Our Impact
With your support, we can provide disabled people of all ages equal opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Removing barriers to an autism diagnosis
Children, families, and adults face significant time, cost and cultural barriers to accessing an autism diagnosis.
That’s why Spectrum Foundation helped Autism New Zealand fund free diagnostic sessions and a Kaiārahi (Cultural Navigator), making an autism diagnosis more accessible to families and individuals in Wellington.
Navigating the education system
When Nirishma wanted to enroll her son Ayaan in school, she didn’t know where to begin. What support could he access? Could he attend a mainstream school at all? There was limited information out there, leaving her feeling frustrated and powerless.
Then she met Frian, host of Parent to Parent’s ‘Build a Good Life’ workshops.
Providing social opportunities for disabled people in Cambridge
When day services (activities) for disabled people in Cambridge ceased in 2021, many people in the community were left sitting at home with nothing to do.
Thankfully, Interlock Trust filled the void, giving disabled people the chance to connect and build relationships with other people in their community.
Helping elderly and disabled Aucklanders get around
For many elderly and disabled people, their independence depends on having access to good mobility equipment. Unfortunately, many elderly people don’t have equipment that’s in good working condition…if they have any at all.
To address this problem, Independent Living provides a free repair service, as well as refurbishing and donating used equipment. As a result, their customers have access to the equipment they need to live an active, engaged life in their community.
Legal advice for all disabled New Zealanders
Auckland Disability Law provides free legal advice and support for disabled New Zealanders - not just people living in Auckland.
Here, National Community Educator Rachael Wiltshire explains what she does, and how Spectrum Foundation funding has allowed her to share disability-specific legal information across Aotearoa.