At a cultural crossroads: lessons on culture and policy from the New Zealand DISABILITY STRATEGY.
OBJECTIVE
This article reports the findings and lessons from a year-long outcome evaluation of Objective 11 of the New Zealand Disability Strategy (NZDS): promote the participation of disabled Măori. It also looks at the larger implications for the creation of culturally appropriate and effective policy for indigenous peoples with disabilities.


METHODS
Data were drawn from 34 semi-structured interviews conducted with ministry officials, service provider organisations, Măori consumers with disabilities and caregivers to Măori consumers.


RESULTS
Common themes included issues surrounding the effectiveness of the NZDS and the conflict between indigenous worldviews framed within a mainstream service paradigm. Themes unique to specific interview groups covered areas such as accountability structure design, perceived levels of cultural competency, collaboration across sectors and information exchange.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite its shortcomings, the NZDS provides several pertinent lessons regarding the provision of culturally appropriate, effective disability services, including increased coordination and collaboration, workforce development (such as staff training and increased indigenous service provider resources), increased information distribution and increased community engagement. Early implementation of these actions allows indigenous peoples with disabilities to participate in society while fully acknowledging their heritage.
Hopkins Population Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. awiley@jhsph.edu
Adrienne
A
Wiley
D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003469:Culture; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand