Following my recent post about our transition service, I was contacted by one of the organisations tagged. They confirmed something important. Under Individualised Funding (IF), Transition Funding can be transferred to IF, allowing us to purchase services ourselves. This means that if there is space, we can access parts of day services that benefit our young people.
One of the things that really stood out to me when visiting a particular day centre was their spa pool with a hoist. This is something that’s incredibly difficult to find in the community. Hydrotherapy pools play a huge role in helping people with physical disabilities relax, yet accessing them can be a challenge. Of course, when using IF, we have to be mindful of wording, as “hydrotherapy” is off-limits, but calling it a swim session makes it an approved expense. It turns out that “therapy” is a tricky word when it comes to funding criteria, but if it’s framed as swimming or gym, it’s allowed.
This shift towards Individualised Funding and community-based support is clearly the direction our government is taking. Instead of investing in traditional disability day services, everything is being moved into the community, leaving families to figure it out themselves. According to Manawanui, our IF Provider, the process is simple. We contact the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and have them transfer the Transition Funding to Manawanui, allowing us to allocate it where needed.
The challenge is that traditional day services often have limited spots, and even if you secure a place, funding only covers about two short days per week. That leaves five more days where our young people, like Finlay, need structure, purpose, and meaningful engagement. Without that, we see the impact of boredom, self-injury, and depression. And yet, mental health support isn’t included in the budget.
It’s the same with respite care. Instead of actual services, families receive funding and are left to “get creative.” But when accessible respite options are scarce, many parents have no choice but to take a break outside the home while their child stays put. When families started using the funding for massages or hotel stays, the government seemed surprised. Back in March 2023, funding became so restricted and less flexible that no one was able to utilise it. But what else are we supposed to do when there’s nowhere for our children to go?
So, I wanted to share this update. Manawanui kindly reached out to let me know that there are ways to make funding work, but it’s up to us as parents to navigate this complicated system. It’s clear the government’s plan is to phase out structured day services, putting the responsibility on families to build support networks in the community.
Inclusion in the community is, of course, a really good thing. But for it to truly work, New Zealand must step up and ensure that both our built environment and communities are accessible and inclusive for everyone. Public spaces such as playgrounds, swimming pools, public transport, and parks must be designed with accessibility in mind. Right now, too many barriers exist. If our current accessibility guidelines aren’t enough, then we need real legislative change, just as many other countries have done.
If we’re expected to make this system work, then the government must do its part too. Let’s keep advocating for a Aotearoa New Zealand that genuinely includes everyone.
Read our post on Auckland’s first inclusive public swimming pool, which provides a pool with a ramp and a fully accessible changing room with a hoist, shower, and adult changing table.
thank you for sharing