Have your say on improvements to Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services (DSS) wants your feedback on how it can improve some of its key service areas.

June 3rd, 2026

A disabled boy sits at a table with his mother, looking at a book

From 8 June to 31 July, disabled people, families, whānau, and carers can give their views on how to improve DSS service provision. This includes planning the right support, the feedback and complaints processes, respite care options, giving disabled people more choice and control, and improving disability information and advice.   

DSS says this consultation builds on feedback from the disability community over the past two years and focuses on the areas they say matter most.  

Consultation topics  

DSS is asking for your feedback on six topics. These topics are presented in a consultation document with a series of related questions for you to answer. 

The consultation document is available in a range of formats including large print, braille and audio. 

View the DSS consultation documents   

Topic 1: Outcomes that matter for disabled people 

DSS proposes two outcomes it is responsible for: 

  1. Providing disabled people with essential support for everyday life. 

  2. Ensuring disabled people are safe from physical or psychological harm in the support DSS provides.   

DSS acknowledges it needs to be clearer about the different kinds of support it provides and the difference it can make in disabled people’s everyday lives and safety.    

Topic 2: A more proactive approach to support  

DSS wants to understand how it can plan the right support at the right time as people’s needs change and evolve.   

Topic 3: Better feedback and complaints process 

DSS want to make it easier for people to give feedback and make complaints about the services of DSS providers.    

Topic 4: Better support for carer respite and breaks  

DSS is looking at how it can improve existing options for respite so it is easier for family, whānau, and carers to take a break.    

Topic 5: More choice and control in services 

DSS wants your thoughts on how it can offer more flexibility in the support it funds, outside of flexible funding.  Is DSS providing the right range of services?  

Topic 6: Improved information and advice  

DSS currently funds disability information and advice services through a range of providers. DDS wants your views on how it can improve these services, so you get the information you need.   

How to have your say 

You can access the consultation documents and start giving your feedback from 8 June.  Consultation closes at 5pm on 31 July. 

The consultation document includes questions DSS wants your answers to.  You don’t have to answer every question – you can choose to answer questions that matter most to you.  

There are several ways to give you feedback: 

Find out more about the consultation process. 

After the consultation closes, DSS will review the feedback and advise the Minister for Disability Issues, Louise, on the next steps. It will also publish a summary of responses on its website.

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