Strong Voices

The Law Commission is reviewing the legal powers people are given to make decisions for others, something disability advocates say is well overdue.

Ask Carlos Biggemann what needs to change in the world, and he starts with global issues – war, poverty and the destruction of the rainforests – before coming to his disability.

Banks have put even more distance between them and their more vulnerable customers by ending cheques.

As New Zealand’s major banks phase out the use of cheques, IHC and other disability service providers are asking banks how they will maintain access to banking services by disabled people.

KiwiSaver rules now guarantee that people with four life-shortening congenital conditions can withdraw their savings early.

The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) says money laundering legislation and the phasing out of cheques by banks require new approaches and practices from everyone involved.

Bus fares will be free for disabled people in the Bay of Plenty by July.

Free bus travel for carers of people with accessibility concession cards is now available in the Waikato region.

People with hidden disabilities such as autism, dementia and ADHD can now travel a little easier after Wellington Airport launched a new initiative to discreetly let staff know when a person might need extra help. Anyone travelling through the airport can now request a special green lanyard, which will help staff identify people who might need extra care.

School leavers looking for work will have extra help this year thanks to a new scheme being trialled in a number of secondary schools.