EGL e whakatinanahia ana
EGL in action
Understanding what the EGL Vision and Principles actually look like in the lives of disabled people and their family/whānau can be difficult. In the box below, you can see what used to 'happen' to disabled people, and then a comparision to what it can be like using the EGL Vision and Principles.
Old ways and the EGL vision
Assessments based on what people cannot do to (deficit based)
Supports and services are led by the preferences, strengths, aspirations, and needs of disabled people and their families. These are written into a Good Life Plan can be used by multiple services and supports
Being “lost” in the system or unaware of options
People having an independent ally to assist disabled persons and family/Whānau to consider existing options and create new possibilities.” The degree of involvement an individual or family has with this independent ally is negotiated between the parties.
Where EGL-based system change has been piloted this role has been called Kaitūhono or Connector.
Bulk funding of services
Personal budgets that people have control of where people can choose how they create a good life for themselves
Having to only use specialist and segregated services
Community services available and accessible to disabled people
Waiting until there is a diagnosis or crisis
Beginning early and breaking cycles
Officials, clinicians, and service providers making decisions about what the system should be like
Resources go to networks and organisations led by disabled people and families, so they are able to build knowledge skills and connections to enable them to continue to influence the disability support system and all government agencies
One principles-based system across all government agencies
EGL in action
In Waitaha / Canterbury, the EGL Approach is 'demonstrated' at EGL Christchurch. Here Kaitūhono (Connectors) work with disabled people and their whānau to dream big, make a plan for the future and connect with their local community.
This service is currently only available to ORS funded school leavers in Waitaha/Canterbury. Click here to find out more.
The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) Approach and Principles are to guide all individuals and families have more flexibility to create the supports that they want. Here are some examples.
Principle: Self determination
What this means
Disabled people are in control of their lives
What this looks like for disabled people and whānau/family:
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supports are directly linked to the vision of what their good / ordinary life looks like
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there is a way to say how well supports are working, and how they could be working better
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nothing happens without the disabled person (and whānau/family) giving an opinion first
Principle: Beginning early
What this means
Invest early in families and whānau to support them to;
- be aspirational for their disabled child;
- build community and natural supports;
- support disabled children to become independent, rather than waiting for a crisis before support is available.
What this looks like for disabled people and whānau/family:
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easily understood information and support is available to help develop a vision for what my "good life" looks like and how to achieve that
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supports and information are available at different stages of my life
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supports are planned and regularly reviewed and updated in line with the Good Life plan
Principle: Person centred
What this means
Disabled people have supports that are tailored to their individual needs and goals, and that take a whole life approach rather than being split across programmes.
What this looks like for disabled people and whānau/family
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individual needs and goals are the first step before choosing supports and services
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supports and services can be changed easily in line with the persons choice and needs
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my support people know my goals and preferences and are responsive to them
Example: "I choose my flatmates, not someone else who doesn't even live here choosing them for me."
Principle: Ordinary Life Outcomes
What this means
Disabled people are:
• supported to live an everyday life in everyday places
• regarded as citizens with opportunities for learning, employment, having a home and family, and social participation - like others at similar stages of life.
What this looks like for disabled people and whānau/family
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supports assist people to be ‘part of’ their community through social participation and relationship building
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disabled people have the same rights and responsibilities as other New Zealanders.
"Nevie has a full life, having fun, learning skills and doing the same things as other young people!"
- Nevie's mum