Wanganui transition forum

Wanganui transition forum

Work is not punishment. It is reward and

strength, glory and pleasure.



Today’s forum is about helping more New Zealanders experience the rewards of work

It will provide an appreciation of the efforts underway, and it will inspire us to do more


The Government’s vision

A prosperous, inclusive, environmentally sustainable society


Our progress

• Minister for Disability Issues

• New Zealand Disability Strategy

• Pathways to Inclusion

• The Office for Disability Issues


The leap from school to work

Inclusion requires participation in the workforce

Employment is part of an ordinary life


Jobs Jolt initiatives

Several initiatives are targeted at helping Sickness and Invalid’s Benefit clients who want to work

They are aimed at removing barriers to employment, and at helping clients find and stay in employment


Pilots in your region

• Motivational courses for clients

• In-work support for the newly employed

• More case managers

• Expanded Job Club


To Have an Ordinary Life

Transition to adulthood is a complex process

Transition benefits from planning


Successful transition • Empowers the student

• Focuses on goals and aspirations

• Takes a ‘whole-of-life’ approach

• Provides a range of work settings


Good transition planning

• Relies on partnerships

• Starts as early as possible

• Focuses on school to adult transition


Two-year pilot for transition services

Full-time co-ordinators plan services for ORRS students in their last year of school

13 providers are involved with the pilot


Supported employment

A successful alternative in vocational services

Supporting people to enter, and remain in, work 20 providers contracted at present


Supported employment principles

• Placement first, then training at work

• Open employment

• Equal working wages and benefits

• No exclusion or screening


Preparing the ground

Our priority is to strengthen current services: • evaluating existing services

• establishing areas of need

• helping improve services


Enhanced employment focus

More than $9 million in new funding in 2004/05

Aimed at improving outcomes for clients who have traditionally missed out


Equal rights, equal pay

Repealing the DPEP Act is a high government priority

People with disabilities will have equal employment rights and opportunities, and will receive at least the minimum wage


Help to change The Ministry is working with providers to support them through the change

Providers have five years to plan for the new environment

The Quality Fund has provided financial assistance


Work in progress

Some providers are well on their way to adapting

Some are deciding to become community development organisations

Others are striking a balance between the two


Collaborative approach

Success requires a whole-of-government approach, and a focus on results

The public sector is working towards collaboration and integration


Social wellbeing

Government is not the only player

Success requires a shared vision, and commitment to achieve it


Maintaining the momentum

We can continue to:

• learn from one another

• build networks

• build relationships


Work is not punishment. It is reward and

strength, glory and pleasure.

Documents

Wanganui transition forum