The National Health Committee published a report in 2003 called To Have an ‘Ordinary’ Life, Kia Whai Oranga 'Noa'. This report looked at community membership for adults with an intellectual disability, and it found that they were not being well supported to live ordinary lives, the way other New Zealanders could.

In order to change this, government agencies were asked what they are doing specifically to help people with intellectual disability.

The following responses were received:

• ACC advised it:
  • ensures people know who ACC is and that they have confidence ACC will be able to help them in the event of an injury
  • focuses services on the needs of people who receive the service, that support the achievement of good outcomes
  • ensures a person can access the Scheme, no matter who they are or where they live
  • focuses on injury prevention
  • employs good staff, positive and supportive work environment
  • provides tailored, personal rehabilitation and support.
• SPARC increased its investment in Special Olympics with the overall aim of doubling the number of disabled participants in sporting activity.
• Statistics New Zealand carried out the 2006 Disability Survey, which collected detailed information on people who identify as disabled – this information will become increasingly available to inform policy development, and provide some measure on how much real progress has been made in achieving objectives of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
• The Ministry of Health is implementing outcomes-based evaluations for most services, and in 2007 is concentrating on intellectual disability residential services. The Personal Outcome Measure focused evaluation tool has been trialled in community homes and feedback to date has been positive.
• The Department of Labour worked on the repeal of the Disability Persons Employment Promotion Act. This gives disabled people the same employment conditions, rights and entitlements as other New Zealanders.
• The Ministry of Social Development made changes to the policy on payment of the Disability Allowance for people getting assistance through the Residential Support Subsidy. This group can now also receive the Disability Allowance which gives extra financial support.
• Child, Youth and Family is developing a pilot service to support parents with specific intellectual disabilities to continue to live with and parent their children, and to retain or resume the care of their children, wherever possible.