Submission to the National Health Committee. May 2005.

Foundation hopes in respect of the report to the Minister

• Evidence that there has been some consideration as to whether blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people who have a chronic condition tend to fall disproportionately into the "people from under-served populations."
• Direct reference to the New Zealand Disability Strategy, and recommendations and actions in support of people with sensory disabilities who live with or are likely to develop chronic condition(s).
• Actions designed to remove the barriers to services and information encountered by people with sensory disabilities.
• Actions designed to equip the health workforce to communicate effectively with people are who blind, deafblind or vision impaired.
• Actions to support the health workforce (professional, lay, and/or volunteer) to employ and use the skills of disabled people.
• Actions to support and resource the families and communities of disabled people by reducing the burden of direct and opportunity costs they carry.
• A broader statement of what constitutes prevention and an endorsement of prevention activities at all stages in the development and progression of chronic conditions.