INTAFF holds consultation to update disability and ageing plans

There are concerns about the lack of support for older people without family care and for caregivers who are caring for family members at home.

Te Tango Akarangatira Ora’anga (Department of Internal Affairs), in partnership with the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD), has been conducting public consultations to review the National Disability Action Plan and the Active Ageing Policy with the community.

Chairperson of the Cook Islands National Disability Council, Ngatokotoru Tara, congratulated INTAFF for bringing the Disability Action Plan and Active Ageing Policy to the people, saying, “after all, this is about them and for them”.

Tara said “inclusivity and accessibility” were reflected in the consultations, including the provision of accessible venues, captioning, sign language interpretation and transportation.

“We recommend that INTAFF consult with a number of influential, diverse and youthful-minded older people groups to form an active ageing management body,” Tara said. “And encourage the people of Puaikura to attend the next consultation on both policies and have their say.”

Consultations were held last week at Vaka Takitumu and Vaka Te Au O Tonga. The consultation at Vaka Puaikura has been postponed to tomorrow (Tuesday) at Calvary Hall from 6pm to 8pm.

Tara added that the Disability Commission appreciates Merena Herman’s efforts to develop active aging policies.

The Home Office welcomes views from all sectors of society to ensure the National Disability Action Plan and Active Ageing Policy documents “reflect the real experiences and priorities of people with disabilities, older people and all those involved”.

The Cook Islands approved its first National Disability Policy in June 2003. In June 2018, the current Cook Islands Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2014-2019 was reviewed with support from the Australian Government. This version of the Cook Islands Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2020-2025 is the result of consultations that have taken place over the years.