Our work in Policy Advocacy
Advocating for an accessible Aotearoa New Zealand
Blind Low Vision NZ is passionate about having an Aotearoa New Zealand that’s accessible for people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. We know that’s good for all Kiwis.
We campaign for policies and practices in our communities that foster accessibility and inclusion for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, aiming for tangible improvements in their daily lives.
We produce evidence-based policy advice and advocate to improve access to information, education, employment, buildings and public spaces, transport, and basic goods and services. Our advocacy focuses on system level change. We advocate nationally and locally to eliminate barriers that hinder our clients’ independence.
A change in attitudes surrounding blindness and low vision is key to seeing positive change in the community, especially regarding employment, education and access to goods and services. We will run awareness raising campaigns to promote societal understanding, knowledge, and acceptance of blindness, deafblindness, and sight loss.
Why we focus on Policy Advocacy
We know that people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision are at a higher risk of isolation or exclusion. We work towards an inclusive and safe Aotearoa for all.
Blind Low Vision NZ delivers world class vision rehabilitation services. Then our clients go out into their communities and experience unnecessary barriers and disability discrimination. Because of this, people with disabilities are 50% less likely to be employed (ref PubMed), and those with blindness or low vision are three times more likely to have depression.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
We want to see a future where people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision can live their lives without limits. We work every day to ensure our clients can live the life they choose by advocating to remove existing barriers, and to stop new barriers being created.
Policy Advocacy’s work is motivated and guided by our organisational priorities and values, as laid out in our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.
Image description: A man uses a white cane to find his way down the stairs at a train station.
Our organisational priorities
Empower Independence: Supporting our clients in their communities.
Educate and train: Training clients with practical and essential skills for daily life.
Social inclusion: Raise awareness and advocate for an inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.
Supported by our for-purpose team: We will foster a diverse team that supports our strategy through a culture of strong communication, financial sustainability, and specialist expertise.
Delivered through our values
This strategy will be delivered through our Values: Person-centred, Collaborative, Adaptable, and Accountable.
Read our Position Statements for more information on where we stand on different issues.
Statement of political neutrality
Blind Low Vision NZ is a for-purpose, incorporated society which is independent of all political affiliations. We will not participate in any activity that furthers the interests of any political party or secures either support or opposition for political reasons.
Our approach is to remain politically neutral and respect the democratic process. We recognise all parties, whether they be in government or in opposition, treat them with respect and work in a politically neutral manner. We will continue to advocate to all the parliamentary parties on the issues of utmost importance to people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. We will maintain our independence as a trusted advisor who provides evidence-based policy solutions to benefit the people we serve.
What we’re advocating for
An Aotearoa New Zealand that’s accessible for people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision is good for all Kiwis.
With your support, we can campaign for policies and practices in our communities that foster accessibility and inclusion for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.
Together we can improve access to information, buildings and public spaces, transport and ultimately improve lives.
Learn more about our advocacy campaigns.
Image Description: General Manager Community and Inclusion, Dan Shepherd and his guide dog, Ezra take a break outdoors.
Increase awareness about vision health
We are working to increase awareness about vision health and proactively communicate, ensuring support is within reach for New Zealanders at all stages of their lives. This kind of policy and advocacy is much more effective when we proactively collaborate with external stakeholders and clients.
Eye Health Aotearoa is a multi-sector collaborative of representatives from across the eye health sector. Blind Low Vision NZ is thrilled to be a part of this important group.
We’ve banded together to ensure that all New Zealanders can access equitable, quality eye health services and prevent avoidable vision loss. Our plan is affordable and achievable. It will significantly improve New Zealanders’ eye health and reduce costs elsewhere in the health system. It targets high-risk communities who are unable to access eye health services.
Learn more about Eye Health Aotearoa
Image Description: The Eye Health Aotearoa logo.
Advocacy in action
- The Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill was introduced in 2022. This Bill proposed to establish a new legislative framework that addresses systemic accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people, tāngata whaikaha and their whānau, and others with accessibility needs from living independently and participating in all areas of life.
- Published the Clearing Our Way Guide in 2021 to encourage people involved in design to think before they proceed with plans, because it is far more cost effective to build in accessibility at the planning stage.
- In 2019, the Copyright (Marrakesh Treaty Implementation) Amendment Bill was passed. This bill amends the Copyright Act 1994 to allow New Zealand to accede to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled.
- In 2017, New Zealand joined the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.
Image Description: David Lepofsky, Canadian accessibility advocate speaking at an Access Matters Aotearoa event.
Position statements
Our purpose is to enable people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision to be self-reliant and live the life they choose. Supporting our purpose statement on a fully accessible New Zealand, we also have a number of position statements on specific areas of accessibility, including access to information and communication, access to public transport and access to employment.
Read our position statements to find out where we stand on these topics.