Cr Carmen Houlahan’s comments come as the council agreed by 12-1 to write to new Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston requesting changes to purchasing rules and equipment modifications be scrapped, and that consistent access be given to flexible disability support funding.
At the meeting held this week, Cr Houlahan said the announced changes, which restricted the flexibility, had "put fear into every member of the disability community".
"This motion is personal for me. I have a son with disability needs.
"When I heard they were making cuts, I thought, ‘how does it relate to us’?".
Access to carers and support devices had been vital for her son’s general wellbeing, she said.
"Our carers are like my extended family. They're essential. [My son] has support and devices.
"They completely change people’s lives — and what parent doesn't want that for their child."
Mayor Jules Radich supported the motion.
He said flexibility of access was about "freedom of choice" to ensure a reasonable way of life.
He hoped the fact Penny Simmonds had been dropped from the position of disabilities minister was an indication the government was open to reconsidering.
Cr Mandy Mayhem, who put forward the motion, said the "sudden ban" on respite funding and other options to meet the needs of disabled people came on top of the reduction in benefit increases, the below-inflation minimum wage increase, the removal of half-price public transport for under 25s and the upcoming reinstatement of prescription charges.
"Every one of these penny-pinching moves heaps pressure on disabled people, their families and those who support them during the cost-of-living crisis."
The new restrictions had removed mileage allowances, cut accommodation costs, reduced purchases, and forced changes to equipment and home-modification priorities — all of which were previously a lifesaver for disabled individuals and their families, Cr Mayhem said.
Cr Andrew Whiley said he "struggled with the wording but agreed with the intent" of the motion.
"The issue being is that the previous government bungled it; they absolutely stuffed this up.
"I feel sorry for the disabled community. But if you want to punish the government, start doing the digging and find out where the problems started."
Cr Kevin Gilbert also queried whether the Ministry of Disabled People was adequately equipped when it was established about two years ago.
Cr Marie Laufiso said whether it was the previous or present government’s fault was beside the point and it was a "human rights" issue.
Cr Jim O’Malley said although the motion might not seem like "core business", it was important council sent a message to central government.
"Representing all people in our city is a core council activity . . . this is a national issue, and central government needs to know where this city stands.
"This is about fairness and equity."
Cr Brent Weatherall said he supported this motion, but would have preferred if it had gone through Local Government New Zealand.
Cr Sophie Barker said one-in-four people had a disability.
"It is an absolute duty to speak up for them: the cuts were horrific. For all of us, it’s a ‘there but for the grace of God, go I’ moment".
Cr Steve Walker said he had recently spoken to Dr Amy Taylor, who organised the Dunedin protest last month.
"Her words reflected a real-life situation [of someone] whose life has been turned upside-down.
"These changes impinge so punitively on the disabled community."
Cr Lee Vandervis was the sole councillor who voted against the motion.
