Disability Directorate Update May 2022

Transition update 

As we transition the Ministry of Health’s disability functions to the new Ministry for Disabled People, the agreements many disability service providers have with the Ministry of Health will transfer to a new entity from 1 July 2022. All providers can be certain that their rights and obligations after 1 July will remain the same. The only change will be the contracting party. Providers can expect to receive more information on this shortly.

If you or someone you care for uses these services, please be assured that your services and supports will continue. 

As you’ll read in an update below, the Establishment Unit for the new Ministry has been very busy. I hope many of you have taken part in community engagement sessions and perhaps provided feedback on the name for the new Ministry.

Disability Rights Commissioner’s Inquiry 

Many of you will be aware that the Disability Rights Commissioner has been concerned the high transmission of Omicron, combined with the easing of public health restrictions, has put disabled people at greater risk. Using powers under the Human Rights Act, an Inquiry into the support of disabled people during the Omicron outbreak was launched in March.  

Agencies supporting the COVID-19 response for disabled people agree that the Inquiry report provides a thorough and thoughtful analysis of the issues experienced by disabled people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report covers many issues the disabled community and wider sector have raised with agencies and there is good alignment between recommendations in the report and work already delivered or underway.

The Ministry of Health is committed to making further progress on the recommendations to enhance community resilience against future outbreaks and result in better outcomes for all groups, including disabled people and their whānau.  

Engaging with you on COVID preparedness and response 

The Inquiry has emphasised just how important it is that we work together to jointly look for ways to improve the COVID-19 response and planning for disabled people.  

I’m pleased that meetings of disability leaders are occurring through the Disability Sector Leaders’ Group (DSLG) to ensure voices from across the system are heard, and that planning in priority areas can be informed by a partnership approach.  

We have also started delivering webinars for disabled people and carers, where the Ministry and guests share the latest information about COVID-19. These sessions also provide opportunities to ‘ask an expert’.

Missed the webinars? You can playback ‘The People’s Group’ session recording here:  

• Watch the first session of ‘The People's Group’ 11 April 2022. 
• Watch the second session of ‘The People's Group’ 5 May 2022 

Keen to be invited to future sessions? Write to us at disability@health.govt.nz  

In this issue 

This month is Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes awareness month. It’s also Global Accessibility Awareness Day this month (19 May), and in this issue, our Christchurch disabled Enabling Good Lives staff share their thoughts on what accessibility and inclusiveness means for them. 

Earlier this month was Te Wiki O Te Reo Turi | New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week — where Kiwis were encouraged to learn sign language, the main language of the Deaf community. NZSL has been one of New Zealand’s official languages since 2006.

In case you missed it, the Unite Against COVID website now has a page that draws together all information on the website specifically for disabled people. The page includes documents in alternate and accessible formats, including NZSL, Easy Read and Braille. More on that and other COVID-19 updates follow.  

Also in this issue we highlight new disability support organisation NZCommunity Living —partnering with people with disabilities and their whānau and advocates to promote lives of choice, rights, culture, dignity and learning.   

Despite my short time in this role, I am in awe of the work being done to support our disabled community, every day. Thank you for making Aotearoa New Zealand a better place to live for us all – at home, in your communities, and from your workplaces. 

I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter. 

Stay connected and stay the course. A very bright future is on our horizon. 

Kia manawanui, 

Deborah Kent 

Acting Deputy Director-General Disability 

This month

• Update from the EU

• Child Development Services Improvement Programme

• NZCommunity Living established
• NZSL week
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes awareness month
• Christchurch EGL staff reflect on what an inclusive workplace culture looks like
• Use of photo guide for non-verbal clients encouraged
• Improving wellbeing for people in secure or supervised care
• International Initiative for Disability Leadership events 2022
• Share your experience isolating with COVID

• COVID-19 and National Immunisation Programme research RFP

• COVID-19 update
• Raise an issue with us
• Subscribe to this newsletter

Update from the Ministry for Disabled People Establishment Unit

It’s been a busy month at the Ministry for Disabled People Establishment Unit (EU) with just a few weeks to go before the new Ministry goes live on 1 July. The EU team is working hard on ensuring that the disability support services people receive will continue without disruption, that staff are in place for day one as well as all the foundation work required to start a Ministry.

Name of the new Ministry

The new Ministry will have three names – an English name, a te reo Māori name, and a NZSL name. Thanks to those of you who took part in the consultation for the new Ministry's name. The consultation process has now closed and the EU will provide an update on this soon.

Further engagement opportunities

Keep an eye on the EU’s engagement platform and Facebook page so you can continue to have your say on a range of topics or give them your ideas on the ideas wall.

• amplifyu | Social Pinpoint
• AmplifyU - Home | Facebook

The EU is also working on other formats for you to connect with them including freepost, 0800, SMS, stakeholder networks and face to face.

They‘re also planning to use public spaces (such as libraries) and create informative brochures and posters to help people find out about and connect with the new Ministry. Feel free to contact the EU if you would like copies of this material.

Looking to the future

From 1 July under the new Chief Executive of the Ministry will:

• Drive better outcomes for all disabled people
• Lead and coordinate cross-government strategic disability policy
• Work to deliver and transform disability support services
• Progress work on the broader transformation of the wider disability system

The exact details under each of these headings will be the role of the new Ministry under the leadership of the new Chief Executive. The appointment of this vital role is being managed by the Public Service Commission and it is understood this has been going well and they will be ready to appoint someone by the time the new Ministry starts in July.

The EU encourages all our important community members to give feedback on the future Ministry’s work in whatever format you find easiest. Please see below for all the ways currently available – the EU plans to have further options in the coming weeks.

• Phone Number: 0800 566 601
• Freepost Address:
  • Establishment Unit for the new Ministry for Disabled People
  • Reply Paid: 262204

  • PO Box 1556, Wellington

• Email: establishmentunit@msd.govt.nz.  
• Web:
  • amplifyu | Social Pinpoint
  • AmplifyU - Home | Facebook
  • New Ministry for Disabled People - Ministry of Social Development (msd.govt.nz)

NZCommunity Living established

NZCare and Geneva Community Living have come together to form NZCommunity Living, who are dedicated to supporting people with disabilities.

NZCommunity Living will continue to work in partnership with disabled people, to implement the vision and principles of Enabling Good Lives. NZCommunity Living will continue to provide tailored support to disabled people to keep well, stay connected to their whānau, and live their best lives.

Vicki Stewart has been appointed Group General Manager. Vicki has significant experience in leading and managing services for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, including residential, out of family respite and vocational services in various locations in New Zealand. This has included being General Manager IDEA Services Central Region.

Child Development Services Improvement Programme

The South Island Alliance has been working with the South Island Child Development Services (CDS) to develop and implement new innovations as part of the CDS Improvement Programme.

Although only three years into a four-year programme aiming to modernise and improve CDS nationally, South Island CDS is already beginning to provide resources and implement service improvements.

Examples of this work are:

• Development of an interactive South Island map that outlines the key information of each Child Development Service in the South Island
• Development of an Orientation Handbook for CDS Allied Health Assistance and development of this role in the service
• Delivery of a new professional development course for staff new to CDS which is available through e-learning
• A series of CDS Telehealth tools that are published through Youtube and available for all clinicians interested in using this support approach. Links:
  • Part 1 of 4 Family Centred practice in child development service  - Dr Fi Graham, University of Otago, NZ
  • Part 2 of 4 Engaging with Māori - Anna Latu and Dr Arianna Nisa-Waller, University of Otago, NZ
  • Part 3 of 4 Participation focused practice - Dr Fi Graham, University of Otago, NZ
  • Part 4 of 4 Telehealth: definitions, evidence and ways of applying in child development - Mindy Silva (PhD Candidate), University of Otago, NZ.

The South Island Alliance has brought together a group of parents to inform and support the CDS Improvement Programme. This Lived Experience Group has identified the issues it considers most important and is working with CDS South Island to find solutions.

These include:

• Peer support and advocacy
• Collaboration between professionals and avenues to share information
• Transition from CDS to Education
• Knowledge of what resources are available and where to go to get these resources
• Acknowledging tamariki as teachers
• Flipping deficit language on its head.

The Lived Experience Group also discussed the value of having a ‘platform’ that can be accessed by both families/whānau and professionals. This would enable families/whānau and carers to create a storybook of their journey through CDS that can be kept, an opportunity for professional development for clinicians, as well as a portal for information sharing.

As we move into the fourth and final year of the programme the Ministry is evaluating all 24 projects that have been delivered over the last three years. The final year of the programme will focus on national improvement of CDS.

Disability Workforce Strategy development

Allen + Clarke in partnership with All is for All has been selected to develop a draft Disability Workforce Strategy.

This will be an intensive project with a draft strategy and gap analysis to be delivered by 30 June 2022.

Allen + Clarke / All is for All will consult widely to gather perspectives from disabled people, Disabled Persons Organisations, national and regional Enabling Good Lives groups, provider and union representative groups, and will also use available data to inform the draft strategy.

Introductions are being facilitated where relationships don’t already exist. To find out more, contact us at disability@health.govt.nz.

NZSL week 

Last week was New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week and it was great to have so many people taking part.

The theme of this year’s NZSL week was “NZSL is Essential”. The word “essential” is well used these days and Deaf Aotearoa drew on this to put a spotlight on essential workers who are Deaf. The theme also covered the fact that NZSL is essential for Deaf people in education, health and workplaces and to be able to participate equally in society.

There are many free resources on the NZSL site to help you learn the language. This includes PDF or online resources outlining useful words and phrases in situations such as:

• at home
• at work
• at bars or restaurants
• for Māori words and concepts.

Or you could take the Leaders Challenge, and learn to introduce yourself in NZSL (there’s videos to help you do this).

Once you’ve mastered those, you can check out Find an NZSL class | TeachSign to extend your learning. 

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness month

May is awareness month for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

EDS is a group of connective tissue disorders that are generally inherited and are varied both in their genetic causes and how they affect the body. The most common characteristics are joint hypermobility (joints that move more than normal), skin hyperextensibility (skin that can be stretched more than normal), and tissue fragility (easy bruising, wounds taking longer to heal and scars that heal abnormally).

An individual’s experience with EDS is personal in terms of symptoms and severity and may not necessarily be the same as another person’s experience.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes New Zealand is raising awareness for the condition this month and encouraging people to share experiences. You can read more at their website.

Improving wellbeing for people in secure or supervised care

 To strengthen service provision and improve wellbeing outcomes for people with an intellectual disability under the High and Complex Framework (the HCF), we have begun developing a Five-year Strategic Plan. 

The HCF is a network of hospital and community services for a very small group of people with intellectual disability, around 200 to 250, who need intensive and specialised care and rehabilitation services that support them to live good, balanced lives with as much independence as possible people in secure or supervised care.

This month we are bringing together a range of sector stakeholders including service users, whānau and representatives, NGOs and government partners, and service and facility providers to participate in a series of workshops to hear the sector’s vision for the future.

So far, we’ve seen a great deal of enthusiasm from the sector to share their experience of the HCF and give unique insight into how the framework can best provide for care recipients.

To see the right outcomes achieved for people supported under the HCF takes time and commitment, and we’re genuinely grateful that so many have taken the opportunity engage with us on the Five-year Strategic Plan and 20-year vision for the future.

To find out more, contact us at disability@health.govt.nz.

Caption: One of the slides in a workshop on development of the HCF 5-year  Strategic Plan. Features Nichola Bennett and Adam Naiman from EY, Greg Hamilton from Canterbury DHB, Joan Cowan and Gary Hughes from IDEA, Karen Scott from Enrich, John Woodward from SAFE Network, Jessica Scanlan from Capital and Coast DHB.

Use of photo guide for non-verbal clients encouraged

Residential support providers are being encouraged to use photos as training aids for staff, to ensure equipment is correctly used for non-verbal clients.

Some residential support providers already use this practice, and those that don’t are being encouraged to start.

A Hawke’s Bay family, who have a son in care, noticed staff at his facility were using some of his equipment, such as a standing frame, incorrectly. They spoke to staff and asked if photographs of the correct use would be helpful. The family took photos of correct use of the equipment, so that all of the facility’s staff – including relief staff - will know what to do.

Now photos of the man using the equipment are up on his bedroom wall, but another option could be a book or folder.

The man’s father has praised the facility’s response and is encouraging other providers to think about how they can use similar visual tools to assist clients that are non-verbal.

Christchurch Enabling Good Lives staff reflect on what an inclusive workplace culture looks like

These staff leadership awards recognise people who demonstrate the Ministry of Health values in their everyday work.

More recently we have been reflecting on what an inclusive culture looks like and how that has supported leadership development. This is also timely as we move to a new Ministry for Disabled People.

Disabled staff now make up approximately one third of the Christchurch Enabling Good Lives team.

‘We just do it’ has been a theme of many of our reflections. Enabling Good Lives Connector Tara Loy, who received one of the awards says: ‘Last year’s leadership award was a surprise, as I didn’t recognise myself as a leader’, however it was special to reflect on our ongoing team effort.  

Our lived experience is recognised and included in any discussion about team practice. Space to grow and learn has been important. Intentional awareness of people’s individual needs is appreciated and allows confidence to build.

Examples of this are our meetings being very accessible - rooms, documents in different formats, NZSL interpreters etc.

Talking about disability is encouraged and common. This means people can express how they feel, feeling safe to ask questions and take a risk in exploring different views. This leads to positive self-awareness and identity as individuals know they have a positive contribution to make.

Disabled staff reflected feeling valued, creative, credible, and viewed as a strength.

Awareness from the whole team that we are always endeavouring to apply the Enabling Good Lives principles within our team as well as in our mahi is important, the two must go together. This ensures the Enabling Good Lives approach is not just applied to our mahi, but is our authentic approach, and is something different to what disabled people have experienced before.  

We continue to look for more opportunities where we can apply the Enabling Good Lives approach in the workplace. This includes ensuring:

• our recruitment opportunities are inclusive and accessible
• our networks with the community are strong, so we can listen to them and learn how we can improve
• we remove any barriers to employment
• there is a leadership pathway for more disabled people across all levels of our team, and across the Ministry of Health and all Government. 

Our lived experience is part of a collaborative approach. We recognise our non-disabled team mates as supportive and encouraging allies. We all share passionately in the vision of Enabling Good lives and collectively ensure this vision applies in all our mahi. We are happy to share our experience with anyone interested. 

International Initiative for Disability Leadership events 2022 

The International Initiative for Disability leadership (IIDL) is an international leadership forum that raises awareness, improves personal leadership, and shares ideas on innovative and best practice.

IIDL also provides opportunities for disability leaders to share innovations, network and problem solve across countries and agencies.

There are two such opportunities coming up in 2022.

Registration is now open for the 2022 IIDL Leadership Exchanges, which will be virtual matches between 3 and 20 October. To be a part of this programme, you will need to be an active IIDL Member registered for this Leadership Exchange. To find information about the exchange, and to register for IIDL, go here.

There will also be an in-person regional IIDL hub in Christchurch on October 26 and 27. This is one of three regional hubs that are being held around the world.

You can be a part of this regional hub. To register, go to IIMHL - 2022 Leadership Exchange

Share your experience of isolating at home

The Ministry would like to know what support people received, who supported them and how that support was provided. We are particularly interested in people’s experience of using the digital tools and the connection between services.

To do this, we would like to talk to a few people for about 45-60min about having COVID-19 and the support they received. It’s a chance for them to share what they thought worked well and what could have been improved. Participants will receive an $80 prezzy card as recognition for their time.

We would particularly like to hear from members of the disabled community. Please let us know by Friday 17 June if there is someone who uses your service and would be interested in sharing their experience with us.

If you are interested in finding out more please email margaret.fraser@health.govt.nz or jaime.swale@health.govt.nz.

COVID-19 and National Immunisation Programme research RFP

The Ministry of Health has confirmed new funding for pandemic research. The Ministry has opened a Request for Proposals (RFP) from suitably qualified research providers to submit proposals for research projects that will address knowledge gaps in the areas of:

1.    COVID-19 research where projects are sought that:

a.    describe the pandemic and its population health impacts, social determinants and behavioural factors in Aotearoa New Zealand, and/or

b.    contribute to long-term improvements in Aotearoa New Zealand's ability to prevent and manage pandemic threats, and/or

c.     identify health, equity and sustainability benefits arising from a well-designed national recovery.

2.    National Immunisation Programme research where projects are sought that:

a.    evaluate the COVID-19 response and vaccine programme to help shape and improve adherence, effectiveness, equity, safety, trust, and uptake, and/or

b.    evaluate the outcomes, impact, and future role of vaccinations for COVID-19 in New Zealand.

The RFP is open until 10 June 2022. The Ministry is looking to fund a portfolio of research projects with terms of up to 12 months up to a maximum value of $500,000 (excluding GST). The total pool of funding available is $9 million.

Why is this important?

Research about New Zealand’s COVID-19 response and conduct of the National Immunisation Programme has already provided valuable insights and enabled the rapid application of national and international evidence. The Ministry is looking for research providers who have the capability, experience, and competencies needed to address gaps in our knowledge, particularly for Māori, Pacific and disabled people and communities.

Why should you bid?

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have far-reaching impacts on New Zealand society. This RFP is an important opportunity to improve our understanding of these impacts, our response and improve the resilience of the health system and society.

Interested? What’s next?

You can read more at the Ministry of Health website.

You can access the RFP, including the Ministry of Health Priority Research Themes, and all other submissions-related details on the Government Electronic Tendering System (GETS) website.

Get your flu vaccine

The 2022 national influenza immunization programme is currently underway.

We have had very little influenza circulating in our communities since the pandemic began and this means our community immunity is lower than usual.  We are expecting to see some of the new strains of the flu virus that have emerged in the Northern Hemisphere winter.

Flu can be a very serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant people and their unborn babies, and people with health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. In severe cases it can mean a hospital stay.

This winter there is the very real possibility of having flu and Covid-19 within a short space of time. This can lead to very serious illness and high mortality rates.

That’s why this year it’s even more important that those at higher risk get their flu jab as soon as possible – to make sure they are as protected as possible for winter.

The flu vaccine is free for:

• pregnant women
• people aged 65 years and over
• Māori and Pacific people from 55 years; and
• people with some underlying health conditions.

People with disabilities who also have underlying health conditions may be eligible for a publicly funded flu vaccine if they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Pharmac schedule.

To protect our most vulnerable, and those around them, we encourage you to get vaccinated and have conversations which explain the benefits of the flu vaccine.

Free flu vaccination for health and disability workers

The Ministry of Health is encouraging all health and disability sector workers to get immunised against the flu to protect themselves and the patients and clients they care for. This year, in the context of the borders re-opening and the continued threat of COVID-19, we’re aiming for at least 80% of the health and disability sector workforce to be vaccinated against flu.

DHB employees

There is an established process for DHBs to vaccinate their staff against the flu, and the cost of this is factored into their existing budgets.  

Non-DHB employees

To support health and disability workers not employed by DHBs, the Ministry of Health will reimburse employers the costs associated with vaccinating their patient- and client-facing employees. This offer includes people with Individualised Funding who employ support workers.

Seeking a reimbursement

Applications for flu vaccination reimbursement will be processed between 1 May 2022 and 30 September 2022. Guidance on applying for a reimbursement can be found at Influenza - information for health professionals | Ministry of Health NZ

COVID-19 update 

Disability Support Services at Orange

The Orange Light setting in the COVID Protection Framework has resulted in a number of rules being loosened around mask wearing and vaccination certificates. However, many disability support services still need to have higher levels of protection in place to prevent the spread of COVID and other winter illnesses amongst staff and people who use disability support services. 

Each service is responsible for determining the level of protection required, following Infection Prevention Control guidelines and taking into consideration the current situation i.e. the number of COVID positive cases, the risk to individual service users, staffing levels etc. 

It is important that the rules put in place by each service are followed by those accessing the service.

Unite Against COVID-19 web page for disability

The Unite Against COVID-19 website has a new page that brings together disability-specific content from across Government, including alternate and accessible formats material, such as New Zealand Sign Language, Easy Read and Braille.

Topics include

• What happens if you get COVID-19?
• When and how to get a COVID-19 test
• Get RATs delivered to your home
• What to do if you cannot wear a mask
• What happens if your support worker or carer gets COVID-19
• The traffic light system and what it means for you
• Get a booster.

You can access the web page at

COVID-19 support and information for disabled people in New Zealand | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

You can access the alternate and accessible formats material here:

Alternate formats | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

COVID-19 medicines to take at home

There are two COVID-19 medicines Paxlovid and Molnupiravir that are available to take at home.  Both medicines have been approved for use by Medsafe (New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority) following rigorous safety testing.

These medicines are prescribed by a health practitioner so you can take them at home.  They only work within five days of developing symptoms of COVID-19.  They make a difference to the care and recovery of immunocompromised people, and those with existing high risk health conditions; and are an additional step in our COVID-19 response. 

Pharmac has updated the access criteria for these medicines to include people with Down syndrome or Sickle cell disease. These medicines are prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have symptoms, and are at higher risk of hospitalisation including Māori, Pacific peoples, those with complex health needs, the elderly and unvaccinated population, and people with disabilities.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have other health issues or long-term conditions, or are disabled, one of the medicines may be suitable for you.  Talk to your GP, Nurse Practitioner, community pharmacy, or health care provider as soon as possible for an assessment.  If you have existing immunosuppressive conditions or have Downs Syndrome you are automatically eligible.

For people that cannot access their GP or who are not enrolled with a GP, it is possible to be assessed at your nearest COVID-19 Care Coordination Hub. 

Find out more: About COVID-19 therapeutics | Ministry of Health NZ

Home delivery of rapid antigen tests (RATs) for disabled or immunocompromised people 

​If you have mobility or other accessibility challenges and are unable to leave your home to get to a RAT collection site, you can arrange to have RATs delivered to you. You can receive this service if you develop COVID-19 symptoms or become a household contact of a case. 

Phone 0800 222 478 and select option 3. 

A local provider will work with you make sure you have access to RATs. 

Please note the home delivery service is only available to disabled people or those who are immunocompromised.  

To learn more about rapid antigen testing, visit: 

Rapid antigen testing (RAT) | Ministry of Health NZ 

Face mask exemption cards        

People who have genuine reasons for not being able to wear a face mask will be able to access a new personalised exemption card from the end of May.

A new process will be administered by the Ministry of Health that allows people who can’t wear a mask to apply for a personalised card to help them access businesses and services where wearing a mask is required.

The new mask exemption cards will be issued to a named individual and provide conclusive legal evidence of their legitimate exemption. People who intentionally use an exemption card that was not issued to them will be breaching the law.

If a person has an existing communication card, it remains valid. However, they are encouraged to apply for the new mask exemption card as conclusive evidence of a person’s exempt status.

Applications can be made from 31 May via the Ministry of Health website or assisted via Ministry’s telephone service. You or your carer/whānau may apply.  The card will be linked to an individual’s NHI number and there is the option of both digital or physical card (or both).

New mask exemption card to remove uncertainty | Beehive.govt.nz

Who does not need to wear a face mask | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

Long COVID

Most people with COVID-19 have symptoms that last up to 2 weeks.  Longer-term symptoms after 12 weeks are considered Long COVID. 

Long COVID symptoms are investigated, treated and funded in the same way as other long-term conditions.

Symptoms that require urgent healthcare attention include:

• You become very short of breath with minimal activity, that does not improve with change of position
• There is a change in how breathless you are at rest, with no change using “blowing candles” breathing (pursed lipped breathing)
• You experience chest pain, racing of the heartbeat or dizziness in certain positions or during exercise or activity
• Your confusion is getting worse, or you have difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• You have new weakness in your face, arm or leg especially on one side of your body
• Your anxiety or mood worsens or you have thoughts of harming yourself.

In children with COVID-19, multi-system illness is more likely and early assessment by a health care provider of any health concerns is strongly encouraged.

Key support links for disabled people

General COVID-19 advice

• COVID-19 care and support:  Healthline NZ (healthy.org.nz), or phone 0800 358 5453
• COVID-19 Health Hub: COVID-19 Health Hub (covid19.health.nz)

General advice for disabled people

• Disability Healthline (Whakarongorau) Information on Vaccinations, Testing & Face Mask Exemptions: text 8988, email accessiblecovidvaccinations@whakarongorau.nz, or phone 0800 28 29 26 (choose option 2)
• Unite Against COVID 19 – information for disabled people: COVID-19 support and information for disabled people in New Zealand | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz).

Welfare assistance

• Assistance with food & other essential items and support when self isolating: 0800 512 337

Rapid Antigen Tests

• Order Rapid Antigen Tests for pick up get tests delivered to your home: Request a RAT | Ministry of Health NZ (covid19.health.nz), or phone 0800 222 478 (choose option 3)
• Find nearest testing centre: COVID-19 Testing • Healthpoint
• Record your test result: My Covid Record | Ministry of Health NZ or phone 0800 222 478 (choose option 3).

Self Assessment Form

• Self-assessment form advice, assistance with completing the Self-assessment Form: email help@tracingform.min.health.nz, or phone 0800 555 728.

Other helpful links

• COVID-19: Information in accessible formats and translations | Ministry of Health NZ (updated)
• COVID-19: Deaf community | Ministry of Health NZ
• COVID-19 data about Māori and Pacific Peoples | Ministry of Health NZ
• Our response to Omicron | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
• COVID-19: Aged care, disability and hospice care providers | Ministry of Health NZ
• COVID-19: Vaccine data | Ministry of Health NZ
• Help while you're self-isolating - Work and Income
• Self-Isolation, managed isolation and quarantine guidance
• Face coverings – information on the use of masks and face coverings including how they can help you.
• Advice for people with COVID-19 | Ministry of Health NZ
• Guidance for workplaces that have a case of COVID-19 | Ministry of Health NZ

Subscribe to the COVID-19 health key messages newsletter:

COVID-19 health key messages newsletter | Ministry of Health NZ

Raise an issue with us

If you have an issue you want to raise with us, you can do this in one of three ways:

• through this webpage
• by phone on 0800 DSD MOH (0800 855 066); or
• by writing to us at our email address.

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Please feel free to forward this newsletter to others in your organisation and networks. Anyone wanting to receive future editions can subscribe at Disability Directorate newsletter | Ministry of Health NZ.

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