With the second round of public consultation beginning, Kiwis are being encouraged to give their feedback on the first draft of the disability strategy.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner says since the current Disability Strategy was released in 2001, there's been fundamental shifts in the way New Zealand, and the world, look at disability.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner is calling for public feedback on the first draft of the updated Disability Strategy. File Photo.

The first round of consultation held in April and May received more than 600 submissions, says Nicky.

'We now want to hear from disabled people, their families and the disability community to see how they feel the draft strategy reflects the initial consultation,” she says.

In the draft strategy there are eight key areas being targeted which includes education, employment, health and well-being, justice, accessibility, attitudes, choice and control, and leadership.

Nicky says with one in four Kiwis living with a physical, sensory, learning, mental health or other impairment, the barriers which prevent people from participating fully in New Zealand society need to be removed.

'The new disability strategy will establish a clear direction for the government over the next ten years, providing a framework to help make informed decisions on issues that impact disabled people,” she says.

The consultation is open from Monday, July 25, to Sunday, August 21.

For more information on how to take part and to see the draft disability strategy visit www.jointheconversation.nz