The disability advocate
Christchurch-based Prudence Walker, who is chief executive of the Disabled Persons Assembly, says disabled people are often locked out of participating in their community, mirroring the report’s findings.
One example is that 98 per cent of New Zealand houses are not access-friendly for people with disabilities.
Walker said this means their friends are less likely to invite them to dinner because they are not able to get them in the front door or show them to the bathroom.
‘‘When we feel most lonely is often when we are surrounded by people, because non-disabled people’s actions can discriminate against us. ‘‘Firstly we need to have a seat at every table. ‘‘Secondly, we need non-disabled people to be our allies.
‘‘If I see an event that has some sort of accessibility it makes me feel better. It may not be perfect or meet my needs, but I know those people have taken time to think about accessibility.’’
She said in some regions, like Waikato and Bay of Plenty, there are schemes that mean buses are free in some cases for disabled people.
This makes people more able to participate in their community and see their family and friends, Walker said.