Equitable Access to Wellbeing framework launch

Sir Robert is a disability rights activist from New Zealand who has promoted the self advocacy movement internationally and was involved in the proceedings resulting in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Sir Robert was the key note speaker at the launch of the Equitable Access to Wellbeing Framework 19 October 2022.

Sir Robert spoke about fighting for his own rights and the rights of his friends with disabilities. He highlighted the importance of making sure autistic people and people with learning disabilities get the mental health and addiction treatment that works for them.

Dr Mirfin-Veitch is the Director of the Donald Beasley Institute (DBI). The DBI is an independent charitable trust, which conducts research and education in the field of learning (intellectual) disability. She is also an Associate Professor (Research) with the Centre for Post Graduate Nursing Studies, University of Otago (Christchurch).

Dr Mirfin-Veitch spoke at the launch of the Equitable Access to Wellbeing Framework 19 October 2022.

Dr Mirfin-Veitch presented on research that painted a picture of the inequity faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people as they seek to gain access to the knowledge, resources and supports that ensure their wellbeing. She also spoke of a lack of disability content in health sector training and health content in disability sector training, coupled with the enduring presumption of incompetence that has meant that all too frequently, mental distress and addictions go unrecognised and unaddressed.