Principles
Twelve principles guide Local Area Coordination in Aotearoa
These principles are underpinned by the:
- Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (partnership, protection and participation)
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- NZ Disability Strategy and
- Carers’ Strategy.
Principles
- As citizens, disabled people have the same rights and responsibilities as all other people to participate in and contribute to the life of the community.
- Disabled people and families supporting disabled people are best placed to determine their own goals, and to plan for the future either independently, as a family, or supported by advocates of their choice.
- Families, friends and personal supports are the foundations of a rich and valued life in the community.
- Disabled people and their families have natural authority and are best placed to be their most powerful and enduring leaders, decision makers and advocates.
- Maori disabled people are recognised as tāngata whenua. Their aspirations, rights and needs will be met in ways that support their identity, beliefs, values and practices as individuals within whānau.
- The aspirations, rights and needs of diverse cultural groups are understood and respected in ways that support their identity, languages, beliefs, values and practices.
- Access to information that is timely, accurate and available in appropriate formats enables people to make appropriate decisions and to gain more control over their life.
- Communities are enriched by the inclusion and participation of disabled people, and these communities are the most important way of providing friendship, support and a meaningful life to people with disabilities and/or their families and carers.
- The lives of disabled people and/or their families are enhanced when they can determine their preferred supports and services and control the required resources, to the extent that they desire.
- Services and supports provided through LAC complement and support the primary role of families, carers and communities in achieving a good life for disabled people. These services and supports should not take over or exclude the natural supports that already exist or could be developed.
- Partnerships between individuals, families and carers, communities, governments, service providers and the business sector are vital in meeting the needs of disabled people.
- Disabled people have a life-long capacity for learning, development and contribution.