Whaikaha responds to community's questions

Here is Whaikaha's response to questions from the community about the changes to the announced changes Whaikaha:

Review of Disability Services
Questions from Community
27 August 2024
 
The information below summarises key points of conversation between leaders of disability networks and the Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha on 21 August 2024.
Please feel free to share these messages to people in your membership base.  
 
How will the Ministry of Social Development and the Disability Support Services work together?
The Ministry of Social Development MSD) is working to ensure that there is a clear distinction between other MSD services and the Disability Support Services business unit that will be part of MSD. The Minister has released a video reassuring the community: Independent Review | Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.
People will continue to work with the same NASC, EGL site or funding host they do now to access the funding, equipment, care and other disability supports they are eligible for.


Will the focus on employment of disabled people in Whaikaha continue?
Whaikaha is proud of the number of disabled people who are employed within Whaikaha, and we are committed to continuing this leadership role, which enables us to recognise and strengthen the skills of disabled people. The Ministry takes our role of Disability Pou Lead for the Public Service Diversity and Inclusion strategy seriously. Papa Pounamu Public Service work programme - Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission. 
 
How will the privacy of personal information be protected and only used for its initial intended purpose?
Under the Privacy Act 2020, information can only be used for the purpose for which it was collected. If the information is going to be used for another purpose, permission needs to be asked for. Privacy Act 2020 No 31 (as at 01 July 2024), Public Act Contents – New Zealand Legislation
 
Taskforce members, timelines and work?
The Taskforce is being led by Chris Bunny, Deputy Chief Executive of the new Disability Support Services business unit. Anne Shaw is the Associate Deputy Chief Executive, DSS Operations, and Alastair Hill is the Programme Director, Disability Support Services Taskforce. More officials will be appointed to the taskforce to progress implementation of the review recommendations.
Whaikaha will support the Taskforce to engage with the disability community as it progresses its work on the recommendations.
 
Have there been changes to eligibility?
No decisions have been made about eligibility. This will form part of the work of the Taskforce. Engagement with the community will occur on Independent Review recommendations 5 and 6.  

What does the ‘Pause’ on EGL mean?
This refers to the further roll out of Enabling Good Lives sites and the transformation of disability support services. It does not mean any changes for the people who currently use EGL sites. The Government has signalled that its commitment to the EGL principles and approach is continuing.