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People with disabilities and who are in need of learning support have lent their voices to our conversation about the future of education in New Zealand.

Through an online survey more than 1200 people told us what was most important to them in building a more robust education system.

Their views were gathered through our online survey which ran from March to October 2018. They are captured in the full report and in a summary version.

Voices of People With Disabilites Report [PDF, 749KB]

Other accessible versions and a translation of the report are also available here:

Voices of People With Disabilites Report Te reo Māori [PDF, 749KB]

Voices of People With Disabilites Report Easy Read [PDF, 749KB]

Voices of People With Disabilites Report E text [PDF, 749KB]

Voices of People With Disabilites Report New Zealand Sign Language:

The main points shared by people with disabilities or in need of learning support include:

  • Making sure all students have equitable access to education, future opportunities and successful outcomes in school and life, regardless of their background or situation.
  • The schooling system should celebrate diversity and provide learning environments that support students’ wellbeing so that they feel safe, confident and empowered.
  • Early identification of a disability or learning support need is significant for a student’s success in school and life.
  • This should be followed up with adequate accessible funding, resources and services so students don’t lose confidence in their abilities.
  • Independent learning and collaboration, empathy for others, global citizenship, and a healthy self-identity are also important traits for learners at school.
  • Key skills and attributes sought by students at all learning stages included: life skills, basic literacy and numeracy, technological competency and social skills such as collaboration and communication.
  • Teachers able to adapt to individual learning needs in a proactive and empathetic manner give students a greater chance at success and the ability to reach their full potential.
  • Teachers need professional development to learn behavioural and learning approaches for all students including those with learning support needs like autism and dyslexia.