SDS Network - Experiences in SDS New Zealand (Marsha Marshall)
SKILLS II Webinar, January 2022
This webinar will explore Individualised Funding in New Zealand and the social impact the programme is having and discuss the future and evolution of self-direction as a human right and the normal model of support, as opposed to an alternative.
There are several models of self-direction in place in New Zealand, the largest model being Individualised Funding (IF). Current approximately 8,000 disabled people across New Zealand use individualised Funding in some iteration. The outcomes are transformational to the quality of people's lives, particularly in relation to choice, control and flexibility. A recent report released by a policy think tank in New Zealand has described IF as transformational, with overwhelming evidence of its effectiveness and advocates use of the model widely to improve people's lives dramatically. It empowers people to live the life they want, to have the people around them they choose and to have freedom to design and deliver their own supports in a way that suits them as individuals and families.
Marsha Marshall is the CEO of Manawanui Support Ltd, a disability support organisation in New Zealand that facilitates and supports self-direction for over 6000 disabled people and their families. Manawanui is the only disability support organisation in New Zealand that exclusively focusses on the implementation of personal budgets and self-direction. Originally from Canada, Marsha immigrated to New Zealand in 1997 where she has led the implementation of self-direction in a variety of roles. With a background as a paediatric nurse, Marsha has over 30 years’ experience in health and disability and is passionate about self-direction, social impact, and citizenship for all. She believes strongly that self-direction is a human right, and should be seen as such, and implemented across any context where personal support is required and funded publicly.
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SDS Network
Leading the global development of self-directed support:
https://www.selfdirectedsupport.eu/
https://citizen-network.org/work/sds-network
