Definition of Disability:

A person identified as having a physical, psychiatric, intellectual, sensory and age related disability (or combination of these), which is likely to continue for a minimum of six months and result in a reduction of independent function to the extent that ongoing support is required.

This service is designed to improve access and utilization of services for Maori with disabilities requiring access to such services. The disability support service will facilitate access to:

• Assessment, treatment and rehabilitation (provided by Facilitated Access to Coordinated Services [NASC service])
• Service coordination (provided by NASC service)
• Continuing Hospital Care
• Home Support/ Carer Relief Services
  

Aims

The purpose of Maori Disability service is to ensure Maori with disabilities, kuia and koroua have an improved level of quality of life and independence. This service will:

• Facilitate improved access to disability support services as outlined above
• Inform Maori in a culturally appropriate manner about the availability and range of disability support services, particularly age-related services, and their points of contact
• Support Maori with disabilities and kuia/koroua and their whanau throughout their contact with the assessment, service coordination (NASC service) and referred service(s) [Home Support Provider Agencies] process
• Support the Assessment and Service coordination teams (NASC services), to deliver services to Maori in a culturally appropriate manner. This may involve hands on involvement in the service delivery training, guidance and advice, and interpretation of individual Maori and whanau needs for effective service delivery
• Provide the service in Te Reo Maori where necessary or appropriate or specifically requested by the client
• Assistance to ensure the disability needs of client Maori are fulfilled in the most efficient, appropriate and effective manner
• This service is targeted at Maori with disabilities and older Maori - not those under hospital care for surgery.

Access

Access to Maori Disability Services will be by referral from:

• General practitioners
• NASC services and other disability support service providers
• Maori health and social service providers
• Self referral
• Whanau

When contacted the Kaimahi (Margaret McGregor) will make an initial assessment of the problem(s) and identify the services that may be able to assist. Advocacy with other services, GPs and Hospital services is an important part of the work as is providing information to whanau and organisations about disabilities and disability services.

Location & Contact
Te Whare Hauora (main office)                    
Aerodrome Road                            
Omaka Marae                            
Blenheim                                

Ph: (03) 5783348                            
Fax: (03) 5788034   
E-mail: marg.mcgregor@tewaiha.org.nz