Disability Support
What is a Disability?
A disability is an impairment physical, intellectual or sensory that lasts for more than 6 months and limits your ability to carry out day-to-day activities. This can include loss or abnormality of structure or function of the body such as limited movement in joints and pain from arthritis as well as other arthritis-related symptoms like fatigue, inflammation, and “flares”. The Human Rights Act has a full definition in section 21(1)(h). Human Rights Act 1993 section 21
Whaikaha – Ministry for Disabled People
This ministry is set up in partnership with the community and Māori to transform the lives of many New Zealanders.
Many disabled people and whānau face barriers in achieving ordinary life outcomes due, in part, to complicated systems and processes. Government support can be fragmented and difficult to navigate, and multiple eligibility criteria for different services makes it difficult for people to know what support services they are entitled to.
That’s why the Government created Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People to:
- lead a true partnership between the disability community, Māori and Government, and
- help transform the disability system in line with the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach.
Who can get support from Whaikaha?
Its important to know that everyone who is disabled or caring for someone who is disabled can get some level of support.
There is eligibility criteria for Ministry funded support so it is worthwhile taking the time to understand how that works, what you would be entitled to and how to start the process.
Independent Living Charitable Trust
Offers an extensive range of mobility products and services online and in-store, including daily living aids, mobility scooters, walkers, braces, and disability services and information for the Auckland & Northland areas.
Find the link to Independent Living Services and other assistive tools and aids here Shop – Arthritis New Zealand
Mobility Parking Permit and Total Mobility Scheme
Having a diagnosis of arthritis does not automatically entitle you to a mobility parking permit. CCS Disability Action provides the Mobility Parking Permit.
The permit enables you to park in designated mobility parking spaces, and in some areas of NZ, you may be entitled to park in some common spaces for longer than the specified time.
There is a fee and clear eligibility criteria.
Download our factsheet
How to get a mobility parking permit factsheet
Disability Allowance
Disability Allowance is a weekly payment from Work and Income for people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a disability.
Who can get it?
You may get a Disability Allowance if you:
- have a disability that is likely to last at least 6 months
- have regular, ongoing costs because of your disability that are not fully covered by another agency
- are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here.
It also depends on how much you and your partner earn.
Talk to your doctor about what you will need before you apply
Mobility Centres
If you or someone you know is struggling with mobility issues, a mobility centre may be able to help. Mobility centres offer a wide range of products and services to help improve mobility and quality of life.
At a mobility centre, you can find a variety of products to assist with daily living, such as walking aids, braces and supports, and mobility scooters. These products can help you get around more easily and safely, whether you need assistance inside your home or when you’re out and about.
Mobility centres also offer services such as assessments, repairs, and rentals. If you’re not sure which product is right for you, an assessment by a qualified professional can help determine your needs and recommend appropriate solutions. Find the link to Mobility Centres and other assistive tools and devices on our website.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not there . Globally 1 in 7 of us live with a disability.
But while some of us experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent.
The Hidden disabilities Sunflower Scheme provides lanyards for people with a hidden disability to let people in public places such as stores, airports, public transport discreetly know that they may need a little more time, or some extra assistance while shopping. You can purchase your sunflower lanyard online, and some public places have them for you to pick up and use for free while you are in the centre, such as Westfield Shopping Centres in NZ.
