Our aim will be to ensure that disabled people are able to attain the highest status within the community, and value to it, that is within their abilities.
Democrats for Social Credit (DSC) will establish a properly funded Disability agency which will report directly to the Minister of Social Welfare. It shall be responsible for monitoring the disability sector and for establishing a national plan to improve the position of disabled people in society.
We will continue to encourage improved facilities for disabled access to buildings and open spaces open to the public.
We will assist Local Bodies with finance for disabled-accessible public transport vehicles and for other necessary services to enable disabled people to attend workplaces and educational and recreational facilities.
All disabled people shall be entitled to continuing assistance comparable to that available to those with similar disabilities to those injured in accidents and eligible for benefits under ACC.
Employers of disabled staff will be eligible to receive interest-free loans to assist with necessary modifications of the workplace and/or equipment.
We will ensure that helpers employed to assist disabled people will be adequately trained and remunerated accordingly.
Ron Harsant, Disability Spokesman Ph 07 847 8041