Findings of this report “Omicron not only brought a whole host of new challenges, but put additional pressures on pre-existing issues and inequalities, especially when it comes to areas such as caregiving availability and accessing non-COVID related health services. However, it’s important to note that our [disabled people and] their whānau demonstrate remarkable resilience at this time.” (Submission) Disabled people, whānau and communities have been navigating the varying challenges of Omicron remarkably. Throughout the submissions made to this phase of the Inquiry are many examples of how disabled people have come together, as whānau, as communities, as rōpū, as networks, and as organisations to share information and resources: “[We] are resilient, we are strong, they are resourceful, but we are exhausted, we are stressed, and they are trying to manage with fewer tools for safety than we had before we had the Omicron outbreak.” (Māori submission) While these incredible efforts have done a lot to make sure disabled people and their whānau stay as safe as possible during Omicron, this adds to the existing impacts of ongoing ableism. A close analysis of the submissions received from organisations has confirmed the rights of disabled people throughout the Omicron outbreak warrants attention and suggests that a rights-based approach can help both the current Omicron response and any future stages of our COVID-19 pandemic response meet the needs and aspirations of disabled people. Submissions shared a range of concerns about the lived experiences of disabled people and their whānau during Omicron, many of which relate to the lack of rights-based approaches in government planning. This includes the lack of participation and engagement with disabled people and their whānau, advice provided but not taken, and a lack of transparency around why decisions are made. Concerns were also raised around a perceived lack of commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by government agencies in a way that creates conditions for tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau to express mana motuhake and ensures government services and funding meet their aspirations and needs. 16 Inquiry into the Support of Disabled People and Whānau During Omicron