Blind Low Vision NZ response to the sudden changes to disability support purchasing rules

Last week, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People announced cuts to funding flexibility and to Equipment and Modification Services. We would like to acknowledge the impact of the sudden changes. These changes affect all of us.

The way that these changes were communicated to our community with no consultation or warning was deeply concerning. It has caused alarm and distress to many, and forced people to scramble for information.

We are concerned that a prescriptive, rule-based approach will not work. It takes away choice and control and flexibility of funding. This approach contradicts the principles of Enabling Good Lives.

Last week we approached Whaikaha to seek clarity around what the next steps for consultation are. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

To support Blind Low Vision NZ’s future dialogue with Whaikaha, we are running a survey to find out how you and your family/whānau are affected by these changes.

Click here to complete a short five-question survey.

We will anonymise and collate these stories to share with relevant agencies and government officials.

You are welcome to email us if you wish at PA@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.