The New Zealand Disability Strategy guides the work of government agencies on disability issues for a ten year period to 2026. It can also be used by any individual or organisation who wants to learn more about, and make the best decisions on, things that are important to disabled people.

The main vision of the strategy is for New Zealand to be a non-disabling society - a place where disabled people have an equal opportunity to achieve their goals and aspirations, and all of New Zealand works together to make this happen.

Three sets of principles and two approaches will help implement the Strategy.

The principles and approaches will help make sure the disabled community is visible, acknowledged and respected on an equal basis with others, and that disabled people can live a life with dignity and feel valued. The three principles are:

1. Te Tiriti o Waitangi,
2. the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and
3. ensuring disabled people are involved in decision-making that impacts them.

The two approaches are:

1. Investing in our whole lives – a long-term approach, and
2. Specific and mainstream services – a twin-track approach.

The strategy identifies eight outcome areas that will contribute to achieving the vision:

Outcome 1 – education

We get an excellent education and achieve our potential throughout our lives

Outcome 2 – employment and economic security

We have security in our economic situation and can achieve our full potential

Outcome 3 – health and wellbeing

We have the highest attainable standards of health and wellbeing

Outcome 4 – rights protection and justice

Our rights are protected, we feel safe, understood and are treated fairly and equitably by the justice system

Outcome 5 – accessibility

We access all places, services and information with ease and dignity

Outcome 6 – attitudes

We are treated with dignity and respect

Outcome 7 – choice and control

We have choice and control over our lives

Outcome 8 – leadership

We have great opportunities to demonstrate our leadership.