Listen to RNZ's Kathryn Ryan speak with Bernadette Ingham who has a lived disability, her husband uses a wheelchair and she is extremely frustrated that the needs of disabled people are not being addressed in the pandemic response.

Ms Ryan also interviews Disabled Persons Assembly Chief Executive Prudence Walker, NZ Disability Support Network Chief Executive Peter Reynolds and Marsha Marshall, CEO of Manawanui.

"The disabled community is speaking out about distressing waits for personal care and navigating pandemic assistance as Covid adds to the chronic shortage of home carers.

The Disability Rights Commissioner is so concerned about reports of people let down by not receiving timely care during Omicron, that she's launched an inquiry using powers under the Human Rights Act.

One in 4 New Zealanders has a disability. Bernadette Ingham has a lived disability, her husband uses a wheelchair and she is extremely frustrated that the needs of disabled people are not being addressed in the pandemic response.

Kathryn will also speak with Disabled Persons Assembly Chief Executive Prudence Walker, NZ Disability Support Network Chief Executive Peter Reynolds and to Marsha Marshall, the CEO of Manawanui, which is the country's leading provider of Individualised Funding services for people with disabilities."

Listen to the discussion with Kathryn Ryan.