The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) is a strategic and whole-of-government focused policy group, located within the Ministry of Social Development. ODI was established in July 2002 to provide dedicated policy support to the Minister for Disability Issues and to be the focal point in government on disability issues.

ODI works across portfolios and with government agencies to support progress on disability issues. Its work is underpinned by the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

However, ODI is not responsible for implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy. Instead, its role is to promote, guide, lead, inform and advise wherever appropriate. ODI also has a key role in developing partnerships between disabled people, central and local government, communities and support agencies.

ODI has the following key roles:

• Supporting the Minister for Disability Issues
• Providing policy advice on disability issues, including leading strategic policy development on disability issues across government
• Maintaining an overview of, and contributing a disability perspective to, policy development by other agencies
• Meeting formal international obligations in relation to disability issues
• Promoting, monitoring and reporting on the progress of the New Zealand Disability Strategy within government and the wider community
  
• Ensuring the disability sector has a voice within government by building strong government - disability sector relationships to enhance understanding of sector perspectives, issues and concerns (including around emerging issues)