Women with disabilities

In 2001 about one in five New Zealanders had some form of disability (743,800 people). Slightly more females than males had a disability.

Disability rates increase with age, so the number of people with disabilities is expected to grow as the population ages.

Many people with disabilities are prevented from participating fully in the community or achieving their potential because of barriers. It has been said that disability is not something that people have; people have impairments.

Disability occurs when one group of people creates barriers for another group by designing a world that assumes we can all see signs, can read directions, can hear announcements, can reach buttons, have the strength to open heavy doors, and have stable moods and perceptions.

New Zealanders with disabilities have lower levels of educational achievement, lower employment opportunity and higher unemployment, poorer overall health and less housing choice than people without disabilities. They also face communication, transport and accessibility barriers. Seven in 10 women with disabilities have an annual income of less than $15,000.

The New Zealand Disability Strategy offers a vision of a fully inclusive society that accepts, values and enhances the lives of people with disabilities. By creating a more inclusive society, women with disabilities will be accepted as part of society and their contribution will be more visible and valued.