Almost one quarter* of New Zealanders identify as having a disability. There are a range of disabilities that people live with: physical, sensory, neurological, psychiatric, intellectual, sight, and hearing.
This rises to over half of those over 65 years having at least one disability (59% in 2013). Waitaha Canterbury has a higher proportion of over 65s in the population compared to Aotearoa New Zealand. High numbers of disabilities are hidden, meaning they aren’t visible.
Disabilities are associated with an increased likelihood of living in poverty, facing discrimination, and experiencing numerous barriers to accessing health care. People with disabilities face a higher prevalence of developing chronic diseases such as asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and stroke. Disabled Aotearoa adults visit their general practice about twice as frequently over a year, than those who are non-disabled.
* 24% in the 2013 NZ Census.
Primary care and disability
Primary care is at the forefront of addressing the health needs of people with disabilities.
- General practice and pharmacy interact with, and care for, high numbers of disabled patients, especially given that their volume of visits is double that of non-disabled patients.
- Pegasus Health aims to create inclusive and positive health care for those with disabilities.
- Disabled people are identified as a priority population to reach and support in the Pegasus Health Equity & Population Health Strategy 2022-30 (PDF, 8 MB).
Booking an New Zealand Sign Language interpreter
Ensuring effective communication with Deaf patients is essential for providing equitable healthcare. One of the best options for booking an NZSL interpreter is through iSign, a Ministry of Health-funded service covering the cost of interpreters for patients’ GP appointments. This means there is no charge for a general practice.
How to Book an Interpreter
Bookings can be made easily on the iSign website by the GP, medical practice staff, or the Deaf patient. Deaf patients often have a preferred interpreter, so it’s a good idea to discuss their preferences when arranging the booking.
To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book in advance, as iSign appreciates longer lead times. If an in-person NZSL interpreter is unavailable, iSign can often provide a remote interpreter via Zoom. This is a helpful option, especially for rural areas where in-person interpreters may not always be provided by NZSL. For more details about payment and how the service works, visit the How It Works (isign.co.nz) section on the iSign website.
Alternative Options If iSign cannot meet the patient’s needs or they prefer an alternative, New Zealand Relay Services (nzrelay.co.nz) offers video interpreter relay services via devices such as laptops or iPads. While this option provides valuable support, it may not offer the same level of connection as an in-person or Zoom-based interpreter due to the absence of direct eye contact, which is a key aspect of effective communication in NZSL.
By supporting NZSL interpretation, we help create an inclusive healthcare environment where Deaf patients feel understood and empowered in their care.
Book an interpreter online – iSign