Proposed skill standards for the NZ Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3) 

 Kia ora koutou, 

The proposed skill standards for the New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3) are now ready for national review and feedback.  

These proposed standards respond to the evolving needs of the disability sector and aim to strengthen the capability and development of the workforce. They focus on foundational areas essential for delivering high-quality, person-directed support to disabled people in Aotearoa  

 About the standards  

These standards are primarily knowledge-based, supporting learners to build foundational understanding across a diverse range of support needs. Learners can select the standards most relevant to the people they support, enabling flexibility and relevance in their learning journey.  

The knowledge gained through these standards will underpin effective, respectful, and inclusive disability support practice. They are designed to be integrated into the upcoming New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3) and may also be used in other Health and Wellbeing programmes, or grouped into micro-credentials, offering focused pathways to recognise specific areas of disability knowledge and practice.  

3.1 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with physical disabilities  

3.2 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with sensory disabilities  

3.3 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with intellectual disabilities  

3.4 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of people with learning disabilities  

3.5 Recognise the lived experiences and support considerations of neurodivergent people  

3.6 Apply rights-based and person-directed approaches to support a disabled person  

3.7 Identify the principles and practice of Enabling Good Lives  

 These standards have been co-designed with input from across the sector, and reflect the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, accessibility, inclusion, and equity. 

 We would like to make special mention of the Disability Support Consultation Group, who have been tireless in their efforts to ensure these standards meet the expectations of the disability lived experience community and the needs of the sector. Their dedication and insight have been invaluable. 

We want your feedback 

We welcome feedback from across the sector, including support workers, employers, disabled people, whānau, and other stakeholders. Your views will help shape these standards to ensure they serve our communities well. 

To review the proposed skill standards and have your say, please visit: Proposed Skill Standards for the New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3) - Toitū te Waiora

Feedback can be provided via the feedback form [here] or alternatively email us at qualifications@toitutewaiora.nz 

 For alternate formats, please get in touch via email.

 Please send your feedback by Monday 18 August 2025. 

 Ngā mihi, 

The Disability Support Project Team 
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