Cost of Disability Research Project

In 2005, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and the Health Research Council (HRC) commissioned a two year research project (completing late 2007) that would estimate the cost of disability in New Zealand and enhance Government’s knowledge about the costs associated with disability.

It is widely acknowledged that people who experience disability need a variety of additional goods and services to lead ‘an ordinary life’ and therefore face additional costs, but there is little evidence about what those are in a New Zealand context. The research will investigate the costs associated with disability and exploring how these costs differ according to individual needs and personal circumstances.

The research is being conducted by the Disability Resource Centre Auckland in partnership with Auckland University’s Centre for Health Services Research and Policy, and utilises a budget standards approach. A reference group of disabled people who have broad knowledge of the disability and mental health sectors is informing the research. Jonny Wilkinson of Tiaho Trust has representation on this group.

The scope of the research has been constrained to ensure the size of the project is manageable, and the findings robust.  The focus of the research is therefore limited to disabled people aged 18 to 64 without children, and excludes the direct cost of residential care, education, health care and community based support services.

A final draft report has been prepared and a Steering Committee has reviewed the draft and is currently providing feedback.  Following the incorporation of Steering Committee feedback, the report will go through internal MSD and HRC signoff procedures, and the Minister of Disability Issues will be briefed on findings.  We will keep you informed as to when the research is likely to be disseminated.