New Zealand Legislation for people with disabilities
Office for Disability Issues
A government department established in July 2002 as part of the Ministry of Social Development. Its role is to:
- lead, monitor and promote the New Zealand Disability Strategy,
- provide policy advice on disability issues,
- lead strategic and cross-sectoral disability policy,
- support the Minister for Disability Issues.
Frequently asked questions about health and disability safety standards
New health and disability standards for hospitals, rest homes and residential disability services aimed at improving safety levels and quality of care will be mandatory from 1 October 2004.
Health Service Providers System
Provides information for providers of hospital and rest home services and residential care for people with disabilities and to the public about the certification of these services.
Ministry of Education - Design Standards
The legal requirements to provide access for all students.
Ministry of Health Publications
Latest publications on disability-related issues. Search the Ministry of Health library, read media releases and public health updates.
Ministry of Social Development - Older People
The Ministry is working towards a New Zealand where: "Older people are valued as important members of society and have the right to dignity and security in their senior years. They have opportunities to use their skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to society".
Ministry of Women's Affairs
Women with disabilities in New Zealand.
New Zealand Health and Disability Commission
Promotes the rights and responsibilities of consumers and providers, and resolves complaints.
Occupational Overuse Syndrome
Guidelines for prevention and management.
Participate Newsletter
This page provides information about subscribing to Participate which is a regular newsletter from the office of the Honorable Ruth Dyson. It has information about issues relevant to people with disabilities, developments in disability services, government and the sector.
Statistics New Zealand
New Zealand’s major source of official statistics. Direct link to information relating to disability.
The New Zealand Guidelines Group
Promoting effective health and disability services.
Hon Ruth Dyson
Releases, Speeches, Newsletters
Advocacy and your Rights
Age Concern
Age Concern New Zealand is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that promotes the quality of life and well-being of older people.
Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA)
DPA (New Zealand) is an organisation representing people with disabilities, their families, disability-advocacy organistions and service providers.
Human Rights Commission
Promotes human rights with a New Zealand focus. Provides case notes, a library database, submissions and media releases, and a resource list.
Parents of Vision Impaired NZ Inc (PVI)
PVI encourages and supports a New Zealand wide network of parents who are able to support each other in their drive to improve the health, welfare, education and socializing opportunities for their vision impaired children
The Personal Advocacy Trust
Provides advocacy/friendship for intellectually disabled people when their parents can no longer provide that support.
International Law and Standards
Americans with Disabilities Act
Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Disability Discrimination Act 1995 - UK
For information about support groups in your region, browse our list of support services.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Try talking to our online assistant or contact Enable New Zealand or New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres.
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