> Achieve (H)ome /access keys on this page are indicated by a letter in parentheses, e.g. (h)
CONTENTS  [skip]

Foreword

Part 1 - (I)ntroduction

Part 2 - (S)etting the Scene

Part 3 - (B)est Practice Standards for Creating an Inclusive Environment

Part 4 - Policy and Legal (F)ramework for Using the Code

Part 5 - (A)ppendices

Kia Ōrite Achieving Equity
NZ Code of Practice for an Inclusive Tertiary Education Environment for Students with Impairments
FOREWORD

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Equity of access and opportunity is an important part of the vision for our tertiary education system, outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy 2002/07. The Strategy sets an objective for people with impairments to be achieving skills and qualifications in greater numbers. The Disability Strategy 2001 establishes a similar vision: to improve post-compulsory education options for people with impairments.

When the government released the Tertiary Education Strategy 2002/07 it was envisaged that providers, communities and government agencies would work together to create the vision that the Strategy outlined.

I'm delighted that the tertiary sector group ACHIEVE has initiated and developed a Code of Practice to address issues for people with impairments. Congratulations to ACHIEVE for their work on Achieving Equity: New Zealand Code of Practice for an Inclusive Tertiary Environment for Students with Impairments. ACHIEVE's knowledge, experience and understanding of issues for people with impairments undertaking tertiary study, is reflected in this document. I note also that the Code has been subject to wide consultation throughout New Zealand and that the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission were involved in its development.

The benefits of tertiary education need to be available to people with impairments. Tertiary education enhances peoples' lives by contributing to their general knowledge and understanding, increasing their incomes and standard of living and widening their experiences and interests.

This Code of Practice is a significant new resource. Providers will undoubtedly find it useful in working towards equity of access and opportunity for their students with impairments. It will help in developing further the kinds of tertiary environments that enable people with impairments to achieve to their full potential.

My colleague Hon Ruth Dyson and I commend the Code of Practice to you and hope that tertiary providers will take it up as you assist people with impairments to participate successfully in tertiary education.

Hon Steve Maharey, Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education)

Hon Ruth Dyson, Minister for Disability Issues

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