HRC: Data crucial to the rights of NZers with disabilities Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission has welcomed the inclusion of questions on disability in next year’s Census.

“Collecting data on disability is critical if we are to work out what we can do to support disabled New Zealanders to lead meaningful lives,” said Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero.

“Understanding how disabled people participate in all aspects of life covered by the census – such as employment and education – compared to non-disabled people, is crucial to achieving equality. Data collection must be a key part of our disability framework and will be a focus in my time as Commissioner.”

The New Zealand General Social Survey and the Household Labour Force Survey recently included the Washington Group Short Set of Questions on Disability. Other sources of national disability data include the 2013 Disability Survey, The New Zealand Health Survey and The New Zealand Mental Health Survey.

“The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has previously encouraged our Government to collect better data about disabled New Zealanders and this is a welcome development.” said Ms Tesoriero.