Disregarded and Disrespected: Disabled Citizens Speak Out Against Funding Restrictions and Ministerial Indifference
OPINION: Disabled United
08/05/2024
As citizens with disabilities, we refuse to be relegated to the margins of society, overlooked, and undervalued by those entrusted with our care and well-being. Yet, recent actions by Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People, and the callous remarks of Penny Simmonds, Minister of Disability Issues have ignited a firestorm of indignation within our community. We demand to be heard, respected, and treated as equal members of society, worthy of dignity, autonomy, and support.The recent funding restrictions imposed by Whaikaha have sent shockwaves through our community, threatening our ability to access vital support services and exercise our right to self-determination. By narrowing the scope of available options and imposing arbitrary limitations, these restrictions undermine our autonomy and reinforce harmful stereotypes of dependence and incapacity. We refuse to accept a future where our aspirations are stifled, and our voices silenced by bureaucratic red tape and budgetary constraints.
Adding insult to injury, Penny Simmonds has displayed a shocking lack of empathy and understanding towards our community, with her dismissive remarks and insensitive comments. Instead of championing our cause and advocating for our rights, she has chosen to diminish our lived experiences. Us needing help to overcome the systemic barriers to our participation, does not diminish our worth as people. Penny Simmonds callous words serve as a stark reminder of the systemic ableism that pervades our society, perpetuating discrimination, and exclusion at the highest levels of government.
In stark contrast to the actions and the inactions of the Minister, the Principles of the Enabling Good Lives approach offer a beacon of hope for disabled citizens. By emphasising individual strengths, being able to make decisions about our own lives, and belonging in our communities, EGL embodies the values of dignity and respect that every New Zealander holds dear. It recognizes our inherent worth as human beings and empowers us to pursue our dreams and aspirations on our own terms.
We refuse to be silenced or sidelined any longer. We call upon the Government to reconsider the errant path it has turned down, and continue to embrace Enabling Good Lives, a more inclusive and person-centred approach to disability support. We demand that the Minister apologize for her insensitive remarks and either commit to meaningful engagement with our community, or step aside, for someone with a heart to uphold our place in New Zealand. We will not rest until our voices are heard, our rights are respected, and our status as valued citizens is acknowledged and affirmed.
We are neighbours, workmates, pupils and terrific families, living in every corner, of every region, we are tired of being treated as second-class citizens, and refuse to accept a future dictated by funding restrictions and ministerial indifference. We stand united in our demand for justice. It is time for society to recognize our worth, celebrate our diversity, and embrace the principles of Enabling Good Lives for all.