Out of sight , out of mind
In the mid-20th century , it was believed a disabled child pointed to faulty family genetics or even potential immorality . Disabled children and adults were usually hidden away in institutions . Their existence was often kept secret , even from siblings .
But in 1949 , a group of New Zealand parents founded the Intellectually Handicapped Children ’ s Parents ’ Association . These parents were fighting for facilities and support to keep their disabled children in their local communities . The main option at the time was institutional care .
The government set up the Consultative Committee on Intellectually Handicapped Children . In 1953 , the committee recommended expanding what they referred to as the “ mental deficiency colonies ”. The committee recommended sending children as young as five to these institutions .
The committee decided permanent respite from the “ burden ” of caring for their children was best for families . Authorities assured the parents their children would be cared for and be “ with their own kind ”.
However , the current Royal Commission on Abuse in Care puts paid to those claims , with multiple survivors sharing testimonies about neglect and abuse in these institutions .
After two decades , the Royal Commission into Hospital and Related Services in the 1970s halted the unabated growth of these institutions . But it wasn ’ t until 2006 when the last one , Kimberley near Levin , was closed after protest led by disabled people .
The Disabled Persons ’ Community Welfare Act ( 1975 ) provided some support . However it was still less than the support provided by the recently established Accident Compensation Corporation for those who were those disabled through an accident .
Deinstitutionalisation accompanied the growth of the disability rights movement with demands for autonomy and agency for disabled people . Inclusion rather than segregation became an aspiration and expectation for disabled people and families .
From NASCs to Enabling Good Lives
In 1993 disability support was moved from the purview of social welfare to health . The government introduced the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination ( NASCs ) system with narrow eligibility for those with intellectual , physical or sensory ( vision , hearing ) impairments . Autism was not eligible until 2014 and many neurodivergent conditions are still not covered .
“ Carer relief ” provided a minimal amount of money for out of home care , if suitable carers could be found .
The 2000s was a busy time for the disability community with the first minister and an Office for Disability Issues , a disability strategy and a carers ’ strategy .
Disabled New Zealanders had significant input into the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ( 2006 ). A select committee investigated care and service provision .
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Accessibilty for All 49