Accessibility and mobility

Accessibility means removing barriers so everyone can move around and get to the places they want to go.

In this section you can find out more about making your home accessible. You can also learn about school modifications and transport support.

There is also information on getting out and about in the community, including travelling on public transport; how to access disability parking; and where to find help to cover the cost of transport or vehicle modification.

Travel subsidies for people with disability or mobility issues

New to disability?, My independence, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin June 6, 2019

Visiting family or making the trip to work each day could be easier with Total Mobility, a nationwide transport scheme for people with disabilities.

Out goes the wheelchair, onto the Alinker walking bike

New to disability?, My independence, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin April 11, 2019

Suzi Merson has hidden her wheelchair in the shed and taken to the footpaths around Hastings on a bright yellow Alinker walking bike.

Kihikihi hub is a winner

Whānau, family and carers, Accessibility and mobility, Living options and support in the homeBy lifeadmin January 30, 2019

A Waikato township’s community has ready access to health care thanks to the work of an innovative group of organisations. The hub supports tamariki and Maori whānau

Sporting legend creates opportunities for disabled success

Whānau, family and carers, People with disabilities, Wellbeing, Supporting teenagers, My independence, Support with learning, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin May 21, 2018

When it comes to sporting achievers Honey Hireme is right up there having represented New Zealand in three sports, but for her one of her biggest achievements came recently with a disabled teenager.

New Zealand’s first Changing Places facility opens

Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin March 21, 2018

Changing Places are high-specification facilities designed and built to cater to the needs of people with significant physical impairments. The first one of it’s kind in New Zealand has just opened at Hamilton Gardens.

Help with transport costs

Finding financial support, Supporting children, Supporting teenagers, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobility, Finding financial supportBy lifeadmin May 18, 2016

Having access to transport means you and the person you care for can get out and about. If you are finding it hard to cover the costs of transport, here are some places you can get help.

Travelling on public transport

Whānau, family and carers, Supporting children, Supporting teenagers, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin May 16, 2016

Find out about travelling around the community with a disability.

School modifications and transport support

Support with learning, Support with learning, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin May 16, 2016

Schools and kura are responsible for making sure they are safe and accessible for all students. So, if your child needs wheelchair access, or if they require handrails or other building changes, the school will need to arrange suitable modifications.

Applying for a mobility parking permit

Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin May 16, 2016

If you care for a person with a disability who has mobility difficulties, they may be eligible for a mobility parking permit. Find out how to apply for a mobility parking permit.

Making an accessible home

Whānau, family and carers, Supporting children, Supporting teenagers, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobility, Supporting adults, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin May 16, 2016

If you’re the primary carer of a disabled person and you need to modify your home so it is easier for them to get around, here are some places you can get help.