Posts by Tom Adson
Last ←Newer Page 1 2 3 4 5 Older→ First
-
I can see my comments are pitted against high expertise, and probably with a lot of legal insight. I am a simple engineer who came form a trade background. That is why I understand that practical outputs are an essential part of any mix that will provide positive and real outputs, like access to theatres and public buildings.
Further the focus of the blogs I read seem to be on the physically disabled, where as mine are on the mentally disabled. They all need our compassion and care. Like I say We, through our democratic activity can insert out national plan on a new piece of paper through to the Govt of the day. Surely if the cost of it increases GST by a % or two it would be worth it, in fact over time it may mean that taxes can be reduced as part of a part of a return on good investment. Yes it is complicated , but when I read the thought, first hand experience and passion of the blogs it makes me believe that anything is possible, Most Kiwi's are inherently good, a I dare say each one of them is connected to a family who has some form of disability, so if the national plan is explained in the right way our fellow Kiwi's might accept it as reality and be prepared to pay out. The best things that the human race ever did started out as a dream, so which of you has a dream that you believe can become reality? .
-
Access: Disability as a wicked policy problem, in reply to Hilary Stace,
This receives my support. Meaningful action will occur at the local level in the manner that it suggested. Primary carers know best what the needs of their loved ones are, but having good external services and professional guidance is essential. Much advice can be delivered through the web these days, but it is within the confines of a caring community where the rubber hits the road.
We need to highlight what we have in common, what we need in common, and not dwell on our differences. Perhaps the age of individualism has passed and we are in a fork of the road. The right choice will move us back to the beginning in our minds, but move us forward in our actions to a better connected community where the most vulnerable will be dealt with first.
Those who have enough to cover their needs do not need more, so if their taxation moves up a notch or two, which is probably not that much, it will be a good thing. I think the 'Prod Commission', as it could be more appropriately called has provided a clean sheet of paper. It is now up to us to create and pencil in a good and workable plan. Once that is done lots of investment and hard practical work will be required. A key output will be better services and more houses appropriately designed for the disabled... that's the real challenge.
-
Access: Disability as a wicked policy problem, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,
Well, that's two of us. All we need now is a couple battalion's in each modest town. Is it possible that the Lions, Rotarians and Kiwani's (is this a term you have invented?) and a few others could combine forces and work together. My understanding is that the Lion's are not really interested in the area of my most concern.
-
Access: Disability as a wicked policy problem, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,
I thought facts and figures might help for anyone out their doing research, as gut feelings which are often proved right are not enough. I have just been down in Lower Hutt CBD doing a rubbish clean up and some volunteer gardening for a local social service provider. Can I make a claim on social impact bonds, alongside a donation?
-
This is my first blog...ever, but I have become active around social housing, especially for the disabled. I am 71 and my wife is 69, and we have a family member who is disabled. With the help of the DHB the parents are the primary carers, but they are in their declining years and worry about who will become the primary carers when they become incapacitated or die. There are many in a similar position to my own family.
Since Oct 2014 (carer time prior has been discounted) I have spent a lot of time, over 325 hours attempting to facilitate the procurement of a decent place for our family member to live well and independently. Other facts are put before you. Over 630 transactions have been attended to. 82 different organisations, many of them NGO’s, and others Govt, Regional and local Authorities and private commercial have been contacted. 90 different people have been communicated with, but the net output in terms of effective progress being made is zero.
Everybody contacted has been positive, polite and as helpful as they can be, but often say “sorry it’s not our job”. Everyone is doing their level best. Most give me the impression they are frustrated. I have read piles and piles of words suggesting how things should/could/might work, and especially how it always tends to point at what ‘others’ need to do. The govt can’t do everything. I am frustrated too, like you all are; but accept that at some point words do very little to make real progress and positive change. At 71 years of age it is clear to me that it is time to roll my sleeves up and be ready to swing a hammer, push a brush, and swing a sickle, and pull out a few weeds; anything with a motor attached has been deliberately ignored. It is handy people who are needed. So! A few hours of my handy work have been used wrapping around one effective, but over burdened social service provider that connected with me. I will not use their name without first getting their permission. Privacy is something we have to respect and honour. I have found that volunteering is now not easy because of the need to apply of Health and Safety Regulations, even at the most fundamental level. Police Clearance takes 3 ½ months, because the Cops are overloaded with bureaucracy.
The proposition of introducing Social Impact Bonds might have merit. If the hours I have expended are translated in to monetary value at the minimum hourly rate it would amount to $5,500 inclusive of GST. If this time/value is invoiced to the NZ Govt and they agree to pay for work done it could then be paid into my/a private bank account, and I could then donate that money to NGO’s in order to pay the cost of practical wrap around outputs like; foundations, bricks, motor and roofing iron to help provide appropriate social housing for the disabled and those who are vulnerable. The Govt have indicated that they have the money to do it, but they also have to make land available. There are empty State houses occupying land, and it is the disabled that should be at the front of the queue.
Perhaps through our modern miraculous communication systems primary carers like me and you can band together and create locally approved volunteer working groups who can marshal the labour and practical skills that will create the homes and caring communities that our loved ones need. What do you think? Can it be done? Is it worth a try?
Next time I blog, if there is interest, it is intended to address “Recovery Plans”.