What we can do for
Disabled People/ Ko ngā Tāngata Hauā
We’re here to help disabled people live successful lives, to help them take their place in a society where their contribution is valued and they are included.
Find out about Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services is responsible for providing essential support to around 50,000 disabled people and their whānau, as well as equipment and modification services for approximately 100,000 New Zealanders.
An improved approach to community participation funding
Ministry of Social Development (MSD) provides funding towards specialist services for disabled people and people with a health condition who need additional support with community participation and inclusion.
In late 2022 a new funding model was approved for how MSD funds Community Participation services, including additional funding of $14.35m a year.
Find out about Community Participation Services here.
How to find services
You can search for contact details of over 6,000 family and community services using their Family Services Directory.
Community Links are places where people can get help for a range of needs by a variety of social services and agencies. These services could range from simple financial assistance through to advocacy, support, education and counselling services.
Heartland Service Centres provide access to government services and information in rural communities. They provide an opportunity to meet face to face with government agency representatives.
Looking for work
Work and Income will support you while you’re not able to work and help you realise your work goals. When it’s right for you and your family, they can help you find part-time or full-time work, get training, or become self-employed.
Financial assistance
Work and Income may be able to help you with living costs if you’re not able to work, or are working fewer hours because you’re disabled. They may be able to provide other assistance in certain circumstances such as funding for workplace changes to make it easier for you to stay in or get work.
Information for carers
Information for Carers is a practical guide for people caring for family or friends who have ill health or a disability.
Removing barriers and creating opportunities
LEAD Toolkit helps government policy makers incorporate a disability perspective in their work.
New Zealand Disability Strategy is a framework requiring government agencies to consider the needs of disabled New Zealanders when developing policies and services.
Think Differently was a social change campaign to encourage and support a fundamental shift in attitudes and behaviour towards disabled people.
Work and Income have a centralised team who can quickly respond to the deaf or those who have hearing or speech impairments
