Health support and services for disabled people
Disabled people and their families use many different health services at different times in their lives.
Health support
Health support is mainly about treating illness, injury, or medical conditions. Health services help when something is wrong or when you need medical care.
Health support can include:
- Visits to your GP or nurse
- Hospital care and emergency services
- Seeing specialists
- Mental health services
- Therapy prescribed for medical reasons (like physiotherapy after an injury)
Health services are usually short-term or focused on treatment. The goal is to help you recover, manage symptoms, or stay medically well.
Many disabled people use both health and disability supports at the same time. For example, you might see a doctor for your health needs and also receive disability support to help you at home or in the community.
Sometimes it can be confusing to know which service to contact. Health support focuses on medical care, while disability support focuses on living well with a disability. Disability Connect can help explain these differences and show you where to go for support.
Below we share a list of links to health organisations that disabled people often use. This includes GPs, hospitals, specialists, therapists and community health services. These services can help with everyday health needs, long-term conditions, mental wellbeing, and recovery after illness or injury.
Allergy New Zealand
Allergy New Zealand is a national charity that provides reliable information, education, and support for people living with allergies in Aotearoa. It helps individuals, whānau, schools, workplaces, and food providers manage allergies more safely and confidently.
View Website 0800 34 0800 Send EmailFacebook Instagram
Amputees Federation of New Zealand
The Amputees Federation of New Zealand supports amputees and people with limb difference through guidance, peer support, practical resources, and advocacy. It also provides information for children, teens, employment, and everyday life after amputation.
View Website 021 708 863 Send EmailFacebook Instagram
Asian Support for Kids
ASK is a navigation service in Counties Manukau that supports Asian tamariki of primary and intermediate school age who are experiencing, or may develop, moderate to severe mental health challenges. The service aims to reduce barriers for Asian whānau in accessing and engaging with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and other specialist support services. ASK works in partnership with tamariki, parents, schools, community organisations, agencies, and specialist clinicians to help bridge communication gaps, build trust, and support families in understanding and navigating mental health pathways.
View Website 09 531 4040 Send Email
Auckland Regional Dental Service
Auckland Regional Dental Service provides free oral health services for children and young people across the Auckland region. It supports enrolment, check-ups, and treatment, and is now part of Health New Zealand’s Auckland dental services.
View Website 0800 825 583 Send Email
Brainwave Trust Aotearoa
Brainwave Trust Aotearoa shares evidence-based knowledge about brain development in early childhood and adolescence. It provides education, resources, and training to help the people around pēpi, tamariki, and taiohi support healthy development and wellbeing.
View Website 09 528 3981 Send EmailFacebook Instagram
Cerebral Palsy Guidance
Cerebral Palsy Guidance is a US-based information and assistance website for parents of children with cerebral palsy. It provides educational content, guidance, and support-oriented information intended to help families understand diagnosis, treatment, and next steps.
View Website +1 877 862 8594
Cerebral Palsy Guide
Cerebral Palsy Guide is a US-based support and information website for families affected by cerebral palsy. It offers free educational materials, financial resources, treatment information, and support options intended to help families navigate life with CP.
View Website +1 866 845 1739
Cerebral Palsy Society NZ
The Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand supports people with cerebral palsy through membership, grants, programmes, and practical financial assistance aimed at independence and quality of life. It is specifically focused on life with cerebral palsy in Aotearoa, including access to support, equipment-related help, and community connection.
View Website 0800 503 603 Send Email
Coeliac New Zealand
Coeliac New Zealand is the national charity supporting people with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance. It provides education, resources, advocacy, and community support, and works with food providers and manufacturers to improve gluten-free access and safety.
View Website 09 414 7467 Send EmailFacebook Instagram
Continence NZ
Continence NZ provides education, information, advocacy, and support for people living with incontinence, as well as carers, health professionals, and the general public. Its work includes practical continence resources and professional education to help people manage continence issues more confidently.
View Website 0800 650 659 Send EmailFacebook Instagram