1st NZ report on implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Over the end of 2010 submissions were called for New Zealand's report on implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In response submissions were made including requests for awareness raising, education for health professionals & the issues surrounding lack of access to health services for people with MCS in New Zealand.

The first report has just been released, and article eight, section 36 responds to the issue of lack of awareness surrounding the issue of awareness in disabilities such as multiple chemical sensitivity:

36. Awareness and understanding of different impairment types by government agencies, professionals and the public varies. Disabled people with uncommon impairments such as those arising from multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome report that there are few or no services available (to respond to severe reactions to chemicals) and health professionals lack knowledge about such conditions.

See link to full report

I am delighted to see that there has been acknowledgement of the lack of services available to people with MCS & in this first report a committment to raising awareness among health professionals.

Thank you DDA

I'm so pleased this country has a Disability Discrimination Act. Once this was pointed out to the clinic mentioned in my last blog, the second letter I received was significantly more accommodating. I didn't expect as much as they offered. But am very happy. I am about as protected as I could have hoped from the chemicals that were making me sick, while still visiting a public place.

1. I have a separate room to wait in away from the general populace - it is well ventilated & I can sit outside on the veranda
2. The clinic I now attend has better ventilation & I can still see my own GP
3. I can leave straight after & pay by phone & not wait at perfumed reception to pay
4. The air perfume dispenser will be removed from one toilet

Well done to them for coming through.

Re: Air Fresheners

We have reviewed your requests re air fresheners and perfumes.

Our clinic is designed to provide the best experience for the majority of our patients and as such we will not be making any changes.

Yours sincerely...