Disability in New Zealand

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Ministry-funded Services

Vehicle Modifications

Is it difficult for you to drive or get in and out of a vehicle because of your disability?
If you need modifications to a vehicle so that you can get around in the community the Ministry of Health may be able to help.

Who can get vehicle modifications?

If you are a New Zealand resident living in New Zealand, and you have a long-term disability which isn’t covered by ACC you may be able to get some funding assistance. There is funding available for vehicle modifications and, in a small number of cases, for purchase of a vehicle that will then be modified. The availability of funding help to buy a vehicle will depend on your financial situation and your circumstances for needing such a vehicle.

How can I get vehicle modifications?

An occupational therapist completes an assessment of your needs, and identifies what modifications to a vehicle are necessary to support you to work or study, or to look after someone
who depends on you. To find out how to arrange an assessment with an occupational therapist in your area phone Enable Information 0800 17 1981.

The occupational therapist will let you know whether you are eligible for funding assistance from the Ministry of Health for vehicle modifications and/or vehicle purchase. If you are eligible
they can make a funding application for you to Accessable (if you live in Auckland or Northland) or Enable New Zealand (rest of NZ). They can also advise you of other sources of funding
or what options you may be able to buy or change yourself.

Types of vehicle modifications

An occupational therapist can help you to find the best way to get around the community including driving a modified vehicle, being a passenger in a modified vehicle or other options.

• If you will be the driver of the vehicle, your disability needs, and your driving ability or potential to learn to drive, will be assessed. Recommendations may include hand controls, seating, ramps or hoists and safe ways of transporting your wheelchair.
• If you are caring for a disabled child who lives with you their safety needs as a passenger will be assessed. This may include seating, safety restraints, ramps or hoists and safe ways of transporting wheelchairs.

What do Accessable and Enable New Zealand do?

Accessable and Enable New Zealand receive applications from occupational therapists. They check applications to make sure the assessor has considered the different support, transport and equipment options available. This is so any vehicle or vehicle modifications you receive funding for are suitable and useful for you.

If your application is approved modifying your vehicle or purchasing a suitable vehicle can begin when the funding becomes available. This may be soon after funding approval, or longer if your need is not as urgent as others. The occupational therapist will let you know about this process.

For more information contact:

Accessable (Auckland/Northland)
Ph 0508 001 002
Fax 09 620 1702
www.accessable.co.nz

Enable New Zealand (rest of New Zealand)
Ph 0800 17 1981
Fax 06 353 5876
www.disabilityfunding.co.nz

Vehicle Association of New Zealand (VANZ)
www.vanz.co.nz/accessors
Email: vanz@vanz.co.nz

Copies of the vehicle modifications pamphlet (in PDF format) can be downloaded in the following languages:

Māori (PDF, 1 MB)


Page last updated: 1 October 2009