Disability support

Disability support

  • Support services and information for people affected by disability and their family/whānau.
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Affordable Colleges Online (ACO)(external link)
Assistive technology, support, resources and links to help students with disability succeed in their education.

Amputees Federation of New Zealand(external link) 
Ongoing support for all amputees, including education and advice with regard to rehabilitation, social and physical networks etc. Ensures that amputees receive artificial limbs and aids, and adequate training in the use thereof. Networks to liaise with health professionals, government departments, service agencies and key community groups.

Brain Injury Association of NZ Inc.(external link) 
There are 14 regional brain injury associations around New Zealand. Each association offers support via a liaison officer along with a variety of support groups and social activities.

Disability Connect, NZ(external link)
Disability Connect is a Disability Information Advisory Service. They are based in Penrose and operate throughout Auckland – north to Warkworth and south to Bombay.

Down Syndrome – NZ Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)(external link) 
Freephone 0800 NZDSAI. Website includes support from trained support parents, newsletters, information packs, access to regional groups across thirteen centres in NZ involving coffee mornings, family events, guest speakers and individual support and advocacy. 

Enable NZ(external link)
Freephone 0800 362 253 or email enable@enable.co.nz. Provides resources for people with identified health and disability support needs.

Firstport(external link)
Provides links to national, local, community and disability advice-specific support services. 

Halberg Trust(external link) 
Freephone 0800 HALBERG. Aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled New Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation. 

Health and Disability Commissioner(external link) 
Freephone 0800 11 22 33. Helpful if you have a disability and want to find resources or learn more about your rights. Also includes useful information for anyone associated with the disability sector including families/whānau, consumer organisations, disability service providers, and professionals.

IHC New Zealand(external link) 
Freephone 0800 442 442. Focus on supporting people with intellectual disabilities to live, learn, work and enjoy life as part of the community. Get help with accommodation information, home support, advocacy, daily living and more.

Mana Whaikaha(external link) 
Freephone 0800 626 255 or email info@manawhaikaha.co.nz. A disability support system for the MidCentral region with hubs in Palmerston North, Levin, Pahiatua and Dannevirke.

MASH Trust(external link) 
Freephone 0800 627 4878 or email manawatu@mashtrust.org.nz. Provides a wide range of support services for people with mental health conditions, intellectual or physical disabilities, alcohol and addiction struggles and youth respite care throughout the lower North Island in the Wellington, Kapiti, Horowhenua, Palmerston North and Hawkes Bay regions. 

Neurological Foundation of New Zealand Inc.(external link) 
Freephone 0508 BRAINS (0508 272 467). An independent body and charitable trust that raises funds to ensure NZ's top neuroscientists and clinicians can continue leading-edge research into neurological disorders. Provides information about disorders, tips on maintaining a healthy brain, news, events, resources and more.

NursingEducation(external link)
A comparison of some of the benefits and challenges of a nursing career, tips on choosing an accessible nursing school, and examines different nursing career paths, their demands, and accommodations available. It also includes practical advice on job interviews, disclosing disabilities to employers, and understanding legal protections.

People First NZ(external link) 
Freephone 0800 20 60 70. A self advocacy organisation that is led and directed by people with learning disability. Provides accessible training that is created and delivered by people with learning disability.

Presbyterian Support (Northern area)(external link) 
S
upport to everyday New Zealanders as they face life’s challenges and build a better future for themselves and their families. With a focus mainly on children and their families, older people and people with disabilities.


Starjam(external link)
StarJam is an award-winning non-profit organisation that empowers young New Zealanders with disabilities to achieve their full potential through music and performance workshops.

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.