FAQs

A disabled person is someone who experiences barriers because of an impairment and the way society, environments, services or systems are designed.

Many disabled people in Aotearoa New Zealand prefer the term disabled person. This reflects the view that people are disabled by barriers around them, not just by their impairment.

Neurodivergent is a term used to describe people whose brains work differently from what is considered typical.

This may include people who identify as autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, or other neurological differences.

Neurodivergence is a natural part of human diversity and may bring both strengths and challenges.

Accessibility means making sure people can access and take part in services, information, facilities, activities and decision-making.

Accessibility includes physical, digital, communication, sensory and social considerations. It is about identifying and removing barriers so everyone can participate.

Yes. Disability and accessibility needs can include physical, sensory, learning, neurodivergent, mental health and chronic health conditions.

We encourage you to answer based on how you identify and your own experiences. Your responses help us understand whether there are barriers that affect participation and inclusion.

QLDC wants to better understand community experiences so we can identify strengths, remove barriers, improve inclusion, and ensure future decisions are informed by lived experience.

NZDEN is supporting QLDC to better understand community experiences, identify opportunities for improvement, and help guide the next stages of this work, including the review of the Disability Policy.

Survey responses will be analysed and reported in a way that protects individual privacy. If you choose to provide contact details to stay involved or request contact from QLDC, those details will be collected separately from your survey responses.