Education for children with a physical disability or illness
Government help is available to educate children with a physical disability or illness.
Early intervention – help for children before they start school
The Early Intervention Service helps children from birth until they start school who have a:
- developmental delay
- learning delay
- disability
- behaviour difficulty
- communication difficulty.
What to do if you are worried about your child’s learning — Ministry of Education
Support, funding and services for school-age children
Special equipment available
Apply for funding for equipment to help your child learn.
Who assistive technology is for — Ministry of Education
This could include:
- special computers
- vision equipment
- special seats or tables
- hearing devices.
Apply for assistive technology — Ministry of Education
Physical Disability Service
The Physical Disability Service provides physiotherapists and occupational therapists to work with physically disabled children at school. Find out what help is available.
Physical Disability Support — Ministry of Education
School property modifications
Schools can apply for funding to change school property to make things easier for disabled children, for example widening doors for wheelchair access.
Funding for accessibility at school
Help getting to and from school
Support for children with mobility or safety needs to get to and from the nearest school.
Specialised School Transport Assistance (SESTA) — Ministry of Education
Teacher’s aide support
Apply for funding to provide your child with a teacher’s aide who will work with them in the classroom to help them learn.
Who the School High Health Needs Fund is for — Ministry of Education
If your child is sick for a long period of time, a teacher may be able to visit them in hospital or at home.
Regional health schools: specialist education agreements — Ministry of Education
Help from non-government organisations
There are a number of organisations that provide information and support for families of children with learning support needs.
Supporting your child if they need extra help with their learning — Ministry of Education
Who to contact for more help
If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.
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Ministry of Education
Contact and agency details
Utility links and page information
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