Disability Resources NZ
Finding reliable disability information can be challenging. Services, funding pathways, support organisations and government agencies often operate independently, making it difficult to know where to begin. This resource centre has been created to help disabled people, families, whānau, carers, educators and advocates find useful information in one place.
Whether you are looking for disability support services, funding assistance, advocacy information, assistive technology, accessibility guidance or community support, our goal is to help you find trusted resources that may assist you on your journey.
Support and Services
New Zealand has a wide range of disability support services available. These include needs assessments, funding support, respite care, individualised funding, equipment and modification services, supported living, community participation programmes and specialist services for children and adults.
Disability Support Services (DSS) coordinates and funds support for approximately 55,000 disabled people and their whānau each year, while also funding environmental support services, equipment and home modifications for around 100,000 people annually. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Government Information
Government agencies provide information covering disability rights, education, health, employment, housing, transport, emergency preparedness and community participation. These resources can help people understand available support and how different services work together.
The Ministry of Disabled People, Whaikaha, provides information on disability supports, housing, transport, education, employment, health services, emergency preparedness and a wide range of community resources. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Advocacy and Rights
Understanding your rights is an important part of achieving inclusion and participation. Advocacy organisations can help people navigate systems, raise concerns, access services and ensure their voices are heard.
Many disability organisations throughout New Zealand provide independent advocacy, peer support and information to help disabled people and their families make informed decisions about their lives and future goals.
Assistive Technology and Accessibility
Technology can help remove barriers and increase independence. Resources relating to assistive technology, communication devices, sensory supports, mobility equipment, accessible software and adaptive learning tools continue to grow each year.
For many disabled people, the right equipment or technology can improve access to education, employment, recreation and community participation. Information about equipment funding and support services can often be found through Disability Support Services and specialist providers. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Research, Data and Evidence
Good disability policy and services depend on quality information. Research, disability surveys and community feedback help identify barriers and opportunities for improvement across New Zealand.
Disability data plays an important role in measuring progress towards the New Zealand Disability Strategy and New Zealand's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Growing Resource Library
This resource centre will continue to expand as new information becomes available. We will regularly add disability news, guides, reports, support services, community resources, accessibility information and practical tools that may help disabled people, families and professionals throughout New Zealand.
Our goal is simple: to create a central location where people can discover useful information, stay informed about changes affecting the disability community and find pathways to the support they need.