Hundreds are backing a petition asking parliament to improve the process for housing modifications for disabled people.
Josh Perry, 27, has launched a petition calling on the health minister to address the long wait times disabled people face for house modifications to suit their needs. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
The petition has secured support from more than 400 people.
Dunedin man Josh Perry has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He said it took him 18 months to get approval to alter his shower - and that was not good enough.
Mr Perry has struggled with his bathroom since moving in a couple of years ago, so he decided to launch a petition out of frustration last month.
He is asking for a more efficient process for house modifications like accessible showers and facilities in general for people with disabilities.
National MP Michael Woodhouse Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
His petition was supported by National MP Michael Woodhouse.
"In Josh's situation, it is unacceptable for somebody to wait as long as he has for the fix that he very much needs just to live safely and well."
The Southern DHB blamed challenges with Mr Perry's bathroom design and employed an architect to help work through that.
Mr Woodhouse questioned that.
"I don't believe it is complicated as they are making it out to be - and in any event - we are now past 18 months since this process started."
Mr Perry told Checkpoint last month he believed a number of other disabled people were waiting a long time for vital modifications.
As a result of the petition, he wanted the government to launch an official inquiry.
Mr Perry's petition to parliament closes today.
