“The COVID-19 recovery is a fantastic opportunity to help build the inclusive society we want for New Zealand,” says Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero.
Making sure that shovel-ready projects take accessibility into account will make a big difference in creating an inclusive New Zealand.
“There are significant economic and social benefits to all New Zealanders if we get this right.”
“Ensuring shovel ready projects take accessibility and the voices of people with disabilities into account will future-proof these projects and potentially significantly improve many people’s lives.”
Tesoriero says lessons must be learnt from the Christchurch post-earthquake rebuild failing to be as fully inclusive as it could have been due to arguments about expediency.
Tesoriero has sought an assurance from the Government that accessibility and universal design will be considered in all stages of confirming shovel ready projects.
“A lens on accessibility and inclusion can be built into the assessment process for applications, ‘fast tracked’ resource consents, contracts, and when the District Councils that receive funding implement shovel ready projects.”
Inclusive employment practices so people with disabilities can get work on recovery projects is also critical.
“People with disabilities who already faced poor employment outcomes pre-COVID19 are likely to be hit hard by redundancies and fewer vacancies.”
“It is important that people with disabilities are part of any review process for the shovel ready projects.”
“People with disabilities should be closely consulted and actively involved in matters such as this that affect them and their participation in the community,” says Tesoriero.
Universal design should be a critical component of any major spending on public works or amenities.
