New Zealand confirms additional support for Enabling a Good Life initiative – Asia News

The New Zealand Government has committed $73.7 million over the next four years and another $40.5 million over the next four years to continue transforming the disability support system, announced the Minister for Disability Affairs, Priyanca Radhakrishnan. .

“The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach is a framework that guides positive change for disabled people, families, communities and governance structures,” said Priyanca Radhakrishnan.

“The allocated funding was initially set aside as contingency funding prior to the creation of the Ministry of Disabled Persons. I’m delighted that it can now go towards truly changing the lives of thousands of disabled New Zealanders. “This Government continues to transform the disability system, ensuring people benefit from the EGL approach, which increases self-determination.”

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This funding strengthens protections for disabled people, will extend the EGL to new regions, transform current disability support services and build community capacity and leadership opportunities for disabled people.

“Disabled people should be able to have more choice and control over the decisions they make for their own lives and be able to pursue their goals like anyone else. I am proud that our Government has made a record investment in disability communities – from the creation of Whaikaha in 2022 to the commitment of $863.6 million through Budget 2023 to help alleviate cost pressures on services of disability support, including the end of the discriminatory Minimum Wage Exemption and much more,” said the minister.

Disabled people should be able to have more choice and control over the decisions they make for their own lives and be able to pursue their goals like anyone else.

“While this funding will make a significant difference to many, I recognize that there is still much to be done. The disbursement of these funds is another important step towards the national rollout of the EGL approach and the transformation of our disability system,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan concluded.