Questions and answers

Get a downloadable version of this web page:

Can anyone register and come to either an online or in person session?

While everyone is welcome to participate, we especially want to hear from people who receive essential disability support after an assessment from a NASC or EGL site.

This includes disabled people, their whānau, carers and advocates.

It’s important to register, as places are limited for in person events due to venue capacity.

If you are unable to attend an event there are other ways you can have your say, including making a submission in writing or by video. You can also complete a short survey.

How does this consultation relate to the March 2024 changes to flexible funding?

The changes to flexible funding in March 2024 contributed to uncertainty about what people could use it for.

While the consultation does not include a specific option to turn back the March 2024 changes to flexible funding, we are now consulting on different ways to design the flexible funding system.

We want to ensure disabled people and their carers – who are able, and want to, manage their own budgets – can access flexible funding to meet their particular needs.

We want the flexible funding system to be transparent so Government and DSS users can have confidence it is being allocated fairly and can support the outcomes it is provided for.

What do I do if I don’t agree with the options you are consulting on?

In person sessions provide opportunities for feedback. You can also answer the online survey, make a submission or email your feedback to DSS_submissions@msd.govt.nz

How do I know if I am a user of DSS services?

DSS users are people who received disability support services through a NASC, EGL site or host.

Who is running the engagement?

DSS is running the engagement, supported by facilitators from the disability community.

Do the people running the events have a lived experience of disability?

Yes, some of them do.

Will my private information be protected?

All is for All external is managing the registration process for these workshops. Some personal information will be collected to enable your participation. This information will be used for planning, coordination, and reporting purposes.

All is for All will share the following information you provide in the registration form with DSS:

workshop sessions you have selected
whether you are bringing a support person
your accessibility needs
whether you require a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter
comments you have provided
optional demographic information, including:
- description of your disability.
- your relationship to the disabled community

Personally identifiable information, such as your name and contact details, will not be shared with DSS and will be deleted by March 24, 2025, when the workshops conclude.

Workshops

Your workshop feedback will not be audio or video recorded. Written notes will be taken to gather insights, with any identifying details removed before use. Demographic information may be linked to feedback to identify trends, but no other personally identifiable information will be connected.

Only authorised staff working on this initiative will have access to the information you provide.

Limitations of privacy

While every effort will be made to ensure your identity is not disclosed in any reports or use of the workshop feedback, please note:

other workshop participants will see and hear what you share.
although confidentiality will be emphasised, we cannot guarantee that other participants will not share what is discussed.

Find out more about privacy on this page.

How do I register for a focus group workshop?

Registrations for these workshops is being organised through peak body organisations. Please contact your peak body organisation to register for a focus group session.

Are the venues wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venues are wheelchair accessible. See the page for in person events for links to each venue.

Can I bring a support person to an in person event?

Yes, but please include the details of your support person in your registration as places are limited for in-person events due to venue capacity.

Can I bring a guide dog, disability assist dog or support dog to an in person event?

Yes. Please contact the venue directly with any questions (see the in person events page for links to each venue).

Will there be NZSL interpreters?

Yes, there will be an NZSL Interpreter at the in person and online sessions.

Do I have to register, or can I just turn up?

Registration is essential because places are limited for in-person events due to venue capacity.

How do I know if I am confirmed a place at the in-person consultation?

You will receive a confirmation following the registration process.

What happens if the events are full, and I am turned away?

You must register to attend these events. There will be waitlists and online options are available.

You can also make a submission in writing or by video. You can also complete a short survey.

Will DSS pay for my transport to the venue?

No. See the in person events page for links to each venue for more on how to get there.