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Providing better health outcomes for disabled people
The Health of Disabled People Strategy sets the long-term priorities for the health system, towards achieving equity in disabled people’s health, and wellbeing outcomes between 2023 and 2033.
It provides a framework to guide health entities in improving health outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.
Why a Health of Disabled People Strategy?
Disabled people experience poorer health outcomes than non-disabled people, and they acutely feel these inequities. These outcomes are influenced by unfair barriers to full participation in society, including access to and experiences of health care.
Disabled people make up a significant and diverse part of Aotearoa New Zealand, with 1.1 million people (24% of the population) identifying as disabled.
Our vision is to achieve pae ora (healthy futures) for disabled people and their whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a future in which all disabled people and their whānau live long, fulfilling and more independent lives in good health.
Five key priorities
- Embed self-determination of disabled people and their whānau as the foundation of a person and whānau-centred health system.
- Ensure the health system is designed by and accessible for disabled people and their whānau, and provides models of care that suit their needs.
- Ensure the health system is part of a coherent cross-government system that addresses broader drivers of poor health and wellbeing.
- Build health workforce capacity and capability to meet the needs of disabled people and their whānau.
- Increase the visibility of disabled people in health data, research and evidence.
How did we engage with disabled people?
These priority areas were developed through engagement with disabled people and their whānau, disability organisations and consultation with other government agencies, including the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha.
Read the provisional Health of Disabled People Strategy
The Health of Disabled People Strategy is being published in a provisional form to allow for further targeted engagement with the disability community, and further shaping of priorities.
Provisional Health of Disabled People Strategy
Summaries of the Provisional Health of Disabled People Strategy are available in large print, easy read, braille, audio and New Zealand Sign Language.
