Useful Links

We have collated a list of useful websites and resources, click on a link to visit their website

ADHD Association

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and that an estimated one in 20 New Zealanders have ADHD. Unfortunately, ADHD is still frequently misunderstood and when it remains undiagnosed can cause distress in family, school, work and social situations.

Autism NZ

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 93,000* New Zealanders. The traits associated with autism span a wide spectrum and lead to a different way of seeing the world and interacting with others. Autism New Zealand has worked continuously with the community to deliver thousands of educational programmes that increase public understanding of autism.

Blind Low Vision NZ

Every day, an average of six New Zealanders turn to Blind Low Vision NZ for support with sight loss. Some are still reeling and are looking for emotional support; many want to find ways to remain self-reliant, to stay in work and get around independently. All want to find ways of doing the things that are important to them. Blind Low Vision NZ is here to provide practical and emotional support, to advocate for inclusive communities and lead the way in vision rehabilitation.

Brain Injury NZ

The Brain Injury New Zealand offers support and resources to those who are affected – whether it be their own injury, or the injury of a loved one. We understand the daily struggles and the constant readjustments required, and we have the resources and links you need to begin enjoying life again! We are here to help and support you.

Burwood Academy of Independent Living

Supporting Research and Learning in Rehabilitation. The Burwood Academy is a dynamic organisation committed to delivering research excellence and outcomes that improve the lives of people living with disability. Research that matters by people who care!

CCS Disability Action

CCS Disability Action is the largest pan-disability support and advocacy organisation in New Zealand. We have a long, proud history of working in partnership with disabled people, families and whānau to provide dedicated and flexible support services.

UN Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The UN Programme on Disability/Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SCRPD) falls within the Division for Social Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

Deaf Association

Deaf Aotearoa provides a range of services for the Deaf Community from employment support to providing assistance with equipment.

Disability Information Service

Livingwell Disability Resource Centre provides a range of services including: Free disability and health information and advice; Directories for accessible accommodation and activities in Otago; The DIGEST a weekly updates on local and regional events and notices; Mobile Service covering north, south and central Otago; Access Advice and Education specialist information
Disability Responsiveness Workshops; and more.

Disabled Persons Assembly

DPA New Zealand is a Disabled Person’s Organisation (DPO) that includes all disability groups. We work in collaboration with others to achieve inclusion for all New Zealanders. Your impairment could be physical or sensory, you may have a learning disability or experience of mental illness or your disability could be neurological, health or age related. We project an active, independent voice that reflects your aspirations, your concerns and your rights. Every disabled person is listened to, as are all organisations within our disability community.

Dyslexia Foundation of NZ

Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand (DFNZ) was formed in November 2006 to provide a voice for, and services to, the estimated one in ten New Zealanders with dyslexia as well as to those supporting them. DFNZ is recognised as the foremost lobby group for dyslexia in New Zealand. The DFNZ advocates for supporting neurodiversity in two key areas- Education and Justice. DFNZ is a registered Charitable Trust, and New Zealand’s only national organisation focused specifically on dyslexia.

Hearing Association

Founded in 1932, Hearing New Zealand has been working hard with the help of our members and volunteers to help individuals around the country who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our work is dedicated to improving the lives of our members and non-members through one-on-one support and services for the hearing impaired. We are also involved in advocacy, education and research.

Human Rights Commission

We work across New Zealand to increase human rights standards in law, policy and practice. As New Zealand’s national human rights institution we work for a free, fair, safe and just New Zealand, where diversity is valued and human dignity and rights are respected.

Health & Disability Commissioner

The Health and Disability Commissioner promotes and protects people's rights as set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. This includes resolving complaints in a fair, timely, and effective way. HDC promotes the rights of all people accessing health and disability services across the country.

Mental Health Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing. Improving individuals, whanau, organisations and communities.

Ministry of Education

We're the Government’s lead advisor on New Zealand's education system. We shape direction for education agencies and providers, and contribute to the Government’s goals for education.

NZ Organisation for Rare Disorders

RDNZ is the respected voice of rare disorders in New Zealand. We are the only national organisation supporting all New Zealanders who live with a rare condition, and the people who care for them. We provide a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare diseases. To do this, RDNZ works with the Government, researchers, clinicians and industry to promote research, diagnosis, treatment and services.

NZ Health & Disability Support Groups

This page lists disability-related organisations and service providers and some of the resources they produce.

Firstport: Disability Information

Goodbye Weka, hello Firstport! New Zealand disability gateway for information, services and support. Weka’s got a brand new website, a fresh new name, and shiny new content.

ADCET

The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Training (DESE)  under the Higher Education Disability Support Program and is hosted by the University of Tasmania.

AHEAD

AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education in the USA. Since 1977, AHEAD has offered an unparalleled member experience to disability resource professionals, student affairs personnel, ADA coordinators, diversity officers, AT/IT staff, faculty and other instructional personnel, and colleagues who are invested in creating welcoming higher education experiences for disabled individuals. Informed by its diverse membership, AHEAD

Skill

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities is an independent charity that promotes opportunities for people with any kind of disability in learning and employment. Since 1974 we have been helping young people and adults over 16 years of age with any kind of disability including physical and sensory disabilities, learning and mental health difficulties throughout the UK. Skill believes that for many disabled people education is the key to leading a fulfilling and independent life.

Techno-vision

Techno-vision have put on the web their handy document that was available at Sight Village. It is called "The 10 TVS Guidelines For Making our Documents Braille-Ready" but can also help with making documents ready for audio file formats such as Daisy etc

2001 NZ Disability Strategy

You can still access the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2001 in different formats. Hard copies are no longer available. The revised New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2026 was launched on 29 November 2016.