ACHIEVE

ACHIEVE is a national network established to ensure equal opportunity and access to post-secondary education and training for people with impairments.

ACHIEVE advocates and lobbies for people with a range of impairments who are transitioning into or studying in post-secondary education or training. For example; at a university, polytechnic, private training establishment, wananga or college of education.

Anyone with an interest in post-secondary education and training for people with impairments can join. Corporate and individual membership is available.

ACHIEVE's membership may include:

• Students with impairments, the Deaf community, their families and support networks.
• Polytechnics, colleges of education, universities, wananga, private training establishments and other training providers.
• Disability support staff and other professionals supporting students with impairments in post-secondary education and training.
• Students Association.
• Service providers and organisations in the disability community.

• A coordinated national effort in securing quality educational opportunities for students with impairments in post-secondary education and training.
• Opportunities for members to network, support and learn from each other.
• Monitoring of equal education policies developed by Government, the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Commission and post-secondary institutions, that impact on students with impairments.
• Liaison with groups and bodies who have similar interests.
• Advice, support and information.

• A commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Public and professional debate on equal opportunity policies and practices.
• Sharing of initiatives through research, publications and conferences.
• Cooperation to ensure smooth transition for students with impairments.
• Staff development for those supporting students with impairments.
• Monitoring of services and support for students with impairments.
• Best practice models for those providing services for students with impairments.
• An environment where students with impairments can ACHIEVE their best possible academic outcome.

• ACHIEVE has played a key role in securing funding for supporting students with impairments in post-secondary education and training - most notably, the Special Supplementary Grant: Tertiary Students with Disabilities.
• Fostered the development of a number of networks for students with impairments.
• Advocated for, supported and played an active part in National Conferences and Gatherings for students with impairments and disability support services staff at polytechnics, colleges of education and universities.
• Developed written information to encourage best practice and networking - Kia Ōrite Achieving Equity.