Initially, NZ prescribed to the charity model. People had no rights and had to be lucky to obtain rehabilitation (Some aspects of New Zealand’s disability history, 2002). If an individual came from a wealthy family, who chose to support them, they may have received some rehabilitation, but probably considered themselves lucky to have meals provided. The majority of people in NZ who had a disability and were not wealthy were forced to beg for charity from churches, charities or on the street.
After the war NZ had an influx of previously fit and healthy young men, returning from the war with physical and mental disabilities (Dean, et al., 2012). Public opinion started to shift and NZ moved into the medical model of rehabilitation. People no longer thought of those with disabilities as undeserving, they began to see disabilities as something that could happen to anyone. The medical community started working with injured soldiers to attempt to assist them to be able to function as they used to, or as closely as possible. After time the medical model of rehabilitation was offered to civilians as well (Some aspects of New Zealand’s disability history, 2002). In 1938 social security stated, taxing people on their means and proving for others based on their needs. This was an important step forward in providing for those who required assistance due to illness and disability.
In the 1970’s people fought to be treated fairly. This started the rights-based model, where people were seen to be deserving of treatment, regardless of their status in society and that everyone should be treated fairly (Some aspects of New Zealand’s disability history, 2002). This was a giant shift in rehabilitation models, from the medical professionals being in control, to the individual being able to drive the rehabilitation process.
In 1972 ACC began. ACC provided financial assistance to individuals injured in an accident and funded treatments. This was the start of a new divide for people requiring rehabilitation, if they were injured in an accident, ACC provided for them. However, if they required rehabilitation due to an illness, individuals had to rely on the lesser funded ministry of health.
Rehabilitation has undergone a massive transformation over the past one hundred years. I can only imagine how this process will continue to grow and evolve as we advance as society. I only hope that one day, everyone requiring rehabilitation will have the same opportunity to obtain treatment, regardless of why they may need rehabilitation.
References
Dean, S. G., Siegert, R. J., & Taylor, W. J. (2012). Interprofessional rehabilitation: A person centred Approach. Chinchester, West Suffix:
Wiley-Blackwell.
Some aspects of New
Zealand’s disability history. (2002). Retrieved from
http://publicaddress.net/access/some-aspects-of-new-zealands-disability-history-1/
http://publicaddress.net/access/some-aspects-of-new-zealands-disability-history-1/
2 comments:
An interesting bit of history here Jess. I had no idea. I never stopped to think about when ACC commenced in New Zealand. As an immigrant, I find it a beneficial system compared to the countries where people sue for any injury, some totally ridiculous, and win. I hope the country continues with ACC and does not take on the other approach.
I have taken ACC for granted my whole life, as with our general (if somewhat flawed). I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in a country where if you don't have your own funding, you don't get health care. Rehabilitation is super important, by not offering rehabilitation, people are taught (as you say) that people with disabilities cannot be helped. People with disabilities have to live in enforced powerlessness. It is much better that New Zealand offers this help!
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