Disability rights
Information to empower disabled and Deaf people
What this chapter covers
- Rights that are recognised internationally: The UN Disability Convention
Your rights and how you can enforce them - Decision making: When others can legally make decisions for you
The different ways others can legally make decisions for you including a supported decision-making approach and an “enduring power of attorney” (EPA) - Employment: Access to jobs and protection against discrimination
Applying for jobs, pay & minimum wage and your rights against discrimination in the workplace - Access to shops, transport and other services
Your rights in public spaces such as shops, transport, buildings, websites and other services - Your rights to use New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
Your rights to use NZSL including the responsibilities of government departments - Renting a flat: Access to housing and accommodation
Your rights when it comes to housing and accommodation - Benefits and compensation: What you’re entitled to from Work and Income and ACC
What you’re entitled to from Work and Income and ACC - Health and disability services: Your rights and how to enforce them
Knowing and enforcing your rights when dealing with disability services and health professionals including the Code of Rights - Education: Access and learning support for disabled and Deaf students
Access and learning support for disabled and Deaf students - Where to go for more support
Other information and resources
Changes to the disability system
In October 2021, the government announced the “Disability System Transformation,” which is a plan to totally change the current disability system. This included a new Ministry for Disabled People, known as Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People. The new Ministry is intended to lead the changes and make disability services easier to access than they were.
The new Ministry was set up on 1 July 2022. The Office for Disability Issues was integrated into Whaikaha on 1 August 2022. As of September 2024, you can still access the website for the Office of Disability Issues, but the content will eventually move to the Whaikaha website.
In September 2024, Disability Support Services was moved from Whaikaha to the Ministry of Social Development. This change should not affect your access or entitlement to Disability Support Services. For more information about these changes, see Whaikaha – Independent Review.
For a large print fact sheet about the Disability System Transformation, go to the Ministry of Social Development website, here (or go to msd.govt.nz, navigate to “work programmes” and select “Disability system Transformation” on the left).
