New qualifications and skill standards in Disability Support

Toitū te Waiora are excited to announce the development of new Disability Support qualifications and supporting skill standards at Levels 3 and 4, set to begin in early 2025. This initiative comes as a direct result of our extensive consultation with the Disability Support sector during the Health and Wellbeing Qualifications Review, as well as the outcomes of the New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN). NZDSN Voices From the Community Report highlighted the critical need for qualifications that prioritise disability support services. 

In collaboration with the sector, disabled individuals, and their whānau, Toitū te Waiora is committed to creating qualifications and skill standards that accurately reflect and support the unique needs of the disability support workforce and disabled people. 

We are eager to connect and engage with disabled people, their whānau and supporters, disabled people’s associations, subject matter experts, service providers, and disability organisations. We are particularly interested in hearing from people working within, or from, the Māori, Pacific, intellectual disability, and neurodiversity spaces to ensure that disabled people remain central to our mahi. 

Toitū te Waiora are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to contribute. Our consultation will be inclusive of both regional and national perspectives and take a co-design approach. To achieve this, we will be hosting a series of online surveys, webinars, one-on-one kōrero and workshops in collaboration with local disability support networks. Additionally, we will be forming a Disability Support Consultation Group and engaging with our established Disability National Industry Advisory Group (NIAG) to guide this mahi.

Progress update: Proposed Skill Standards for the New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3)

The proposed skill standards for the New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3) are now ready for national review and feedback. 

These proposed standards respond to the evolving needs of the disability sector and aim to strengthen the capability and development of the workforce. They focus on foundational areas essential for delivering high-quality, person-directed support to disabled people in Aotearoa 

About the standards 

These standards are primarily knowledge-based, supporting learners to build foundational understanding across a diverse range of support needs. Learners can select the standards most relevant to the people they support, enabling flexibility and relevance in their learning journey. 

The knowledge gained through these standards will underpin effective, respectful, and inclusive disability support practice. They are designed to be integrated into the upcoming New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3) and may also be used in other Health and Wellbeing programmes, or grouped into micro-credentials, offering focused pathways to recognise specific areas of disability knowledge and practice. 

3.1 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with physical disabilities 
3.2 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with sensory disabilities
3.3 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with intellectual disabilities
3.4 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with learning disabilities
3.5 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of neurodivergent people
3.6 Apply rights-based and person-directed approaches to support a disabled person 
3.7 Identify the principles and practice of Enabling Good Lives 

These standards have been developed in partnership with the disability community, service providers, and the wider sector. They reflect the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and promote equity, accessibility, and inclusion. This work is part of Toitū te Waiora’s commitment to ensuring vocational qualifications are responsive to the aspirations of disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and the workforce that supports them. 

We want your feedback

We are seeking feedback from the sector, including disability support workers, employers, disabled people, whānau, and other stakeholders. Your insights will help ensure these standards reflect the diverse needs and values of Aotearoa’s communities. 

Feedback can be provided via the feedback form [here] or alternatively email us at [email protected] 

Please send your feedback by Monday 18 August 2025. 

Need support to participate?

We want to ensure everyone who wants to be involved can contribute. If you require an accessible format, flexible timing, or another form of support, please get in touch with us at [email protected]