Disabilities have a life-long effect upon individuals, parents and families.
If the disability affects a child, there is a long period of adjustment, rehabilitation and coming to terms with the disability by all concerned. This is not an easy path to travel.
Sometimes the disability affects someone later in life. The task of rebuilding a life, a family and relationships is no easier.
The disability may be physical in nature or it may be a mental disability. One in every five New Zealanders is affected in some way by mental illness. Disability is something which affects many of us, in varying degrees, in one form or another.
But how do we deal with these issues? Where do we turn to for support, advice, assistance?
In the following section we overview the various NZ support groups offering information, support and advice in the area of disabilities.
You may be facing a disability yourself, struggling to come to terms with the issues you are facing. You may be a family member or friend who is aware of a loved one facing some difficult challenges – physical, mental or emotional. They or you may be searching for answers, support and solutions.
In this section we try to open some support doorways, pointing you in the right direction and put you in touch with the right people. So we hope the following information is of benefit to you and your family.
Remember, at Kiwi Families we’re here to be of assistance to you as parents. If there is anything you would like to see on this website relating to disability issues, perhaps another support group, then please let us know. We will do our best to source the information and place it on the website for future reference for others.
Kiwi Families – supporting New Zealand families
In this section, we cover the following topics:
| Asperger's Syndrome |
Support for individuals and families affected by Asperger's Syndrome |
| CCS |
Support and services for people with disabilities |
| Cleft New Zealand |
Information and support for the parents of children with cleft lip and/or palate |
| Down Syndrome |
Provides information and support for individuals and families living with Down Syndrome |
| Halberg Trust |
Supports children with a disability if they want to be involved in active leisure or recreation |
| Parent to Parent |
Support for parents facing the challenge of parenting children with a disability, health impairment or special need |
| Prader Willi Syndrome Association |
Providing education, information and support for families affected by Prader Willi Syndrome |