Bridget Snedden (Dip.Human Services) has been actively involved in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and advancing those rights since the early 1990s. Over this time she has developed her thinking and knowledge on Social Role Valorisation (SRV). She has undertaken a number of key leadership roles particularly relating to the development of family governance initiatives. Being innovative and prepared to take risks are traits that come naturally to her, and she will do whatever it takes so that families have their needs met which inevitably goes some way to the ‘good life’ we all seek.
Over the past 20 years Bridget has developed a wide range of skills and expertise by listening to what it is that families believe is right for them. The knowledge gathered over the years has given her some wisdom in working with families and with the myriad of people and agencies involved in a disabled person’s life.
Bridget has valuable insight into the life of a family with a disabled family member as her eldest son has Down syndrome. Through her personal experience she understands the importance of parents having and then holding the vision for a disabled family member, regardless of the pressure from ‘well meaning’ people and systems to let go of it.
She believes that access to information is key so that families make real choice and sound decisions for and on behalf of their disabled family member.
Bridget is committed to creating opportunity for change within New Zealand so that disabled people and their families can live the lives they desire and so that their disabled son or daughter has ‘a good and ordinary life’ in a community that is welcoming and inclusive.
Bridget was the President and the National Coordinator of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) for 10 years and although not currently actively involved in the governance of the NZDSA she has an ongoing commitment to this organisation. She is a Trustee of Spectrum Care Trust Board, a large disability service provider in Auckland.
