Submissions

IHC is extremely disappointed to see the work on improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities is being 're-scoped in line with the new government's priorities and manifesto commitments'.

IHC says for people with intellectual disabilities to be active participants in legal issues and processes, they require legal information to be communicated in a way they can understand.

IHC recommends care is taken with how welfare reform proposals are framed to ensure the welfare system, and the social contract on which it is based, is inclusive.

IHC says the Plan must result in students with intellectual disability having discrimination-free access to, and outcomes from, education at their local school.

IHC says any legal reform should build in supports and safeguards that protect people with intellectual disability from being taken advantage of in the rental market, while at the same time ensuring they have choice and control over their living and inclusion in the community.

IHC asks that the rights, needs and circumstances of people with intellectual disability and their families, across the lifespan, be actively considered in the development of Healthy Homes Standards.

IHC says incorporating supported decision making and supported consent, as has been done in the Draft Standards, is a positive step in both aligning with New Zealand's obligations under the UNCRPD and giving practical ways to support and safeguard people's rights, consent and participation in research.

IHC strongly supports high priority being given to including disability status in the NHI system, but recommends that several changes need to be made to the proposed means of data collection.

The children's sector in New Zealand, incuding IHC, say inequities and discrimination remain significant issues, particularly for Māori children, Pasifika children and children with disabilities. New Zealand’s human rights record will be reviewed in January 2019 by the United Nation’s Human Rights Council as part of the third cycle of the UPR.

IHC says people with intellectual disabilities and their families need to be included in all initiatives aimed at reducing inequities, improving education and employment outcomes and addressing the social determinants of poor health.