of work in the diversity area by the winners of this year’s awards.

Source: http://www.hrc.co.nz/news-and-issues/human-rights-in- new-zealand/2011-nz-diversity-award-winners-announced/

10. Being an accessible business Every organisation has customers or clients living with disability - that's a given when an estimated 660,300 New Zealanders (17%) reported a disability to the Statistics New Zealand 2006 Disability Survey. But how accessible are your premises, your website or the technology you expect clients to use?

See Be.Accessible's 10 quick tips to get some ideas about what you can do to make sure all your clients and customers are served.

11. Mental Health Commission - a new Blueprint for the mental health and addiction sector

Over the past decade the Commission’s vision and leadership have contributed to gains in New Zealand’s mental health and addiction sector that have been recognised internationally. Many aspects of the original Blueprint are now out of date and a review and renewal are required.

By June 2012, the Commission will develop a framework to guide investment in mental health outcomes for the future. Chair Commissioner Dr Lynne Lane says she considers that an inclusive and transparent process is critical to the success of this project. The Commission plans to communicate regularly and share draft materials early so people can be part of the process.

Some key dates are: A draft concept document released for sector feedback (October 2011): Release of a concept document which outlines the proposed scope for the new Blueprint. Feedback from the sector to inform the development of the draft discussion document.

A draft new Blueprint discussion document for consultation (December 2011): Release of an initial ‘discussion document’. Consultation with the sector throughout early 2012.

A final new Blueprint document and associated resources (May 2012): Release of final new Blueprint document and associated advice on policy settings and implementation.

Getting involved:  Read regular updates on www.mhc.govt.nz/new-blueprint  Contact [email protected] to receive regular email updates  Provide feedback to draft documents online  Attend presentations and discussions with key sector groups  If you have any further questions about how to get involved phone us on (04) 474 8900

See: http://www.mhc.govt.nz/new-blueprint Source: Mental Health Foundation E-Bulletin 30 September 2011E- a collaboration between a group of agencies

12. Measuring Social Inclusion, Mental Health Commission

Measuring Social Inclusion is a joint collaboration between a group of agencies that have come together to assist each other in working towards reducing discrimination, promoting social inclusion and the rights of people with experience of mental illness and addiction. Known collectively as the Multi-Agency Group (MAG), their aim is to advance a recovery perspective that involves an overarching, strategic focus on improving outcomes across New Zealand.

This publication is the first of its kind to address discrimination using a social inclusion lens. It includes 14 important indicators across 10 life domains to measure how included people with experience of mental illness and addiction are in society. Underpinned by a human rights framework and a holistic view of mental health, the publication’s purpose is to inform policy-makers and planners.

Source: Swww.mhc.govt.nz/publications/measuring-social-inclusion- people-experience-mental-distress-and-addiction. 13. Alternative data sources

Statistics New Zealand has identified alternative data sources that may help fill information gaps left by the halting of the 2011 Census. The March 2011 Census was called off due to the impacts of the 22 February Christchurch earthquake. The next census will be held in March 2013. This resource provides links to reports and data from Statistics New Zealand, as well as other government and non-government organisations, that can assist with planning. http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2011-census/alternative-data- sources.aspx

14. World report on disability

The first ever World report on disability, produced jointly by WHO and the World Bank, suggests that more than a billion people in the world today experience disability.

People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of services available to them and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives. The report provides the best available evidence about what works to overcome barriers to health care, rehabilitation, education, employment, and support services, and to create the environments which will enable people with disabilities to flourish.

The Report was compiled from data from over 74 countries, including New Zealand, and found that:  Disability prevalence is high and growing. There are over one billion people with disabilities in the world. This corresponds to about 15% of the world’s population and is higher than previous WHO estimates.  Disability disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.  People with disabilities are a diverse group.  People with disabilities face widespread barriers in accessing services (health, education, employment, transport as well as information).  People with disabilities have worse health and socioeconomic outcomes.

The report provides the best available evidence about what works to overcome barriers to health care, rehabilitation, education, employment and support services, and to create the environments which will enable people with disabilities to flourish. The main recommendations are:

1. Enable access to all mainstream policies, systems and services. 2. Invest in programmes and services for people with disabilities. 3. Adopt a national disability strategy and plan of action. 4. Involve people with disabilities in formulating and implementing policies, laws and services. 5. Improve human resource capacity through the attitude and knowledge of people working in areas such as health care and education. 6. Provide adequate funding of public services and improve affordability. 7. Increase public awareness and understanding about disability. 8. Improve the availability and quality of data on disability. 9. Strengthen and support research on disability.

To find out more about the report and its recommendations go to World Health Organization (www.who.int)

Source: Disability Services Provider E-Newsletter: August 2010 (PDF, 583 KB)

NEWSLETTERS

1. EEO Trust - September newsletter Election resources for disabled people Voting information needs to make sense to everyone so the Electoral Commission has launched a set of resources about the next election and referendum to help people living with disability. The resources include a DVD in New Zealand Sign Language and with subtitles, a video and guide to help those supporting people with intellectual disability and various pamphlets and booklets.

2. IHC Hot Issues - September 2011

2.1 Political parties polled on policies for disabled people

IHC put six questions to political parties. National points to what the current Government has done already – such as more funding for disability services and education, monitoring the implementation of the Disability Rights Convention, supporting family carers and working on a new, more flexible model of support. It is also considering the Welfare Working Group recommendations.

Parties generally say they want more choice and control for disabled people in areas such as support services, education and health. The Greens and Labour have the most comprehensive policies for disabled people so far, with the Maori Party policy looking promising.

A summary of the responses from political parties about their policies for people with intellectual disabilities will appear in the centre of the October Community Moves magazine www.ihc.org.nz/NewsEvents/COMMUNITYMOVES/tabid/1525/Default.aspx

Full responses to IHC’s questions are on their website www.ihc.org.nz.

The next two Hot Issues will showcase what’s in each party’s disability and other relevant policies to meet what IHC and people with intellectual disabilities and their families want.

2.2 Health indicators for people with intellectual disability show much poorer health than other New Zealanders

Eight years ago this month the National Health Committee recommended that the poor health of adults with intellectual disability be urgently addressed – in its landmark report To Have an Ordinary Life www.nhc.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexcm/nhc-ordinary-life. Internationally, studies also show that people with intellectual disability tend to experience poorer health outcomes than the rest of the population.

IHC has constantly advocated to have the recommendations of the National Health Committee implemented.

This month the Ministry of Health has finally published its own report on the health of people with intellectual disabilities, including a welcome easy-to-read summary www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/health- indicators-nz-intellectual-disability.

What does this report show? That New Zealanders with intellectual disability have poorer health and are more at risk of illness, disease and death than those without intellectual disability. They are also more likely to live in the most socioeconomically deprived areas of New Zealand.

2.3 Health Indicators for New Zealanders with Intellectual Disability The Ministry of Health released a report in September which presents a selection of health status and health care utilisation indicators for New Zealanders with and without intellectual disability. The indicators have been developed using data from a range of Ministry of Health data sets.

Internationally, studies have shown that people with intellectual disability tend to experience poorer health outcomes than the rest of the population. The life expectancy for people with intellectual disability is just under 60 years – 23 years less on average for females and 18 years less for males in New Zealand. Compared with other New Zealanders, people with intellectual disability:  are three times more likely to have a mental health condition, four times more likely to be obese, 15 times more likely to need dental treatment and 30 times more likely to have epilepsy – just some of the results  are slightly more likely to be enrolled in a primary health organisation, one-and-a-half times more likely to consult a GP and dispensed twice as many different types of prescription drugs  are over twice as likely to receive elective or arranged public hospital treatment and over four times more likely to have public hospital admissions that could have been avoided  receive $3000 of government-funded primary and secondary health care annually – nearly three times higher than the same services received by people without intellectual disability

Given the regular use of health services by people with intellectual disability, the Health Ministry says the challenge is to ensure that these services meet their needs adequately and seamlessly.

www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/health-indicators-nz-intellectual- disability.

EVENTS 1. Mental Health Awareness Week 10 - 16 October

The Mental Health Foundation is embracing the Rugby World Cup and has set their Mental Health Awareness Week theme accordingly with ‘GET IN THE GAME: Training for happiness’.

Whether or not you’re a die-hard rugby fan, a New Zealander or one of our many international visitors during September and October, there are things you can do to support your mental health and wellbeing.

As any top coach would say, training makes you play a better game, and it’s no different for your mental health. By consistently doing the five winning ways to wellbeing: Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Be Active you can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Details on this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme and other supporting documents can be found on the Mental Health Foundation’s website: http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz .

2. DPA Welllington Annual General Meeting, DPA Wellington, 2 November

DPA Welllington is holding its AGM on Wednesday, 2 November at 5:30 pm. All are welcome. Please bring a plate for nibbles.

Venue: Level 4 Century City Towers, 173-175 Victoria Street, Wellington.

Source: http://www.community.net.nz/communitycentre/events/wellington/dpaag m.htm?region=default 3. Disability Studies Conference, 27-30 November

An inaugural conference on Disability Studies is being planned. The theme is Every Body In. The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to share their knowledge and research with others.

Disability Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the experiences, perspectives, rights and leadership of disabled people. Interpreting disability within a social justice framework, Disability Studies encourages the exploration of disability issues across a wide range of disciplines as well as different socio-cultural, political, economic, historical, legal, health, and educational contexts.

Where: University of Otago, Dunedin When: Sunday 27- Weds 30 November 2011 www.otago.ac.nz/disabilitystudiesconference

4. Course on Using Social Media for Effective Public Engagement, 3-4 and 10-11 November

Victoria University is running a short course, Using Social Media for Effective Public Engagement, which will explore how social media can be used by public sector agencies to achieve public engagement. The course will be held in Wellington from 3-4 November and in Auckland from 10-11 November 2011.

Source: The Office for the Community & Voluntary Sector (OCVS) E-News ~ Issue 43 ~ September 2011

SECTOR ISSUES AND FEEDBACK

From DPA:  Job availability is always a matter of concern for the Deaf community with health and safety issues often a barrier to obtaining employment. While many people are determined to find work, achieving success is often very difficult.

 With the forthcoming election, not much is happening in the employment relations area. However, there is considerable concern about the issue of youth unemployment – although this matter is not confined to New Zealand - with a real attempt being made to upskill young people, including young disabled people. It is hoped that through transitions education more young people will be made aware of the kind of jobs available that match up with their particular skills.  The departure of its CEO has resulted in some challanges for the Disabled Persons Assembly and it is hoped that a new CEO will be appointed as soon as possible.

 Closing up of training opportunities had had a dramatic impact on disabled people who had often first recognised they had a skill by taking part in community education classes.

 In Dunedin disabled people are finding it hard to get work. However, a new employment agreement has been developed in easy read which will be taken to schools to introduce disabled students to their employment rights. Easy read books, guides and fact sheets are obtainable through the internet at http://www.peoplefirstltd.com/shop-factsheets.php

 Communicating information on sensory disabilities to potential employers, so that matters such as communication, health and safety, transport to and from work and other such issues can be properly understood, is often a problem.

 Concern that the Government has said it will be providing funding for unemployed youth but has not indicated that this will also include young disabled people. There is a need for special education for disabled people in the intermediate age group. Very few Pacific Island people over the ages of 25 or 30 can educate themselves because of a mind set that encourages them to see themselves as sick and therefore not required to work or to go to school. There is also a spiritual aspect in that a disabled person is often regarded as evidence of a curse on the family.

 Although Pacific Island countries have signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People it was unfortunate that the general public do not always accept what politicians might say. Consequently cultural barriers do not at present allow for the independence and advancement of disabled Pacific Island people.

Karen Beard, Workbridge Quality Coordinator, in association with the Workbridge Council and Grant Cleland, Workbridge Chief Executive.