There are more than 23,000 adults and 13,000 children with intellectual disabilities in New Zealand. Most of these people live in their own homes, attend regular schools or find work in the community. The last large institution closed in October 2006.

In this section we look at some of the other organisations and policies that support people with intellectual disabilities.

People with an intellectual disability:

• have their own valid feelings and views
• have the right to voice their views and feelings and to be heard
• should have power over the direction of their own lives
• are people with competencies and assets who can be active contributors
• should be regarded by service workers as partners in the development of better services
• should be able to ask for help and expect to receive it.