Types of Disability & Health Organisations in New Zealand
There are many different organisations both nationally and within Auckland to support disabled people.
Health organisations generally use a medical model, which:
- Views disability or illness as something to be treated, cured, or managed
- Is led by clinical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists
- Emphasises diagnosis, treatment plans, and clinical outcomes
Disability organisations use a social and rights-based model, which:
- Recognises disability as arising from barriers in society, not the person
- Focuses on removing physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers
- Emphasises choice, control, dignity, and self-determination