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Disability Support Services

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to disability support services in New Zealand. At Independent Living, we provide clear, practical information about publicly funded support services, who can access them, and the organisations offering them across Auckland and Northland. If you’re seeking support for yourself, a whānau/family member, or someone you care for, this guide will help you understand the range of disability support services and how to get them. 

Below is an overview of the support available:

Behaviour Support Services

Behaviour Support Services help people with intellectual impairments manage behaviours that may affect well-being, safety, or participation in daily life. This support is for behaviours that might be potentially dangerous or limit community involvement. 

How do behaviour support services work?

A personalised plan is created with the individual and their family or caregivers. Specialists assess triggers and develop strategies to reduce the impact of challenging behaviours. This could include teaching coping skills or using practical techniques to manage triggers.

How can I access behaviour support services?

Services are accessed through a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agency, a Regional Intellectual Disability Care Agency (RIDCA), or directly via a Behaviour Support provider.

Community Residential Support Services

Community Residential Support Services provide 24-hour residential support for people with disabilities who require assistance with daily living activities. These services are ideal for people who need constant support or care in a residential setting.

What support is provided in CRSS?

The support offered can include personal care (e.g., assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating), household management (e.g., help with cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation), and emotional support. Residents also have opportunities to socialise and engage in community activities.

How do I access CRSS?

A NASC agency assesses eligibility and support needs, helping find suitable accommodation such as a community residential home or a flat with full-time assistance.

Disability Information and Advice Services

Disability Information and Advice Services (DIAS) provide information and advice to individuals and their whānau regarding disability support services in NZ. These services help individuals navigate the often-complex disability service landscape and provide guidance on how to access funding, find providers, and make informed decisions. Independent Living is a DIAS for the Auckland Region, and we liaise with other specialist regional and National DIAS organisations.

What information do DIAS provide?

DIAS services offer a range of helpful resources and advice on topics such as disability equipment, modifications to homes or vehicles, and support networks. For example, you might get advice on how to access financial support or where to find specialist disability services in your area.

How can I access DIAS?

These services are free and offered by both generalist advisory organisations like Independent Living, and specialist conditions or culturally based organisations like Vaka Tautu and Te Roopu Waiora. Carers New Zealand specialises in support for those who care for family members.

Equipment and Modification Services

These services provide aids and home modifications to support independence and safety. This could include mobility aids, communication devices, or home modifications.

What kind of equipment and modifications are available?

Examples include wheelchairs, hearing aids, shower chairs, ramps, or visual alert systems.

How can I access EMS?

To access these services, a specialist assessment (e.g., from an occupational therapist) is usually required to determine what equipment or modifications are necessary. The assessor will work with you to identify your needs and help secure funding if eligible.

Home-Based Support Services

Home-Based Support Services (HBSS) help people live independently at home, offering assistance with household tasks and personal care.

What kind of support is available?

HBSS can include support with activities such as meal preparation, personal care, home cleaning, or assistance with medication management. 

How can I access home-based support services?

A NASC agency will assess eligibility for HBSS, and the level of support provided will depend on your individual needs. It is possible to arrange HBSS through both private and government-funded providers. Independent Living can also help you select the right home-based support for your needs.

Individualised Funding

Individualised Funding (IF) allows people with disabilities to manage their own support budgets. Instead of receiving a set amount of services from a provider, people receiving Individualised Funding can choose their support workers, how they are supported, and when the support is provided.

What does individualised funding provide?

With Individualised Funding, you can have more control over your care. This might include hiring support workers directly or choosing which service providers you want to work with. 

How do I access individualised funding?

To access IF, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, which will be assessed by a NASC agency. You’ll also need to have a plan in place for how to manage the funding, including hiring and managing support workers.

The National Intellectual Disability Care Agency

NIDCA provides specialist support for people with complex behavioural needs, such as communication challenges or sensory overload.

What support is offered by NIDCA?

Support may include a tailored care plan that helps individuals and their families manage behaviours, enhance communication, and access community settings. For example, NIDCA could provide specialised assessments to determine the best course of action to improve outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

How can I access NIDCA?

NIDCA services are accessed through a NASC agency. They will assess your needs and work with you to put together a care plan.

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination

NASC helps people access disability support in NZ to live independently, often called the “Gateway” to government-funded services.

What is NASC?

NASC is usually the first step for accessing services like personal support, meals, household management, carer support, day programmes, and residential care. If needs change, NASC reassesses and re-coordinates services.

When does a person need to contact a NASC service?

Some services, like equipment assessments or DIAS, can be accessed directly, but involving NASC ensures all needs are met efficiently.

What does NASC do?

A Needs Assessor meets with the person and their support network to identify what is required to maximise independence. They ask about abilities, goals, support resources, recreational and social needs, education, training, employment, and family/whānau needs. A Service Coordinator then combines Government-funded services with other options to meet identified needs.

For example, the assessor considers all aspects of a person’s life to create a tailored plan that enables independence and participation.

Don’t know who your local NASC is? Contact Independent  Living, and we will point you in the right direction.

Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation helps a person overcome difficulties from injury or impairment, aiming to restore or maintain function, communication, and social skills.

What is Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation varies per individual. It may include physiotherapy, social or vocational support, and home or workplace modifications.

What does Rehabilitation involve?

Rehabilitation typically involves planned sessions, activities, exercises, and interventions to help achieve goals. Outcomes are agreed upon at the start but may change over time. Professionals and other resources may be involved as needed.

Where does Rehabilitation take place?

  • Inpatient rehabilitation in a hospital or health setting

  • Residential rehabilitation in a funded community setting

  • Community rehabilitation outside inpatient or residential environments

How does a person get rehabilitation?

NASC agencies assess eligibility for residential or community-based rehabilitation. Inpatient services may also require NASC involvement. NASC coordinates funding, monitors progress, and ensures goals are met.

Who provides rehabilitation?

Services are funded by ACC and the Ministry of Health. Providers include hospitals, community organisations, and ACC-contracted services in Auckland and Northland.

Respite and Carer Support

Respite and Carer Support are related services that provide breaks for carers and support positive experiences for the person being cared for.

What is Respite Support?

Respite provides short-term breaks, often away from home, with safe environments and support staff. For example, respite may be overnight or intermittent, offering a positive, stimulating experience in community settings.

How does a person get Respite Support?

A NASC assessment determines eligibility and the amount of respite needed. Services may be planned regularly or arranged for emergencies.

What is Carer Support?

Carer Support helps unpaid full-time carers by funding alternative care. For example, a carer may receive support days to arrange relief care for the person they normally support.

How is Carer Support arranged?

NASC allocates support days based on assessed needs. Carers generally choose how to use these days and coordinate relief support. Payments reimburse relief costs and are not wages.

Supported Living

SL services offer choice over where and how a person lives and help develop skills for independence. For example, someone moving from a parental home or residential care may receive support tailored to their needs.

How is the support provided?

Support is based on a personal plan and a Supported Living Package, focusing on needs-based goals. A key worker (Community Support Worker) helps implement the plan.

Can a supported living provider also provide accommodation?

Some providers have tenancy agreements with Housing New Zealand. Rent or board may apply, separate from the support package.

Mobility Aids and Support Services

Access to the right equipment can greatly support independence and daily participation. Independent Living offers a range of mobility supplies across NZ, including walking aids, wheelchairs, specialised equipment, and home modifications. Each solution is tailored to individual needs, helping people feel confident and supported at home and in the community.

Explore our mobility solutions today or get in touch to see what works best for you.

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