Support Services and Information Providers

Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE)

The Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) provides specialist services to children in early childhood and school students with special education needs and to their schools, parents, caregivers and family, whānau.

GSE has specialist teams which focus on early intervention, services for students with ongoing resourcing needs, severe behaviour difficulties, and those with a high need for communication support.

Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) staff include:

• Speech-language therapists
• Special education advisors
• Advisors on deaf children
• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Registered psychologists
• Kaitakawaenga
• Early intervention teachers
• Behaviour, Communication and other Education Support Workers.

Parent Groups and Disability Services

Organisations such as New Zealand IHC provide services to children and adults with intellectual and other disabilities. The advocacy centre at national office can provide support and advice on special education issues. New Zealand CCS provides services to children and adults with physical and other disabilities via branches throughout the country.

Other organisations and groups concentrate on specific disabilities and include the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind, Deaf Association, Autism New Zealand and Down Syndrome Association. Support, training, advocacy and advice are available through Parent-to-Parent. Your local phone book or Citizens Advice Bureau will have contact details.

Other sources of information and advice include the New Zealand School Trustees' Association, The Human Rights Commission and The Office of the Commissioner for Children.